Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you can't indulge in brunch! Here's a round up of diabetic-friendly frittatas, scrambles, pancakes and more that you'll love to wake up to this weekend.
39 Delicious Brunch Recipes for People with Diabetes
Updated on Apr. 29, 2024
1/39
Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge (calculated without toppings): 183 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/39
Asparagus Omelet Tortilla Wrap
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Since this omelet is packed with whole grains, veggies and protein, all I have
to do is add a side of fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast before work. Instead of asparagus, sometimes I make this with fresh spinach. —Bonita Suter, Lawrence, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 319 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 225mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
3/39
Apple Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these light and fluffy apple cinnamon pancakes. And best of all, they're sweet enough to enjoy even without syrup. —Kim McConnell, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 241 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/39
Shakshuka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
5/39
Poached Eggs with Tarragon Asparagus
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this recipe from a dish I had in Napa Valley. I decided to add toasted bread crumbs as a garnish. The result was a breakfast option that everyone loves. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 170 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
6/39
Calico Scrambled Eggs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There's a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 381mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
7/39
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
8/39
Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
9/39
Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter jokes that I am so predictable when it comes to dining out. I always order chicken souvlaki. So I thought, why not incorporate my favorite Greek dish into a breakfast wrap? It's healthy, tasty and easy to make.—Mary Jo Kempf, West Seneca, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 239 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
10/39
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
11/39
Waffle Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without syrup): 511 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
12/39
Asparagus-Mushroom Frittata
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Sicilian Aunt Paulina inspired this fluffy frittata. I remember visiting her garden, picking fresh veggies and watching her cook. Her wild asparagus frittata was my favorite. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 130 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 192mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
13/39
Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
14/39
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness.
—Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 170 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 0.500 fat.
15/39
Buckwheat Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes (calculated without syrup and additional butter): 195 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
16/39
Southwest Hash with Adobo-Lime Crema
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adobo sauce adds so much extra flavor that you won't even miss the smaller amounts of butter and egg yolks in this smoky hash. Here's a tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the poaching water right before you drop in the eggs. It helps keep them from separating as they cook. —Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without avocado): 304 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat.
17/39
Goat Cheese & Ham Omelet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 omelet: 143 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
18/39
Frittata Florentine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
19/39
Italian Sausage Breakfast Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 327 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/39
Southwest Tortilla Scramble
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my version of a deconstructed breakfast burrito that’s actually good for you. Go for hefty corn tortillas in this recipe. Flour ones can get lost in the scramble. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 195 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
21/39
Calico Pepper Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a dish that fits any meal, you can’t beat the frittata. We add red and green peppers and use the stovetop instead of the oven. —Loretta Kelcinski, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 201 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 268mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/39
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 79 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/39
English Muffin Egg Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't beat the delicious combination of mushrooms, onions, peppers and cream cheese! Leave out the red pepper flakes for a less spicy taste.—Amy Lloyd, Madison, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
24/39
Raspberry Peach Puff Pancake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/2 cup fruit and 1 tablespoon yogurt: 199 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/39
Curry Scramble
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
26/39
Sausage-Egg Burritos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying.—Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 258 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/39
Crunchy French Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light version of classic French toast is perfect for quick meals or Sunday brunches. My kids love it, and so do I! —Barbara Arnold, Spokane, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices (calculated without syrup): 335 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
28/39
Basil Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! Fresh basil gives the healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
29/39
Fiesta Time Omelet
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish when I needed to use up some black olives and jalapenos. With the abundant filling, two of these large omelets can feed four people if served with side dishes.—Jennine Victory, Bee Branch, Arkansas.
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 242 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 383mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
30/39
Almond-Chai Granola
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 cups.
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 272 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
31/39
Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The simple citrus and poppy seed dressing in this fruit medley really dresses up the refreshing mix of berries and melon. —R. Jean Rand, Edina, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup with 3 tablespoons dressing: 76 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
32/39
Potato Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this hearty fritatta with toasted rustic bread. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, throw them in instead of the pre-packaged ones. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 241 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
33/39
Greek Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great dish for a Sunday brunch, or you can cut it into six pieces and freeze it to have as a quick and easy breakfast any day of the week. I also like to make it with broccoli, carrots, green onions, Canadian bacon and sharp cheddar cheese; the variations are nearly endless! —Lauri Knox, Pine, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 179 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
34/39
Beef, Potato & Egg Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To keep my family going strong throughout the day, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed dish. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
35/39
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our house, we sprinkle these whole wheat pancakes with a little confectioners' sugar because the banana is so sweet that you don't need syrup. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 155 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/39
Herb Breakfast Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe on a snowy day by using what I had in the fridge. Yukon Gold potatoes give this frittata a comforting bottom crust. —Katherine Hansen, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 204 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 321mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
37/39
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
38/39
What's in the Fridge Frittata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 215 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 361mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
39/39
French Omelet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy omelet is modeled after the one I tasted and loved in a local restaurant. Mine is so hearty and rich tasting that no one will guess it's lower in fat. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 186 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
