32 Protein-Packed Breakfasts to Jump-Start the Day

Pressure-Cooker Pot Roast Hash

I love to cook a "Sunday style" pot roast for weeknights. Make it into pot roast hash for any day of the week. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

Egg & Spinach Breakfast Burritos

When we camp out, we want our meals ready in a hurry. We make these hearty burritos at home, freeze them and reheat over the campfire. —Kristen Johnson, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio

Breakfast Burger

My husband is big on eggs and bacon, so I wanted to merge his breakfast favorites with a grilled burger for an over-the-top treat. Topping it with my homemade blackberry jam sealed the deal. —Tina Janssen, Walworth, Wisconsin

Southwestern Breakfast Slow-Cooker Casserole

I created this recipe for a breakfast-for-dinner meal one day, and now it’s become a favorite on chilly mornings. Such a wonderful aroma! Using extra-sharp cheddar cheese instead of the milder types allows you to use less, while giving you an extra boost of flavor. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Mushroom & Spinach Eggs Benedict

There are so many ways to experiment with eggs Benedict, and this is my favorite version. The earthy flavors of mushroom and spinach blend beautifully in this new twist on an old classic. —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi

Stuffed Ham & Egg Bread

My son, Gus, is a lover of all things ham-and-eggs, so I created this comforting stuffed bread with him in mind. I later added tomatoes to the recipe, and he still gives it a big thumbs-up. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, TX

Italian Eggs Benedict with Pesto Hollandaise

My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California

Smoked Gouda & Swiss Chard Strata

I shared this impressive strata with friends at their new home. For special occasions, change up the veggies and cheese. I’ve used tomatoes, spinach and cheddar. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire

Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls

Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

 

Western Omelet Casserole

We make a Western-style omelet with ham and hash browns using the slow cooker. From youngest to oldest at brunch, everyone devours it. —Kathleen Murphy, Littleton, Colorado

Salsa & Scrambled Egg Sandwiches

Power up with a breakfast that keeps you going all morning long. In my humble opinion, this sandwich tastes so much better than anything that comes from a drive-thru! —Marcia Conlon, Traverse City, Michigan

Ham, Egg & Cheese Casserole

Turn a classic French grilled sandwich, the croque-madame, into a saucy breakfast casserole no one will be able to resist. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon & Mushrooms

This meat-lover’s breakfast has a big "wow" factor. It’s one of my favorites because the Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are a great combination.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Italian Sausage Breakfast Wraps

My husband leaves for work at 4 a.m., and I want him to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. I usually make half a dozen of these on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so he can grab one and go. —Dauna Harwood, Union, Michigan

Slow-Cooker Ham & Eggs

This dish is a treat any time of the year, but I love serving it on holiday mornings. It's basically a hands-off dish and a fun meal for family. —Andrea Schaak, Jordan, Minnesota

Goat Cheese & Ham Omelet

As a busy working mom, my breakfast needs to require minimal prep. I often combine the egg mixture beforehand and refrigerate it overnight. Then all I have to do in the morning is heat up my skillet. My favorite part is the goat cheese filling, which gets nice and creamy from the heat of the omelet. —Lynne Dieterle, Rochester Hills, Michigan

Ham & Collards Quiche

I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my Southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it's a meal in one. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

 

 

Chorizo and Eggs Ranchero

For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona

Cheese Grits & Sausage Breakfast Casserole

I can't resist this breakfast casserole. It brings all of my favorites into one dish: creamy grits, tangy cheese, rich eggs and flavorful sausage. It's the perfect alternative to traditional breakfast casseroles. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

 

Cuban Breakfast Sandwiches

Grab hold of breakfast time by serving these warm, energy-boosting sandwiches. The hearty helping of protein will help keep hunger at bay, and they travel well for hectic mornings. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas

 

What's in the Fridge Frittata

Great for a last-minute breakfast, brunch or lunch, this special frittata has a combination of crab and Swiss cheese that my guests rave about. I also like to use sausage and cheddar cheese with asparagus. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

 

Garden Veggie Egg Bake

Looking for a healthy day-starter? Children will actually enjoy eating their veggies when they’re baked into this cheesy, nutrition-packed egg dish. —JoAnne Wilson, Roselle Park, New Jersey

Scrambled Egg Pockets

We used a simple homemade pizza dough to make these protein- and fiber-packed egg pockets, but a store-bought dough works, too. They make a great handheld breakfast on the go, or an easy weeknight dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

 

Sausage Breakfast Hash

Served with dough well-done (toast) and dirty water (coffee), this makes a fun breakfast-for-dinner combo. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Sweet Potato and Ham Hash

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

 

Asparagus and Red Pepper Frittata

What a tasty way to start a morning! This frittata is enriched with asparagus, potatoes, peppers, herbs and a wonderful blend of cheeses. Serve with a side of seasonal fruit. —Toni Donahue, Westerville, Ohio

 

Makeover Brie and Sausage Brunch Bake

The aroma of this lower-fat egg bake with all the flavor of the original will have mouths watering! —Becky Hicks, Forest Lake, Minnesota

Ham and Avocado Scramble

Hearty ham, creamy avocado and a hint of garlic—this winning egg dish has all the makings for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

 

 

 

Breakfast Tortas

My hubby likes these ciabatta rolls served with pickled jalapenos. Try substituting leftover taco meat, ham, grilled steak or chicken for the bacon. This one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

 

Italian Sausage & Egg Croissants

Wake up your taste buds with eye-opening breakfast sandwiches featuring spicy sausage, fluffy egg, tomato and creamy avocado piled high on a flaky croissant.—Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmer's Breakfast

This hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs will warm you up on a cold winter morning. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan