We all know that it’s the most important meal of the day but breakfast can be a challenge for many of us.
We have the best of intentions as we go to sleep but, when it gets round to the morning – as we dash around the house tracking down errant keys and pondering whether we need a coat – that ‘most important meal’ falls to the bottom of the priority list. And, more often than not, an overpriced coffee and a blackening banana we found in the bottom of our handbag is all that gets us through from lights off to lunch time.
Which is why we decided to do the hard work for you, and round up 10 amazing breakfasts that are easy to make, delicious to eat and will have you full of energy as you shoot out the door. Some of these can be made the night before (bonus) while others take just a matter of seconds to whip up.
So go on, make one of these a daily staple. Or, better still, mix and match to keep you morning meal the highlight of your day.
1) For the time-strapped: Bircher muesli with fruit
When the weather is warm, switch your porridge for Bircher muesli. Bircher fans say it has to be soaked overnight in juice and New Zealand blog fromthekitchen.co.nz offers two variations you can easily switch between: one with almonds, blueberries and raspberries, and the other with hazelnuts, golden raisins and dried pears.
2) For the bread and butter hater: Gourmet toast
'Artisanal toast' – particularly with sweet toppings – have long appeared on menus at bakeries and small cafes around the world. It's a simple concept and when done right, turns a basic breakfast into something special. Blogger Emily Schuman at cupcakesandcashmere.com has summarised the trend perfectly with these four sweet and savoury varieties.
3) For the Mediterranean enthusiast: Breakfast bruschetta
This recipe contains some very common breakfast ingredients – scrambled eggs, buttery toast and diced tomato – but it's all down to the presentation that replicates Italy's famous antipasto. They're easy to make and can be held in one hand while you attempt to get work done.
4) For the health focussed: Strawberry, banana and oatmeal smoothie
If your mornings involve you racing out the door, this recipe might be your saviour. With only five ingredients, it will keep you full until lunch and is deliciously fruity.
5) For the breakfast snacker: Five-minute no-bake peanut butter granola bars
These vegan bars are the most popular recipe ever posted on Washington DC-based marathon runner and dietitian Anne Mauney's blog fannetasticfood.com. They only take five minutes to whip up and involve no baking, and can be made gluten free if you use gluten free-certified oats and brown rice cereal. Make them on a Sunday night to last you throughout the working week.
6) For the English breakfast fan: Cooked breakfast
“Bacon, sausages, tomatoes, Portabello mushrooms...” Contrary to popular opinion, a full English can actually be healthy if you switch out the butter for a healthier alternative and don’t include bread every time. Blog Paleo Diet and Fitness shows us how to do it the paleo way.
7) For the American pancake lover: Maple apple rings
A stack of pancakes is the ultimate American breakfast, but let's face it, they're not very healthy. Many diners also find the thick pancakes to be far too stodgy. If that's you, behold this light, fluffy and fruit alternative: slices of apple are coated with a batter and cooked on a skillet until they are a warm. Drizzle maple syrup over the top. If you're feeling adventurous why not swap the apple for pineapple.
8) For the cereal devotee: Cereal parfait
It's very easy to make a breakfast parfait – layer yoghurt with fruit and granola – but we loved this recipe which allows you to top it off with your favourite cereal, no matter whether you're a Crunchy Nut or Cheerios fan.
9) For the experimenter: Twice baked breakfast sweet potatoes
Breakfast is the only meal that can be entirely sweet or entirely savoury without it feeling a bit… weird. This hearty recipe merges the two palettes perfectly and is ideal if you're having guests over for brunch. Bake the sweet potatoes the night before to save time: in the morning, all you have to do is mash them, place back in their skin, break in eggs and cook it for 15 minutes.
10) For the sweet tooth: Turmeric and blueberry breakfast muffins
It's hard to find a breakfast muffin that doesn't make you feel like you're eating a dessert. This recipe, from food blog Green Kitchen Stories, is filled with ingredients that would normally make an appearance at the breakfast table. With a wonderfully rich walnut flavour, they’re sweet – although in a perfectly breakfast-y kind of way. One will fill you right up.
Main image: iStock
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