25 Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas (Savory & Sweet)
If you’re looking for vegetarian breakfast ideas, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been mostly vegetarian for nearly 25 years and surprisingly, breakfast is often the most difficult meal. Sure – pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal are naturally meat-free, but I usually prefer to bulk up on the protein at breakfast, and that’s where it can get especially tricky.
I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not alone, so I thought that today I would round up some of my very favorite vegetarian breakfast ideas!
From easy make-ahead breakfast puddings to breakfast sandwiches to creative scrambled eggs to frittatas and beyond, these vegetarian breakfast ideas will help keep you inspired – and your mornings fueled!
Tips for Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes
You really don’t need meat for flavor and protein. Sure, bacon and sausage are generally flavor bombs and add a lot to the breakfast plate, but they’re certainly not necessary. You can whip up a batch of tofu bacon to have handy in the freezer, and there are some great vegetarian sausage patties out there (I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s!) Plus, with eggs, yogurt, chia seeds, and more, you might be surprised at how many vegetarian protein options there are for vegetarian breakfasts.
Plan ahead. Or even better, make it ahead! Nobody wants to spend 45 minutes in the kitchen making breakfast. Okay, maybe that can be fun on a Saturday morning, but I’m guessing you’d rather sleep an extra 45 minutes than spend it working in the kitchen (🙋🏼♀️). So if you make sure you have a few ingredients at the ready for an easy vegetarian breakfast or whip up a batch of basil seed pudding or bagel breakfast sandwiches ahead of time, your life will improve exponentially. Guaranteed.
Ready for some specific vegetarian breakfast recipes? Here we go!
1. Strawberry & Toasted Almond Overnight Grains
Strawberry & Toasted Almond Overnight Grains
This Starbucks copycat is a fave! With quinoa and oats plus fresh strawberries, coconut, and toasted almonds. Perfect summer breakfast. Love this one for making ahead of time!
Get the Recipe for Strawberry & Toasted Almond Overnight Grains
2. Vegetarian Full English Breakfast
Vegetarian Full English Breakfast
Okay, so this full English breakfast takes some effort to put together, but ohmygoodness is it worth it. Traditional English breakfast often includes sausages and/or bacon, but this one swaps in halloumi for that salty hit of flavor. As far as prep goes, you actually can prep a lot of the components in advance which is super helpful.
3. Waffles
Waffles
There’s not much a big pile of waffles won’t fix! These classic waffles are the perfect texture – crispy edges, fluffy inside. Serve up with a variety of syrups and/or jams, peanut butter, and berries. Yum! Also try my fluffy (and shockingly easy) vegan waffle recipe, or hearty banana almond butter waffles. Serve up with tofu bacon or veggie sausage for some added protein (I always add the peanut butter or almond butter, too)
4. Pancakes
Pancakes
We make a lot of pancakes around here! I’m not sure I can narrow down a personal favorite, but Fluffy Banana Pancakes and Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes are the biggest hits with blog readers. I’m also a huge fan of these Banana Oat Blender Pancakes – they’re super hearty and so easy to make. Plus vegan and GF! Dairy-Free Buttermilk Pancakes are delicious too.
5. Muffins
Banana Bread Muffins
I know muffins often come across as basically unfrosted cupcakes, but hear me out! Muffins can be super hearty and a great way to start your day – and the best part is they can be made ahead of time to fuel your week ahead (or stick a batch in the freezer for later on.) These Vegan Banana Bread Muffins are made with nutrient-rich flaxseed. Another fave are these Honey Banana Muffins. Or try my Hearty Spiced Carrot Muffins, Good Morning Sunshine Muffins, Blueberry Muffins, or, for chocolate lovers, Grizzly Bear Muffins.
6. Vegan Protein Breakfast Bowls
Vegan Breakfast Bowl
With black beans and tofu scramble, this breakfast bowl is packed with protein. I always feel so good after eating this one, plus it’s great for prepping ahead of time too.
7. Scones
Scones
I know it’s another breakfast pastry but I’m sorry, I can’t leave scones out. Scones are so easy to make and melt-in-your mouth good. I’ve got recipes for every season – fresh strawberry scones, mini vanilla scones, cinnamon brown sugar scones, and these carrot cake scones. (Plus a lot more – just search the site for “scones!”) There’s no way I can choose a favorite, honestly. Pair with some fruit and vegan bacon and you’re good.
8. Granola
Homemade Granola
Granola can be weirdly expensive in the store, plus it never tastes as good as homemade. There’s an easy solution: Make your own! Plus you can customize it however you like it. Add it to yogurt, eat it like cereal with milk, or take a big bag on your next road trip or hike. There’s nothing granola can’t do!
9. Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt can be a great source of protein, and when you mix it with fresh fruit + some of that homemade granola you just made, it’s a next-level breakfast! I love these berry parfaits in the summer, but come fall, these Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Parfaits are where it’s at.
10. Blueberry Oatmeal
Blueberry Oatmeal
Oatmeal isn’t exactly a revolutionary vegetarian breakfast idea, but this version is really fun! Blueberries make the prettiest purple oatmeal (and it tastes amazing too).
11. Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oatmeal
Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oatmeal
This hearty bowl of oats is an oldie but goodie! Steel cut oatmeal is heartier, chewier, and a little more interesting than your standard oatmeal. I also have a mango coconut steel cut oats and Instant Pot banana oatmeal on Kitchen Treaty, but this carrot cake version has my heart .
12. Lentil Soup
Lentil Vegetable Soup
Yes, you’re still on a vegetarian breakfast ideas page! I know Lentil Soup is not a traditional breakfast but hear me out. It’s full of fiber and protein and is surprisingly comforting, especially on a cold winter morning. It keeps me full well until lunch. I love this Lentil Vegetable Soup (or try Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup). Coconut Red Lentil Soup and Golden Lentil Spinach Soup are winners too.
13. Breakfast Scramble
Black Bean, Mushroom, & Avocado Breakfast Scramble
Beef up your scrambled eggs and make them into a scramble! (But don’t literally beef them up because we’re talking vegetarian breakfast recipes, of course). For this breakfast scramble, we have scrambled eggs, black beans, and sautéed mushrooms dotted with creamy avocado. Such a good combo! Lots of breakfast scrambles have hash browns mixed right in; I really like to serve this one with a side of roasted Yukon gold potatoes.
14. French Toast
French Toast
Whenever you have an abundance of bread laying around, there is only one right answer: French Toast! I have a guide for making perfect classic French toast, a cute “silver dollar” baguette French toast and a dairy-free coconut French toast that is *chefskiss* amazing!
15. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-Boiled Eggs
I know, I know – hard-boiled eggs aren’t exactly revolutionary. But I wanted to throw them in as a reminder that these protein-packed gems make the perfect make-ahead, grab-and-go breakfast. I love to make Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs because the peel comes right off. It’s amazing. Try them with everything bagel seasoning!
16. Basil Seed Pudding
Basil Seed Pudding
You’ve surely heard of chia seed pudding, but let me introduce you to its lesser-known cousin, basil seed pudding! Basil seeds are an especially fiber-rich ingredient and the pudding is delicious! I have a classic basil seed pudding recipe and also a chai-spiced basil seed pudding for a little variety.
17. Overnight Baked Oatmeal
Overnight Berry Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a revelation! It’s so hearty and almost tastes like bread pudding for breakfast. You can assemble the ingredients ahead of time (it’s so easy to put together) and bake in the morning. Love it. I also have a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip baked oatmeal that’s on repeat all fall and winter long!
18. Vegetarian Breakfast Strata
Vegetarian Breakfast Strata
I make a version of this Vegetarian Breakfast Strata every Christmas, but there’s no reason why it should stay relegated to holiday times! It’s such a hearty and tasty way to make a low-effort breakfast. It feels fancy but takes hardly any time to make! Try Chiles Relleno Breakfast Strata and Mushroom Swiss Breakfast Strata too.
19. Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
This easy breakfast hash combines black beans, sweet potatoes, and kale for a hearty start to your day. It’s excellent combined with berries and some avocado slices. Top with a poached egg or leave it out of the equation if you don’t do eggs. Either way, it’s delicious!
20. Eggs Benedict Avocado Toast
Avocado Toast Eggs Benedict
This creative spin on vegetarian eggs benedict brings avocado toast into the equation – because why wouldn’t you?! A thick slice of tomato + lemony avocado hollandaise seal the deal.
21. Grab and Go Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches
Grab and Go Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches
This is one that works particularly well for our mixed-diet household – my guy gets bacon or sausage on his and I go with a veggie bacon or just egg and cheese for mine. Whip up a bunch and freeze for quick and easy breakfasts forevermore.
22. Crunchy Breakfast Tacos
Black Bean Breakfast Tacos
Not to be punny, but I felt like I had a little egg on my face after I published this breakfast tacos recipe. Because apparently in Austin, breakfast tacos are all the rage – and this crunchy-shelled version ain’t it. But what these breakfast tacos ARE are super easy, really delicious, and very hearty. So they’re not Texas style, but I think they’re worth trying!
23. Mini Cheddar Corn Frittatas
Cheddar Corn Mini Frittatas
Another oldie but goodie! I went on a mini breakfast frittata kick for awhile there and created three versions, a couple with with quinoa for a boost of nutrients. We’ve got cheddar corn as pictured, plus tomato mozzarella mini frittatas, and a lovely zucchini herb mini frittata. Choosing a favorite would be like choosing a favorite child – impossible! Oh, and if you love frittatas like we do, check out this Leftover Veggie Frittata. It’s got a formula you can follow for using just about any veggies and cheese.
24. Greek Yogurt & Feta Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled Eggs with Greek Yogurt & Feta
Add a hit of both protein and flavor to your scrambled eggs with plain Greek yogurt and feta cheese! The Greek yogurt makes these eggs nice and creamy and the feta brings so much flavor.
25. Muesli
Homemade Muesli
Muesli is so underrated! It’s a mix of grains, nuts, and dried fruits – sort of like granola, but not cooked. It’s super easy to make up a huge batch of muesli to have on hand. Just serve it up with your favorite milk and fresh fruit. Super hearty!
26. Spinach Feta Breakfast Wrap
Spinach Feta Wrap
This Starbucks copycat brings spinach, egg whites, and feta to the table, all wrapped in a thin bread and served up warm. Super hearty and easy to make ahead and freeze!
27. Chocolate Chunk Tahini Breakfast Cookies
Chocolate Chunk Tahini Seed Cookies
This is honestly one of my favorite recipes I’ve ever created. It’s literally a bunch of seeds all held together with tahini and honey. They’re dotted with melty chocolate chunks and finished with sea salt and they’re SUPER good and hearty. I like to have a batch in the freezer for quick snacks and easy grab and go breakfasts.
More Breakfast Goodness
Here are a few more vegetarian breakfast ideas from other recipe blogs:
Heuvos Rancheros (YUM)
Cauliflower Hashbrown Breakfast Bowl
And here are some of my favorite beverages for breakfast!
Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice elevates any breakfast time. This post goes over my favorite way to make it (and which oranges are best).
Vegan Coffee Creamers make coffee delicious even if you’re dairy-free.
Cold Brew Coffee is beyond delicious, especially in the summer months!
I love a cozy drink at breakfast time. Try a London Fog Latte, Oat Milk Latte, or extra comforting Chamomile Latte!
25+ Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas
From scrambled eggs to frittatas, waffles to pancakes, oats to seeds and everything in between – here are 25+ vegetarian breakfast ideas that are easy, hearty, and sure to fuel your day. These Greek yogurt scrambled eggs with feta and dill are just one delicious recipe!
Servings 2 servings
Calories 198kcal
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil4 large eggs2 tablespoons Greek yogurt1/8 teaspoon kosher salt1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill plus a couple of sprigs for garnish if desired2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Add olive oil to a large non-stick saute pan over medium heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, salt, pepper, and chopped dill until well-blended.
Pour the eggs into the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until fluffy, solid, and no longer runny, 4-5 minutes. Add feta and combine.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with with sprigs of fresh dill, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 343mg | Sodium: 470mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 564IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg
The post 25 Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas (Savory & Sweet) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.