Cold mornings are easier to face with warming winter breakfast ideas to wake up to, from silky egg bakes to sweet glazed donuts and fluffy pancakes.
1/27
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 the caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 334 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
2/27
Cranberry Orange Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These nice, light muffins, studded with cranberries, have a splash of orange flavor. They're so simple to fix, my husband and I each enjoy one for breakfast almost every morning. —Sara Eichenlaub, Burlington, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 153 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/27
Sunny-Side-Up Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
Preparing this recipe is the best way I know to make sure my family takes time for breakfast. I just call out "pizza's ready!" and amazingly everyone comes to the table. —Rose Koren, Brookfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 355 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
4/27
Peanut Butter Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 595 calories, 35g fat (15g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
5/27
Gingerbread Buttermilk Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
We created this recipe so folks could enjoy the festive flavor of gingerbread at breakfast. For a pretty look, sprinkle the waffles with confectioners’ sugar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita half: 353 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
6/27
Breakfast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 339 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
7/27
Pumpkin Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 361 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
8/27
Spiced Apple Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy apple-y oats let your family have a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 290 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
9/27
Sweet Potato Hash
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and have an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 379 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 271mg cholesterol, 1237mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
10/27
Savory Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says oatmeal has to be sweet? I love this recipe because it starts my day in a healthy, fulfilling way. The fresh garlic, tomatoes and basil are bright notes in a breakfast that keeps me satisfied until lunch. The oatmeal gives me protein and fiber, and I add a splash of extra virgin olive oil at the end for heart health. —Roland McAmis Jr., Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 222 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/27
Egg Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 376 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 251mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
12/27
Mini Nutella Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make these bites in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Greene, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 99 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/27
Quick Cherry Turnovers
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 turnover: 359 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
14/27
Breakfast Baked Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My four young children are experts at eating with their hands. This breakfast potato recipe (or "brunchskins") with veggies makes an easy finger food that they love. —Mindy Campbell, Rapid City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 467 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
15/27
Herb Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
With herbs from the garden to use, I created a quiche with basil, parsley and dill along with feta, Swiss, Gruyere and mozzarella. Goat cheese is also yummy. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 394 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
16/27
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
When I married him, I discovered that my husband's family has the best cinnamon roll recipe! I asked his mom how to make homemade cinnamon rolls, and I've been making them ever since. Serve them with scrambled eggs, and you have a filling breakfast. As a variation, you can replace the filling with a mixture of raisins and pecans. —Shenai Fisher, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 364 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
17/27
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.
18/27
Shirred Egg Corn Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
For our brunches, we bake eggs in cornbread cups. With cheddar sauce and more cheese sprinkled on top, they make a cute little meal-in-one package. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 262 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
19/27
Bananas Foster Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
This oatmeal tastes like bananas Foster, my favorite dessert. If you can’t find rum extract, double the vanilla. —Carol Touchton, Seffner, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 561 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
20/27
Sausage Patties
From the Recipe Creator:
These country-style patties are so simple to prepare. You'll never again settle for store-bought versions that are loaded with preservatives and not as good. —Bertha Bench, Mineral Wells, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 242 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 502mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
21/27
Waffle Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without syrup): 511 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/27
Nutty French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet breakfast treat is a cross of caramel rolls and French toast. It's easy to begin the night before. In the morning, just spread on the nutty topping and bake as you are getting ready for the day. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 783 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 267mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
23/27
Roasted Tomato Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy quiche comes together quickly enough that I don't have to wake up really early to get it on the table, and that’s a bonus. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 397 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
24/27
Cherry-Chip Oat Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves scones and anything with oatmeal. I started with my basic scone recipe and added oat flour to increase the oat taste and texture, then included special ingredients you can find in every bite. Look for add-ins that harmonize with the mellow flavor of oats. —Amy Brnger, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 229 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
25/27
Brunch Hash & Egg Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
When my kids were growing up, I was cooking for eight. I couldn't conveniently fry eggs for that many people, so I devised this recipe that became a family favorite. Mild and salty feta cheese is my favorite for the dish, but shredded cheddar or Parmesan work, too. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 460 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 234mg cholesterol, 761mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
26/27
Glazed Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
The light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 281 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
27/27
Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers Breakfast
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs is just right for any breakfast. &mdash:Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 364mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
Winter Breakfast Ideas FAQ
What are quick winter breakfast ideas for busy mornings?
Even cold, slow mornings have to be hurried along sometimes to make it to work or school on time, so the best breakfast ideas are quick-cooking or easy to reheat. A pot of spiced oats takes minutes to cook, or you can microwave leftover pancakes or frozen burritos while packing your bag for the day. Make-ahead breakfast casseroles are a fantastic way to meal prep for the week for a fast, warm breakfast, or you could toast waffles and top with a swath of nut butter to take on the go.
What seasonal ingredients work best in winter breakfast recipes?
Winter breakfast recipes shine with seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, pears and sweet potatoes. These ingredients complement warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and work well in sweet and savory recipes. Tropical fruits and citrus are also delicious and widely available in the winter, if you want something bright and tart to remind you of warmer days ahead.
Are there healthy winter breakfast recipes that still feel comforting?
Yes, healthy winter breakfasts like baked oatmeal studded with soft apples or dried fruit and nutty peanut butter pancakes are nutrient-dense and filling, while still being comforting. If healthy to you means high protein, try a warm egg bake with a side of turkey sausage or Canadian bacon.
