The history of breakfast foods in America reflects dishes whose ingredients range from simple to sublime. In early colonial days, hearty porridges (a template for our modern-day instant oatmeal) dominated the morning meal. By the turn of the 20th century, however, recipes like lamb chops and hominy grits, beefsteak pie, and oysters and celery on toast pulled from a 1901 cookbook entitled 365 Breakfast Dishes, signaled that breakfast was a full-on feast.
Decades later, the advent of television and advertising, the heightened importance of convenience, and feeding kids a quick meal — all coinciding with women entering the workforce — changed the breakfast landscape again. Pastries, pre-mix pancakes, and boxed cereals became de rigueur.
In honor of the first — and, some might say, most important — meal of the day, we’ve lined up a dozen fantastic breakfast ideas that we think have big flavor, ease of preparation, and a feast for the senses.
Dutch Baby Pancakes
The origins of this "Deutsche" (meaning German) baby pancake are neither German nor Dutch. Instead, the name of this large and puffy oven-baked pancake, which is more akin to a crepe with a custard center, was coined in a Seattle diner in the early 20th century. Spiced pears and a whipped cream topping make it a festive breakfast.
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Inspired by bagels and lox (which is cured salmon, not smoked), this eggs Benedict recipe includes a layer of wild smoked salmon. The name of this classic dish should rightly be changed to smoked salmon eggs "benefit" because of the salmon's heart-healthy omega-3s and vitamin- and nutrient-rich profile. The combo of silky, smoky-sweet salmon, oozy eggs, and warm hollandaise is divine.
Chia Cherry Smoothie
Chia seeds are high in fiber and antioxidants, and may remind you of tapioca pearls when hydrated. They also form the base of this cross between a chia pudding and a smoothie. You'll layer a lightly tart fresh cherry and yogurt smoothie over the pudding, and top with cocoa nibs, more cherries, coconut, or crunchy seeds. This is a smoothie you'll want drink slowly and relish.
Plum Jam
Making small-batch fruit jams doesn't require canning equipment, since you'll consume them within a few weeks, so they're a quick way to stretch the pleasures of seasonal fruit. This excellent jam uses delectable Harry & David plums laced with the warmth and citrus of cardamom. It's so versatile, too. Enjoy it as a breakfast spread over thick Wolferman's English muffins, swirled into your morning yogurt, as a sidekick to a cheese board, or a baste for grilled meats.
Irish Coffee
Harry & David Creme Brûlée Coffee is full of robust dark coffee notes, with underlying sweet caramel and vanilla flavors, making it a great morning pick-me-up. And since the coffee's flavor profile complements the hints of vanilla and floral notes in good-quality Irish whiskey, homemade whipped cream, and a bit of sugar by the dark roast base, it's great for later in the day when you want to sip on an after-dinner libation.
Confetti Pancakes
Let's get this party started! Harry & David Old Fashioned Pancake Mix is the base for these moist, fluffy pancakes that incorporate rainbow sprinkles in the mix for a special birthday breakfast for your kid (or kid at heart). A homemade whipped cream topping with a splash of vanilla and powdered sugar means it's a birthday cake for breakfast! We. Love. Special. Mornings.
Mini Breakfast Sandwich
Homemade pork sausage — which means no fillers or preservatives — is layered with scrambled eggs on Wolferman's Mini English Muffins. Make the patties up to one day in advance, or here's a trick: Prepare the sausage mix and freeze it as a log. Slice off patties and fry them up each morning, along with scrambled eggs, and spread on some spicy sriracha mayo for a mighty mini brekkie that's yours in minutes.
Strawberry Crepes
This recipe has classic strawberry shortcake vibes — both the dessert and the 1980s TV character — making it “sweet" and “upbeat." First, the upbeat part: Instead of a biscuit, you'll make a crepe batter that comes together in your blender in minutes, while fresh, plump strawberries macerate in sugar. The sweet part: Tuck the berries inside, along with whipped cream, and fold for the loveliest of breakfasts.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt French Toast
It sounds like a dish out of a ladies auxiliary club cookbook, but the crumb of a Bundt cake makes one helluva fancy French toast when you cut off thick slices, dip them into a vanilla egg wash, and pan fry them in butter. Add fresh, seasonal berries, and pass off this fabulous dessert for a celebratory breakfast, weekend brunch, or sweet morning treat.
Snap Pea and Bacon Frittata
Crunchy and sweet snap peas shine in this skillet frittata that takes no time (well, about 25 minutes) to whip up. Plus, any leftover frittata lasts for days for a quick egg breakfast on the run — just slice cold wedges thinly for a frittata “sandwich." Or, warm it up and pair it with a salad for a great lunch the next day.
Peach Muffins with Streusel Crumble
This peaches n' cream-inspired muffin has sweet, juicy peaches in every bite. Using sour cream and milk in the batter, just like grandma used to, guarantees a rich mouthfeel, and its perfectly soft cake-like texture contrasts with the crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. You can also swap out the peaches for fresh nectarines! Freeze a batch to last you the week.
Breakfast Boards
Breakfast boards are a great way to showcase textures, flavors, and colors of the season for your next morning gathering. Think yogurt, surrounded by fresh fruit or other tasty toppers, such as Crater Lake Crunch trail mix, mini donuts, scones, pancakes, and a host of DIY quick jams, such as this plum jam. Or create a bagel, lox, and cream cheese board for a savory expression.
