"While I’m not the best cook, one thing I do know is how to make a mean omelet. But until my wallet stops feeling the effects of the egg shortage (read: having to shell out $9 for a dozen, if I’m lucky to find any), I’m taking notes from food bloggers on high-protein breakfast recipes sans eggs. We all know the importance of getting enough protein for our hormones, metabolism, muscles, and overall health—especially first thing in the morning (see: The 30/30/30 Method).
While eggs are a protein staple for breakfast, plenty of other solid protein sources pack in even more protein. Namely, a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie (name a better combo), easy no-bake protein balls (it had me at “easy”), and a vegan breakfast burrito (yes, plant-based can be high in protein, too). Now all that stands between you and 11 flavorful, high-protein breakfasts is reading what’s ahead and some low-lift prep work (the best part is you likely already have most of the ingredients). Yes, chef?
1. Lemon Blueberry Overnight Oats
If you want breakfast you can prep the night before, overnight oats are the genius hack beloved by wellness girls and breakfast connoisseurs alike. Simply prep the ingredients the night before, stick it in the fridge, and it’s ready to eat the second you get up. This recipe is high in protein, thanks to the chia seeds and protein powder, and tastes like a decadent treat.
READ: An Expert Guide to Picking the Best Protein Powder for You
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Protein Shake
Once you try this simple, delicious high-protein smoothie (that tastes like a milkshake but is full of nutrients instead of sugar), I promise you won’t miss your eggs. We recommend drizzling the extra peanut butter on top because every breakfast is another opportunity to romanticize your life, you know?
3. Cottage Cheese Bowl
Cottage cheese was the viral food this year, and for good reason: it’s high in protein (and contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein), contains live cultures to support gut health, and is packed with B vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients like selenium. For breakfast, cottage cheese is versatile and easy. Top with berries, granola, and honey for a high-protein breakfast.
4. Vegan Chorizo Breakfast Tacos
If you love breakfast tacos, good news: You don’t need eggs to make them delicious or high in protein. Thanks to this tasty tofu mix (that tastes fluffy and delicious enough to replace your scrambled eggs or chorizo), these tacos pack protein. Pro tip: Prep these on Sunday and reheat delicious breakfast tacos all week.
5. Sweet Potato Hash Protein Bowl
If you’re a savory breakfast kind of girl who doesn’t feel fully satisfied with the plant-based breakfast recipes, we have egg-free options for you too. This delicious sweet potato hash packs in protein with chicken sausages, and phytonutrients and fiber with veggies (and the combo of sweet potatoes and sausage is *chef’s kiss*).
6. Protein Chia Pudding
People are sleeping on chia seed pudding IMO. Chia seeds are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. And when you let them soak in your milk of choice, it turns into a decadent pudding that can be used as a base for all your favorite toppings (think: berries, nut butter, and your go-to granola).
7. Maple Blueberry Turkey Sausage Breakfast Patties
What better combo is there than sweet maple syrup, tarte blueberries, and savory sausage? Trust me, you’ll want to make double the portions because you’ll go through these that quickly. It’s also easy to prep a big batch in advance to have throughout the week. Eat by themselves, or use as the protein in your favorite breakfast bowl or sandwich.
8. Easy No Bake Protein Balls
If you’re not much of a sit-down-and-eat breakfast person, we have an easy grab-and-go option for you that you can nibble on on your commute or snack on throughout the day. This recipe is only four ingredients, can be prepped in advance, and packs in protein.
9. Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes
What if I told you that delicious, fluffy pancakes could actually be a healthy breakfast option that will pack in enough protein for optimal health? Using ingredients like ground flaxseed, peanut butter, and gluten-free oat flour, this recipe tastes like your favorite breakfast food but contains more nutrients than your standard stack of pancakes.
10. Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Girl to girl, don’t skip on these breakfast burritos. This tofu scramble perfectly replaces eggs–you won’t even notice, I swear. Throw in delicious flavors like avocados, roasted red pepper, pickled red onions, and jalapeños, and breakfast will be the highlight of your day.
11. Homemade Protein Bars
Why pay $5 for a protein bar that is probably packed with ingredients you can’t even pronounce, when you can DIY your own that tastes way better? With the chocolate on top, you’ll feel like you’re cheating eating dessert for breakfast (and you’d be right–except this dessert is packed with protein and contains no added sugar).
Katherine Chang, Wellness Staff Writer
Katherine Chang is The Everygirl’s Wellness Staff Writer with over five years of experience in the health and wellness space. She navigates the latest wellness topics and trends through expert interviews and studies, and she’s always first in line to try them firsthand.