Whether you're craving sweet pastries or savory egg bakes, these vegetarian breakfast ideas deliver flavorful, satisfying dishes to start your day.
1/45
Springtime Beignets & Berries
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved beignets, but I never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein.
2/45
Green Shakshuka
From the Recipe Creator:
This breakfast recipe is packed with healthy green vegetables as well as eggs and feta cheese for protein to start your day. The Italian parsley adds a lot of flavor to the fresh green vegetables. Make this dish with lemon-infused olive oil if you can find it in your grocery store. —Carrie Dault, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg with 1 cup vegetable mixture: 209 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
3/45
Ultimate Breakfast Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently started eating healthier foods, and this is one of my favorite items for breakfast. The peppery eggs and crunchy veggies are sure to wake you up. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 294 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
4/45
Yogurt Berry Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy the granola on hikes or picnics. —Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 590 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
5/45
Frittata
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this frittata recipe your own by using whatever veggies you like. Spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers would add both color and flavor to every bite. But don't be afraid to get creative! —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 124 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 249mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
6/45
Strawberry Overnight Oats
From the Recipe Creator:
These strawberry overnight oats will be ready and waiting for you in the morning. The PB&J-inspired breakfast is both gluten-free and dairy-free. Use more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 352 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 12g fiber), 10g protein.
7/45
Overnight Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kids love waking up to these golden, fluffy pancakes. The buttermilk batter is refrigerated overnight, making them perfect for busy mornings and special occasion breakfasts. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 319 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
8/45
Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These jumbo Nutella cinnamon rolls will stand alone at your next brunch. Bursting with chocolate, hazelnut, espresso and cinnamon, they will please any palate and bring to mind your favorite coffee shop bakery. —Pam Ivbuls, Elkhorn, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 616 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
9/45
Roasted Vegetable Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is a perfect way to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, this warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
10/45
Banana Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food because it is quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without additional milk): 215 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
11/45
Herbed Onion Bagels
From the Recipe Creator:
I created my delightful bagels by combining elements from several recipes. I enjoy them for breakfast plain or with onion and chive cream cheese. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bagel: 195 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
12/45
Hacienda Hash Browns
From the Recipe Creator:
I use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 341 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
13/45
Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist a caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 334 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
14/45
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
From the Recipe Creator:
Soon after I learned about overnight oats I decided to create a recipe with my favorite sugary combination: chocolate and peanut butter. Overnight oats are a perfect breakfast for busy mornings. —Anna Bentley, Swanzey, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 346 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
15/45
Cheesy Egg Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my fun spin on breakfast for dinner—or breakfast! These egg quesadillas are so easy to make. They're also full of protein and plain delicious any time of day. —Barbara Blommer, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 738 calories, 38g fat (18g saturated fat), 344mg cholesterol, 1248mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
16/45
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
A local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me. It's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this French toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 621 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 350mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
17/45
Sparkling Oranges
From the Recipe Creator:
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled since we had a surplus of fresh oranges! All you do at the last minute is garnish and serve. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 234 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
18/45
Fried Egg
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're watching calories, fry eggs in a nonstick pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 eggs: 347 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 433mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
19/45
Cherry-Go-Round
From the Recipe Creator:
This fancy coffee cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. It makes a delightful gift during the holidays or year-round. —Kathy McCreary, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/45
Basil Vegetable Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! Fresh basil gives the healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/45
Maple-Walnut Sticky Buns
From the Recipe Creator:
Mmm! These ooey-gooey goodies will have everyone licking maple syrup from their fingers—and reaching for seconds. The yeast dough chills overnight. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun: 159 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/45
Overnight Baked Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I spent a long weekend at a bed-and-breakfast not far from our home. The owners shared this delicious recipe with me. I made it my own with a couple of simple changes. —Jennifer Cramer, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 331 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
23/45
French Toast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with cinnamon and sugar, this overnight French toast casserole is my favorite way to make this breakfast favorite. Since you assemble this baked French toast the night before, you save time in the morning, and if you have an extra-hungry crowd, it's easy to bake up a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 223 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
24/45
Mediterranean Veggie Brunch Puff
From the Recipe Creator:
I make breakfast casseroles with whatever I have, like spinach, sweet red pepper and cheddar. With this puff, we like a burst of flavor from Greek vinaigrette. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette mixture: 281 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
25/45
Yeast Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
Starting the day with an appealing, hearty breakfast is certainly a step in the right direction when you're trying to follow a healthy eating plan. These waffles are so good that I freeze them to have some handy for busy mornings. —Mary Balcomb, Florence, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 220 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
26/45
Green Chile Quiche Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
Chiles add spark to this cheesy quiche. You can vary the flavor based on the kind of croutons you buy. I like to serve fresh fruit on the side. —Connie Willson, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 270 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
27/45
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 278 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/45
Fruity Croissant Puff
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from a good friend. Sweet, tart, tender and light, the treat tastes like a Danish. —Myra Aimer, Tuttle, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 24g fat (14g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
29/45
Fruit Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
30/45
Raspberry Coconut French Toast Slow-Cooker Style
From the Recipe Creator:
I put the ingredients in the slow-cooker crock the night before, refrigerate it, then pop the crock into the slow cooker in the morning. You can use regular milk or half-and-half, include your favorite jam and substitute almond extract for the vanilla. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without raspberries and toasted coconut): 280 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
31/45
Streusel-Topped Blueberry Waffle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I had company coming and needed a new breakfast casserole. I made up this nutty idea using waffles. My neighbors and husband were happy taste testers. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 446 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
32/45
Spinach Feta Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this strata recipe with me, and my family loved it the first time I made it. It's become a favorite way to eat spinach. —Pat Lane, Pullman, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 190 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
33/45
Make-Ahead Blintz Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Blintzes are thin pancakes filled with cheese or fruits. I created an easy casserole version with cheese filling and topped it with apples. —Ann Hillmeyer, Sandia Park, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 512 calories, 32g fat (18g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
34/45
Buenos Dias Breakfast
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the way the tortilla strips puff up when this is baked. It is a terrific no-fuss recipe that everyone in my family enjoys, even the meat lovers. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 321 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
35/45
Baked French Toast with Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
French toast is a crowd-pleaser, but it's hard to make for a big group. This overnight casserole with strawberries and a sweet pecan topping fixes everything. —David Stelzl Jr., Waxhaw, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without additional syrup): 377 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
36/45
Orange Marmalade Breakfast Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
When I host a brunch, I always look for a main dish that can be prepared a day ahead so I can spend the extra time preparing other recipes. If you like, use grapefruit or mixed fruit marmalade instead of the orange marmalade called for in the recipe. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons syrup: 356 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
37/45
Huevos Rancheros
From the Recipe Creator:
Huevos rancheros is the best breakfast to start your day on the right foot. Crispy corn tortillas and seasoned black beans make the perfect base for fried eggs, avocados, salsa, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro topping. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 244 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
38/45
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 207 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
39/45
Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want something special to serve my guests for a Saturday or Sunday brunch, I turn to this recipe. It never fails. It's wonderful during the spring and early summer because the blueberries are particularly good this time of year. —Patricia C. Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 575 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 232mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
40/45
Rainbow Fruit Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing will brighten up your morning more than one of these colorful and tasty toasts. —Shannon Roum, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece of toast with cream cheese (calculated without additional toppings): 172 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
41/45
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This recipe became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 231 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
42/45
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
From the Recipe Creator:
In college, I picked up one of these from my favorite smoothie shop on days I knew I'd be studying hard and not eating another meal for a few hours. Then when I trained for my first marathon, I used this smoothie as a base for my favorite protein shakes after a long run. Now as a mom, I love serving this to my kids (and myself!) for a snack packed full of energy. —Elizabeth Slade, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 333 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
43/45
Smoothie Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love smoothies but sometimes want to linger over breakfast instead of sipping it on the go, then this Jamba-inspired smoothie bowl is your answer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
44/45
Breakfast Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 424 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 295mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
45/45
Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 440 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
Vegetarian Breakfast Idea FAQs
What kind of proteins can vegetarians eat for breakfast?
Proteins that vegetarians can eat for breakfast include eggs, yogurt and quinoa breakfast bowls. But don’t forget beans in Mexican-inspired breakfast recipes, peanut butter in smoothies or oatmeal, chia seed pudding and tofu scramble.
What is the healthiest vegetarian breakfast?
“Healthy” means something different to everyone. For many, it means prioritizing wholesome foods like nutrient-packed veggies and fruit, whole grains and minimally processed foods. If that’s what you’re after, whip up our frittata recipe, green shakshuka, huevos rancheros, Greek yogurt berry parfaits with homemade granola, overnight oats, smoothies, smoothie bowls and fruit salads.
What are some make-ahead vegetarian breakfast ideas?
Make-ahead vegetarian breakfast ideas include make-ahead breakfast casseroles and overnight oats. Also, try chia seed pudding, breakfast muffins, French toast bakes and overnight cinnamon rolls.
