66 Birthday-Worthy Breakfast Ideas

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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!

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: There's no question that this is the best French toast recipe ever. The caramelized exterior meets a soft custardlike center that practically melts in your mouth. Not only that, but it's quick and easy, too! —Audrey Rompon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: These apple streusel muffins remind us of coffee cake, and my husband and kids love them as a quick breakfast or snack on the run. The drizzle of glaze makes them pretty enough for company. —Dulcy Grace, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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 alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: I need just three ingredients to fix this sweetly seasoned ham steak. It's a quick and easy main dish for brunch or any meal. —Nancy Smits, Markesan, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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.

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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