69 Birthday-Worthy Breakfast Ideas

Birthday Cake Pancakes

For my kids’ birthdays, I love to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal. And don’t forget to top with a candle! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Your kiddos will love these kid-friendly birthday party food ideas.

Spanakopita Casserole

Spanakopita is the Greek name for this traditional dish featuring spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. — Sharon Olney, Galt, California

Peach Waffle Syrup

I make this sweet chunky syrup on Saturday mornings when my husband and I have extra time. I love to serve it on yogurt and pancakes, in addition to waffles. You can substitute fresh or canned peaches. —Kristina Dalton, Coker, Alabama

Creamy Banana Crepes

My husband and I enjoy taking turns fixing weekend breakfasts. These crepes are frequently on our menus. The sweet-and-sour banana filling is delicious. You'll want to serve them for lunch, dinner and dessert!

Salmon Quiche

This recipe came to me from my mother. It’s hearty enough to be served as a meal all on its own, but I like to add a fresh salad on the side. —Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, California

For more delicious recipes, check out these 5oth birthday recipe ideas for a special celebration.

Birthday Cake Waffles

These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin

Chiles Rellenos Croque-Madame

A traditional croque-madame is a heartier version of a croque-monsieur because it's served with an egg on top of the sandwich. Instead of bechamel and Gruyere, this playful version includes pepper jack, chiles and chipotle. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There's a rush to breakfast in my house when I whip up this chocolate chip pancake recipe. The batter calls for chocolate milk and mini chips, and I top the golden brown cakes with butter and fruit. My daughter says the chocolate chip pancakes are one of her all-time favorites. —Laura Rader, Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Eggs Florentine

I wanted to impress my family with a holiday brunch, but keep it healthy too. So I lightened up the hollandaise sauce in a classic egg recipe. No one could believe this tasty dish was good for them! —Bobbi Trautman, Burns, Oregon

Cheesy Bacon and Grits Casserole

I was craving grits for breakfast, so I created this masterpiece with fresh corn and leftover bacon. Serve with avocado and hot sauce to really take it to the next level. —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia

Cinnamon Breakfast Bites

This cinnamon bites recipe is the perfect breakfast treat with a sweet, crispy coating.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois

Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina

French Toast Recipe

Say oui to the best French toast in our recipe box! These step-by-step instructions will show you how to make French toast in a snap.

Breakfast Scramble

One weekend morning, my husband and I were craving a breakfast without the traditional sausage or bacon. I reached for the ground beef and tossed in other ingredients as I went about cooking. This was the heavenly result! —Mary Lill, Rock Cave, West Virginia

Orange-Glazed Bacon

Just when you thought bacon couldn't get any tastier, we whipped up this tasty recipe starring the favorite breakfast meat drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tex-Mex Grain Bowl

This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—but they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Spinach Chicken Frittata

When we were growing up, spinach was one of the few vegetables my brothers and I enjoyed. So our mom found all kinds of ways to include it in meals. This dish is one of my favorites. Be creative; feel free to vary the vegetables, cheeses and meat to suit your tastes and budget. —Paula Tuduri, Bozeman, Montana

Strawberry Overnight Oats

These strawberry overnight oats will be ready and waiting for you in the morning. ThePB&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

Breakfast BLT Waffles

I'm not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Quinoa-Pear Breakfast Bake

My husband and I enjoy quinoa, so I created this pear breakfast bake for our Sunday brunch. The quinoa is a nice change of pace from oatmeal. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Feta Asparagus Frittata

Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Pecan Bacon

Crispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it "special breakfast." The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina

Mixed Berry French Toast Bake

I just love this recipe! It's perfect for fuss-free holiday breakfasts or laid-back company. It’s scrumptious and so easy to put together the night before. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine

Sausage and Egg Grits

I always mix my sausage, grits and eggs together so I thought it would be great to make a casserole that did the same. It’s loaded with downhome flavor without using any butter! —Jeannine Quiller, Raleigh, North Carolina

Berry Breakfast Parfaits

Expecting brunch company but short on time? Parfaits are the perfect solution. Feel free to mix and match with whatever berries you have on hand. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls

My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio

Apple Muffins

These apple muffins have a rich, tender inside and a decadent, crunchy topping (complete with a vanilla glaze) that makes for a delicious breakfast treat. They're great any time of year, but especially on a chilly fall morning.

Surprise Monkey Bread

When my neighbor hosts brunch, she always asks that I make this monkey bread recipe. I also make a savory version with garlic and cheese for dinner. —Lois Rutherford, Elkton, Florida

Brunch Ham Enchiladas

When I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Puff Pastry Danishes

Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio

Down East Blueberry Buckle

This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey Syrup

This is a great breakfast for special days, but it mixes up so fast that it's perfect for busy mornings as well. —LeeAnn Hansen, Kaysville, Utah

Strawberry Scones

This strawberry scones recipe is rich with cream and packed with berry goodness. If you are like me, you won't be able to eat just one! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Pecan Waffles

I've tried for years to duplicate a delicious waffle I sampled at a restaurant here in the South. This crisp and nutty version is what I came up with. Butter and maple syrup are my family's favorite toppings. —Susan Jansen, Smyrna, Georgia

Overnight Pancakes

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 alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana

Raspberry Breakfast Braid

We also like using blackberries, Marionberries, a mixture of raspberries and blackberries, or all three in this quick and easy pastry. —Tressa Nicholls, Sandy, Oregon

Breakfast Loaf

I love to make this mile-high breakfast sandwich when we have company for the weekend. If you'd like, add sliced mushrooms and olives. —Amy McCuan, Oakley, California

Poteca Nut Roll

My mother-in-law brought this recipe from Yugoslavia in the early 1900's. It was a tradition in her family to serve it for holidays and special occasions. Now it's my tradition. Family members often help roll our the dough and add the filling. —Mrs. Anthony Setta, Saegertown, Pennsylvania

Baked French Toast with Strawberries

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

Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey Bread

I love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona

Waffle Sandwich

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

Chocolate French Toast

Try this yummy treat for a special breakfast or brunch. The layer of chocolate hidden inside makes a wonderful flavor combination that appeals to kids of all ages. You might even be tempted to serve this chocolate sandwich for dessert! —Pat Habiger Spearville, Kansas

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

At our house, Saturday morning always means pancakes for breakfast. I make the menu special by servings up stacks of these fluffy buttermilk treats studded with mini chips. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Berry Puff Pancake

Breakfast is my husband's favorite meal of the day. I use our homegrown blueberries in this sweet morning treat. —Cecilia Morgan, Milwaukie, Oregon

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Pumpkin Doughnut Drops

I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin

Bacon and Asparagus Frittata

This makes a nice light meal. When I prepare it for guests, I serve it with fruit and bread. It’s quick and easy, but it always wins me many compliments! —Gwen Clemon, Soldier, Iowa

Easy Glazed Bacon

Brown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin

Streusel-Topped Blueberry Waffle Casserole

I had company coming and needed a new breakfast casserole, so I made up this nutty idea using waffles. My neighbors and husband were happy taste testers. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas

Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes

I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri

Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits

I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon & Mushrooms

This meat lover’s breakfast has a big wow factor. The Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are an amazing combination. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Eggs Benedict Bake with Bearnaise Sauce

I've made this recipe for my family every Christmas morning for 10 years—it's a food tradition that we look forward to every year. Part of what makes this dish special is the croissants that make the egg bake extra light and fluffy. —Susan Triplett, Citrus Heights, California

Baked French Toast

Any day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York

Sausage Tortilla Breakfast Bake

This casserole combines spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast that is perfect for brunch. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it out by replacing the tomatoes and green chiles with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona

Pineapple & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is easy, convenient, versatile, and delicious. Every time I take it to church or school everyone asks for the recipe because it's the best bread pudding they have ever tasted—I never have any leftovers. This delicious brunch casserole has been requested for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.—Laura Ellis, Biloxi, Mississippi

Sausage & Mushroom Pizza Frittata

I love this frittata because the combination of fresh flavors makes it special. It's the perfect sunny South Florida breakfast.—Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

Swedish Cream Apple Rings

My mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday... Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let's you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon

Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet

I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I came up with this recipe to feed my family a healthy, hearty breakfast—and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Beefy Huevos Rancheros

This quick, easy and oh-so-tasty recipe works for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and is great served with fruit or salad and some flour tortillas. Guests can top them however they'd like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri

Stuffing & Sausage Strata

We are major stuffing fans, so we use it in this sausage strata. If you have leftover turkey, try it as a substitute for the sausage. —Elizabeth Ray, Corona, California

Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal

In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite specialty. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana

Cornmeal Towers with Strawberries & Cream

My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California

Raspberry Peach Puff Pancake

Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Fiesta Cornbread & Sausage Strata

I like to break away from traditional breakfast bakes, so I experimented and came up with this sweet-savory cornbread and sausage egg bake. It's easy to prepare and a wonderful make-ahead morning meal.—Ellen Woodham-Johnson, Matteson, Illinois

Fruity Waffle Parfaits

This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great.—Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California