"On those cold, gloomy mornings when it’s still pitch black outside when my alarm starts blaring, getting out of my warm, cozy bed feels genuinely torturous. The only thing that can motivate me to peel back my soft, fluffy duvet and face the cold is having something to look forward to immediately after waking up. In the summer, it’s an iced latte decked out with vanilla syrup or homemade cold foam. In the fall and winter, the only thing that gives me the willpower to get up is the promise of a delicious, steaming-hot breakfast. Whether you’re an early riser who has the patience to whip up a restaurant-worthy dish or someone who prefers meal-prepping something you can reheat easily, these hot breakfast recipes will be all the motivation you need to get out of bed on cold mornings.
1. Baked Egg Cups
I’m a sucker for Starbucks egg bites on busy mornings, but now that I know how simple they are to make at home, I might just delete the Starbucks app (at least until holiday drinks arrive). This recipe takes egg bites up a notch with a sweet potato crust and options for a sunny-side-up or veggie-topped finish. Store them in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for a month.
2. Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Who doesn’t love pancakes? These banana oatmeal pancakes are a healthier take on the classic breakfast food, made by blending simple ingredients and cooking them on the stove for a warm, delicious start to your day. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and stash in the fridge or freezer. When it’s time for breakfast, simply pop a couple in the toaster and they’ll taste fresh off the griddle.
3. Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Made with a few staple ingredients you might already have left over, this breakfast casserole will be your new favorite way to clear out the fridge. With eggs and Italian bread as the base, you can add any meat, cheese, or extra veggies you have on hand. It’s ideal for feeding a group or prepping easy-to-reheat breakfasts for the week.
4. Breakfast Bowls
I pretty much solely eat bowls for lunch and dinner, and now that I’ve been introduced to a breakfast verison, I’ll be making this on repeat. Pre-roast the potatoes so that in the morning, all you have to do is sauté the veggies, cook some eggs, and assemble. Customize with your favorite toppings for a breakfast worth getting out of bed for.
5. Breakfast Burritos
I think breakfast burritos deserve a spot in the breakfast food hall of fame. They taste delicious, are simple to cook, and can be eaten on the go, all the markers of a perfect breakfast. Plus, you can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Just wait to add the avocado and salsa until you’re ready to eat.
6. Breakfast Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic meal prep dinner, but they’re just as good for breakfast. Swap the rice for cheesy eggs, and add sausage and spinach to complete the morning transformation. These keep in the freezer for up to three months, so cook them ahead of time to reheat on busy mornings.
7. Mushroom Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata
With a frittata recipe this good, there’s no need to go out for brunch. You can have a five-star meal in the comfort of your own home. It takes under an hour from start to finish—or even less if you prep the veggies the night before. Plus, you can complete your morning routine while it bakes, so you don’t have to wake up extra early to enjoy.
8. Healthier Chocolate Banana Muffins
I’m always looking for an excuse to enjoy dessert for breakfast, and these healthier double-chocolate banana muffins definitely fit the criteria. Starting your day with a steaming hot chocolate muffin fresh from the oven? Yes, please. These muffins only take 35 minutes to bake and are packed with better-for-you ingredients like coconut oil, whole wheat flour, honey, and sweet bananas.
9. English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches
English muffin breakfast sandwiches were a childhood favorite of mine, and they’re still just as delicious as an adult. This customizable, freezer-friendly recipe makes it easier than ever to have a hot, tasty breakfast waiting for you.
10. Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
While I love a classic French toast breakfast, this baked casserole version sounds even better. With a cream cheese filling and brown sugar crumble, it looks impressive but takes under an hour to whip up. Throw everything in a casserole dish the night before, pop it in the fridge, and then in the morning, all you have to do is bake and enjoy.
11. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Baked Oatmeal
I love loading up on protein first thing in the morning, and this baked oatmeal tastes like dessert but helps you hit your protein goals. It’s the perfect single-serving breakfast that’s way better than stuffing a protein bar in your work bag as you run out the door.
12. Egg Lasagna
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort meal, and trust me—the breakfast version tastes just as good as the real thing. Made with egg roll-ups instead of pasta, this high-protein dish only takes a few ingredients and freezes well for meal prepping.
13. Jalapeño Bacon Waffles
We all know and love classic syrup-drenched waffles, but if you’re craving something savory for breakfast, these jalapeño bacon waffles are just the thing. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these waffles are delicious on their own, but you could also use them as the bread for a breakfast sandwich or the base for avocado toast. Although this recipe calls for vegetarian bacon, you could easily make it with the real thing if that’s more your vibe.
14. Cinnamon Streusel Apple Baked Oats
This cinnamon apple streusel baked oats recipe is a cozy way to start your day that also packs in 8 grams of protein. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for easy, warm breakfasts throughout the week.
15. Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
For a next-level breakfast, try this croissant sandwich with tomato jam. Though it sounds elaborate, it comes together quickly with the help of store-bought croissants and a tomato jam you can easily prep ahead of time. They’re just the thing to coax you out of bed with the promise of a warm, tasty breakfast.
16. Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon and Apples
This sweet potato hash with bacon and apple is as simple as dicing your ingredients, cooking them in a skillet, and finishing with an egg. The result is a hearty, well-rounded breakfast that will fuel you for the rest of your day.
17. Strawberry Almond Croissant Puff Pastry Tarts
I don’t know about you, but I could eat a Pop-Tart for breakfast every morning. As good as those are, these strawberry almond croissant puff pastry tarts blow them out of the water. They’re deceptively easy—just prep the filling, bake, and finish with powdered sugar for an incredible treat. Your entire home will smell like a bakery, and your alarm clock going off will be just a tad sweeter.
18. Shakshuka
If you haven’t tried shakshuka yet, you’re seriously missing out. Originating from North Africa and the Middle East, this dish involves poached eggs simmered in a tomato sauce with tons of spices. It’s a savory, full-of-flavor, nourishing breakfast that you’ll make on repeat.
19. Savory Oatmeal
You may love oatmeal with sweet toppings like honey and berries, but have you tried it with a savory twist? Warm oatmeal tastes just as good (if not better) when paired with savory toppings like soft-boiled eggs, garlicky greens, and avocado, as in this recipe.
20. Breakfast Quesadillas
You’ve heard of breakfast tacos and breakfast burritos, but let me introduce you to an equally fabulous morning option: breakfast quesadillas. Scrambled eggs, bacon, peppers, cheese, and spinach sandwiched between two flour tortillas can convince anyone to get out of their bed even on the earliest of mornings. This recipe was specifically made to freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and only have to worry about reheating when you’re ready to eat.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.