50 Southern Breakfasts That’ll Fill You Up

This is an old Southern biscuits and gravy recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Grits were a breakfast staple when I was growing up. Even today, we still have them about three times a week. The trick with grits is the more you whisk, the creamier they'll be. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

There's nothing more perfect on a busy weeknight than breakfast for dinner, especially when a sheet pan is used to make it. In my recipe, hash browns and ham are tossed with a special sauce that's sweet, tangy and irresistible. Add in a few eggs and some freshly chopped scallions, and dinner—or breakfast—is served. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

It was on a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are great with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan

My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty Michelle Leddick, Chester, South Carolina

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

Roasting the veggies in this rich-yet-bright quiche intensifies their flavors. And the addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tangyness. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia

When family stays over after a holiday dinner, we make sweet potato dumplings, bacon and eggs for breakfast. Later, we even serve dumplings for dessert. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own with sausage, green chilies and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

My family absolutely loves these oat pancakes. I make them every Saturday and Sunday. If I don't, they don't believe it's the weekend! My son's friends often spend the night, and I think it's because they like these oatmeal pancakes so much. They are especially delicious served with molasses and syrup. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

My family used to vacation at a resort in Vermont that served corn fritters with maple syrup. Now when I serve these waffles for breakfast or supper, I'm transported back to those simple days of childhood. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas

This blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas

When company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan

This is baked stuffed french toast casserole a great breakfast dish to make ahead for holidays or Sunday brunch. I run a bed and breakfast and tea room cafe, and this recipe is often requested by customers. —Kay Clark, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

For our Christmas brunch, I make eggs florentine, with sausage and spinach for a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chilies, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia

This layered tortilla dish is not only delicious, but it's a real timesaver because it's put together the night before. The tomato slices provide a nice touch of color. I like to serve this crowd-pleasing casserole with muffins and fresh fruit. —Barbara Waddel, Lincoln, Nebraska

This flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri

My book club ladies often ask me to bring “those grits.” I'd tell you how to store them, but I never have any left! — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

I discovered this quiche recipe many years ago, and it's still one of my favorites today. It's quick and easy, yet very tasty. It's also a good dish to take to potlucks or serve as an appetizer. You might like it for a brunch or light supper, too. —Hazel Turner, Houston, Texas

We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas

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

I made this tasty breakfast casserole with crescent rolls for a baby shower. It saved me; preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

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

My grandmother used to make this for me when I was a child. You can use other flavors of jam, too. —B. MacKinnon, Kodak, Tennessee

When my brother, sister and I were young, Mom would bake this cinnamon-scented oatmeal before driving us to school. Whenever I make it, I have lots of happy memories. —Vincent Taylor, Houston, Texas

I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

I created this when I wanted something different for a graduation brunch for two of our sons. When I realized I had most of the ingredients on hand for the Reuben dip I usually make, I decided to use them in a brunch casserole instead! Everyone asked for the recipe. —Janelle Reed, Merriam, Kansas

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.

Here’s a yummy wintertime treat. My husband rarely eats in the morning, but when I make my baked oatmeal, he digs right in. —Alex Muehl, Austin, Texas

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

Ham and cheese just got a little naughtier. I turned a French classic, croque madame, from a simple egg-topped grilled sandwich into an impossible-to-resist saucy casserole. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

At the start of each week, my family is already looking forward to our traditional weekend breakfasts, when I serve warm and wonderful dishes such as this. The make-ahead convenience lets me relax with the family as the savory aroma fills the house. —Nancy Robinson, Kansas City, Kansas

Before I retired, this all-in-one skillet dish was constantly requested at office brunches. I'd leave out the eggs, double or triple the recipe and wrap servings of the zippy pork mixture in warm corn tortillas. —Barbara Beasley, Beaumont, Texas

My son and I like to make this breakfast favorite together. You can leave the berries out of the mix and sprinkle them on top, or sub in chocolate chips or nuts instead. —Elizabeth Stewart, Crab Orchard, West Virginia

Meat and potatoes make up traditional hash. Our version uses sausage, sweet potatoes and sometimes, a little salsa. Sometimes we have it for dinner, too. —Christy Scott Campbell, Blooming Grove, Texas

I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

I make this recipe for almost any occasion—it's popular with company and at potluck dinners, and I've passed it around to many friends. My husband and I are growing lots of squash this summer, all for this quiche! —Dorothy Collins, Winnsboro, Texas

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

I love making this rich and delicious French toast for my family. With a warm, creamy filling of mascarpone cheese and a sauce of mixed berries, it's a very easy-to-make breakfast treat that looks like you spent all morning preparing it.—Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, Virginia

This sweet and savory hash certainly won't leave you hungry. The sausage, veggies and eggs fill you up, and the hint of maple syrup makes it all feel extra cozy. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Bananas Foster is one of those treats you get when you dine out. I combined the flavors to make a yummy dish that’s like bread pudding. —Angela Hacker, Hendersonville, Tennessee

I first made French toast with sausage to use up leftovers. Now I make it because it’s a heavenly way to start the day.—Suzanne Earl, Spring, TX

Sweet potatoes with sausage and sage make a happy dish. I get a lot of recipe requests when I serve this hearty hash with apples and carrots. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

I had a craving for something sweet one morning, but all I had around the house were a few ingredients. I had to get creative, and this was the delicious outcome. Now I make it all the time.—Diana Palmer, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Blueberry french toast is a year-round treat. Show off your crop of fresh berries in the summer or use frozen berries to warm up on a chilly morning. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia

Tender pancakes are filled with minced apple and raisin, and drizzled with apple cider syrup. They're wonderful in the summer or on a cool fall morning. —April Harmon, Greeneville, Tennessee

Let your slow cooker do the work and don't worry about adding sides because this dish already has everything—hash browns, sausage, cheese and eggs. Just sip your coffee, cut up some fresh fruit, and breakfast (or brunch) is served. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

These creamy grits topped with Italian sausage, peppers, onions and a fried egg are total comfort food and perfect for brunch or dinner. They are easy to put together and will satisfy a hungry crew. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas