30 Protein-Packed Breakfasts to Jump-Start the Day (2024)

Home Recipes Meal Types Breakfast

Updated: May 29, 2023

Packed with over 20 grams of protein per serving, these high protein breakfasts are the perfect morning start to keep you satisfied through lunch. Bonus: these recipes reheat well, so cook once and you'll have breakfast all week.

1/30

Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers Breakfast

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

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2/30

Protein Pancakes

This recipe packs each serving with about 10 grams of protein. Add a scoop of protein powder for even more fuel. Hungry for more? Here are a few tips for making healthy protein waffles.

3/30

Power Breakfast Sandwich

When you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go, I always love to have these made and waiting in the freezer. I can grab one, pop it in the microwave and then head out the door with something nutritious. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire. Don’t forget to check out our favorite high-protein meals.

4/30

Homemade Pork Sausage

These country-style patties are so simple to prepare. You’ll never again settle for store-bought pork sausage that’s loaded with preservatives—and not nearly as good. —Bertha Bench, Mineral Wells, Texas

5/30

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

6/30

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

7/30

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

8/30

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

9/30

Ketolicious Cheesy Biscuits with Turkey Sausage

If you’re craving serious comfort food, this sammy is for you. The keto-friendly breakfast of homemade biscuits and turkey sausage checks all the boxes! —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID

10/30

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

11/30

Waffle Monte Cristos

Waffles packed with turkey, ham, bacon and apricot preserves have so much sweet, smoky love going on. I use frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle iron to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois

12/30

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

13/30

While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

14/30

Broccoli Cheese Crepes

This recipe from Jane Shapton is perfect to prepare for a special brunch or light dinner for two. The Irvine, California cook tucks a cheesy broccoli mixture into tender homemade crepes with delicious results.

15/30

16/30

This meat lover’s breakfast has a big wow factor. The Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are an amazing combination. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

17/30

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

18/30

Sunny-Side-Up Herbed Tart

Feel free to be creative with this versatile egg tart. Try Canadian bacon or ham as the meat ingredient, and add toppings such as thyme, chopped spinach or goat cheese.—Diana Neves, Lafayette, California

19/30

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

20/30

I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collard greens in a flaky crust, it’s a complete meal. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

21/30

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

22/30

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

23/30

Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers

This is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It’s similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

24/30

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

25/30

Monte Cristo Casserole with Raspberry Sauce

My husband likes the ham and cheese sandwich known as the Monte Cristo. I based this casserole on the sandwich, and it makes a terrific brunch dish. —Mary Steiner, Parkville, Maryland

26/30

Potato Sausage Frittata

With sausage, bacon, eggs and potatoes, this frittata is one hearty meal! Although I double the recipe for my large family, we never have any leftovers. As good as this dish is, you can experiment to customize it for your family. Try using ham, bell peppers, chorizo­—the sky’s the limit!

27/30

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

28/30

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

29/30

Breakfast Tortas

Wondering how to make 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

30/30

Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits

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

Originally Published: February 22, 2018