There's a reason why they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day - it's because all the most delicious foods are served in the morning, right? We're just joking (not really). But if you take a moment to consider all that's offered as a breakfast food, you'll be surprised by the wide range of options you get. Whether you like sweet or savory or a bit of both, there's something out there that'll satisfy your morning cravings. Here are 10 of the best sweet breakfast foods and 10 of the best savory ones. Which side do you prefer?
1. Pancakes
When we talk about classic sweet breakfast items, there's nothing more iconic than a delicious stack of pancakes. People love pancakes because of their versatility - you can top them with whatever you like! From maple syrup and butter to whipped cream and fruit, you can even mix chocolate chips or blueberries into the batter for a fun twist. And with every bite being so fluffy and packed full of flavour, it's hard not to love.
2. French Toast
If you've really got a sweet tooth in the morning, french toast is the perfect solution to your cravings. Typically topped with powdered sugar, syrup, whipped cream, and fruit, you can imagine how rich and decadent each bite is. There truly is nothing quite like waking up in the morning to a mouthwatering plate of french toast at the kitchen table.
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3. Belgian Waffles
Not really a pancake sort of guy? That just means you're likely into the crispy, pocket-filled delight that is a waffle. But let's take things up a notch and shout out Belgian waffles instead, which are known for being even bigger and fluffier in texture. If you're pro-waffle, let us guess, you love how those pockets hold the syrup and whipped cream, right? Making each bite so flavourful and ensuring no topping gets left out, we definitely see the appeal.
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4. Cinnamon Rolls
Sometimes it just feels like breakfast is an excuse to have dessert items as a meal. Not that we're complaining though! Cinnamon rolls are the perfect example of this; these soft pastries are loaded with cinnamon, sugar, and that creamy frosting. Add them all together and it simply tastes like a warm hug in the morning.
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5. Açai Bowl
Thanks to this delicious concoction made in Brazil, the açai bowl is the perfect blend of nutritious and delicious. With a base made from mashed açai berries, you can top the bowl to your heart's content. Throw on a little granola, some more sliced fruit, some raisins, and a drizzle of honey, and suddenly you have the most refreshing and healthy way to start your day.
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6. Croissants
While the croissant isn't inherently sweet, this French goodie is so versatile, you can definitely make it so. Here in America, we have so many different variations of this flaky and buttery pastry. You can easily find them filled with chocolate or various creams, topped with nuts and powdered sugar, or drizzled with honey.
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7. Danish Pastries
All the way from Denmark, danish pastries have become a staple breakfast item served all across the country. People love them for their light and buttery dough, but the real star is the filling, which is typically either a fruit jam, cream, or custard. They taste best paired with a hot mug of coffee or tea, making your morning feel brighter.
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8. Banana Bread
Just imagine waking up to the delicious smell of fresh banana bread baking in the oven. Sounds absolutely divine doesn't it? Easy to make at home, you'll never have to throw away your ripe bananas ever again. Depending on your mood, you can even throw in some nuts or chocolate chips to elevate it! The result? A moist, sweet, and comforting treat to enjoy first thing in the morning.
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9. Blueberry Muffins
For the busy bees who don't have time to sit down and enjoy a full breakfast, blueberry muffins will definitely come in clutch during those hectic mornings. These sweet treats are not only filling, but they're so satisfying to eat. They're the perfect companion to your morning coffee or tea.
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10. Crepes
The French just know how to do sweet breakfast foods right! If you find pancakes and waffles a bit too heavy in the morning but you still want something satisfyingly sweet, look no further than crepes. These thin and light pancakes can be topped with your usual favourites like powdered sugar, syrup, and whipped cream, but you can also fill them with goodies like Nutella, jam, or peanut butter. They're perfect if you want to enjoy the same flavours, but want something not as filling.
1. Shakshuka
Let's move on to the savory items shall we? If you've never had shakshuka for breakfast, you definitely have to, especially if you're a fan of savory breakfast foods. This North African and Middle Eastern dish consists of poached eggs sitting on a spicy and flavourful tomato sauce. It's often served with some toasted bread that you use for dipping, combining those delicious flavours with a crunchy bite.
2. Full English Breakfast
For those of you who love a hearty and filling breakfast, you won't be disappointed with what a Full English Breakfast has to offer. It has all of your favourites, like eggs, sausages, bacon, and toast, but it's not finished there. To make it authentic, it's got to also have some tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans! With so many different foods on one plate, you'll never be bored.
3. Buttered Toast
Not everyone wants a complicated breakfast; some people prefer the classics, even if it's as simple and basic as buttered toast. We can't lie though - a perfect buttered toast in the morning will always hit! You can enjoy it as is, or if you're wanting a bit more, you can always throw on some jam or avocado for an elevated take.
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4. Breakfast Burrito
If you can't sit down at the table in the morning, we're sure you appreciate on-the-go options like breakfast burritos. It's basically all your favourite breakfast foods all wrapped up in a tortilla! You can add everything from scrambled eggs to potatoes, cheese, and proteins of your choice. The best part about a burrito is that the way it's packaged ensures every bite will be loaded with flavour.
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5. Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
New Yorkers will definitely agree with this one. There's nothing like a delicious fresh and chewy bagel loaded with cream cheese and smoked salmon to turn your morning around. It's often topped with capers and red onions as well, all coming together to create the ultimate bite. Not only is it super filling and tasty, it's also a great handheld option for those who are already on the go.
6. Omelette
Eggs are a classic breakfast item, but most will argue that its best form is an omelette. Why? Because of how easy it is to customize to your liking! Fill it with whatever you're feeling that morning, whether it be cheese, vegetables, mushrooms, meats, or tomatoes. Or all of the above, that works too. It's a surprisingly filling option that'll have you feeling energized and satisfied by the time you take your last bite.
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7. Hash Browns
Whether it's store-bought from the frozen aisle at your local grocery store, homemade right in the pan, or ordered at the drive-thru at McDonald's, nothing can top the deliciousness that is the hash brown. Perfectly crispy, crunchy, and warm in the inside, hash browns are the best side in the breakfast game. They're already good as is, but if you want, you can top them with ketchup or hot sauce to elevate the flavours even further.
8. Eggs Benedict
If you really feel like treating yourself to something more luxurious in the morning, the eggs benedict is definitely the way to go. With perfectly toasted and buttered English muffins as the base, it's topped with salty Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and the ultimate finisher, a creamy hollandaise sauce. While the components are quite simple, when you combine them all together, it creates an unbelievably satisfying meal.
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9. Biscuits and Gravy
We can't forget about the Southern classic that is biscuits and gravy! This beloved breakfast staple is known for its soft dough biscuits and incredibly rich and creamy sausage gravy. If you're looking for a hearty, comforting, and filling breakfast meal, you'll undoubtedly find it with this dish.
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10. Breakfast Sandwich
Similar to the breakfast burrito, the breakfast sandwich is another way to enjoy all your favourite breakfast items in one handheld, travel-ready package. The big difference here is, you get to choose your method of transport; do you want it all on a bagel, English muffin, bread, or biscuit? But your decisions don't just end there, you have to think about the fillings too!
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