Just because you're indulging in a mid-morning celebration doesn't mean it has to slow you down all day. These healthy brunch recipes keep it light and lovely for the weekend's happiest get-together.
41 Healthy Brunch Recipes for Happy Mornings
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
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Mixed Berry French Toast Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I just love this recipe! It's perfect for fuss-free holiday breakfasts or laid-back company. It’s scrumptious and so easy to put together the night before. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
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Mediterranean Broccoli & Cheese Omelet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge (calculated without shaved Romano cheese): 229 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 290mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
3/42
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 385mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/42
Citrus Melon Mingle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing fruit salad has a hint of mint, honey and ginger that adds subtle flavor to the sweet combination of melons, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and bananas. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
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Vanilla French Toast
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 218 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
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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.
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Country Crunch Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a basic pancake recipe and came up with this tasty favorite. My kids love them! —Anita Harmala, Howell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 298 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
8/42
Baked Peach Pancake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without sour cream): 149 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
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Fresh Fruit Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
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Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches, which look fancy yet are actually easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/42
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.
13/42
Arugula & Mushroom Breakfast Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a challenge to be creative with breakfast every morning, and I like to come up with fun foods the kids will love. This is a great recipe for the kids to join in and help make for breakfast. You can also make and freeze it before you add the eggs, then finish baking another day. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 299 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/42
Coconut Tropical Fruit Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a serving of fruit to breakfast with this delicious medley. Toasted coconut, mango and more bring the flavor of the tropics to any menu. —Katie Covington, Blacksburg, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit.
15/42
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.
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Savory Apple-Chicken Sausage
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 patties
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy, healthy sausages taste great, and they make an elegant brunch dish. The recipe is also very versatile: It can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausages freeze well either cooked or raw. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage patty: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
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Blueberry-Stuffed French Toast
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fruity French toast becomes light and lovely company fare when you fill it with blueberries and top it with an orangey sweet sauce. —Myrna Koldenhoven, Sanborn, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 1/4 cup sauce and 2 teaspoons almonds: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
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Almond Strawberry Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love this pretty salad topped with strawberries and sliced almonds. With just a few ingredients, it's loaded with flavor. —Renae Rossow, Union, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/42
Whole Wheat Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
To fix a large batch of tender pancakes for my five children, I rely on this quick and wholesome recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour and buttermilk, which make the pancakes filling but also light. Serve them with hot chocolate for a breakfast that's sure to delight little ones. —Line Walter, Wayne, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 157 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Asparagus Frittata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You would never guess that egg substitute is used in this fun variation on the classic asparagus frittata. —James Bates, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 134 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/42
Ham Muffinwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I concocted this fun recipe when I was looking for something to pack for lunch. I had leftover ham but no bread, so I got creative with cornbread mix. They freeze well and are handy for an on-the-go breakfast or lunch. —Jenny Wiebe, Villa Hills, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 muffins: 186 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
23/42
French Toast Fingers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
24/42
Puffy Apple Omelet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With all the eggs our chickens produce, I could make this omelet every day! It's a pretty, festive-looking dish, but you could fix it anytime—including for a light supper. —Melissa Davenport, Campbell, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 253 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
25/42
Breakfast Granola
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my family's favorite breakfasts. I love to dress it up with fresh mint and golden kiwi. It gives them the energy they need to get through the days chores. —Wilma Beller, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 275 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
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Orange Appeal
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oranges add color and great taste to winter meals! This dish looks very bright and appealing served in a glass bowl, and it's a light and easy dessert to finish off a hearty holiday meal. As far as I'm concerned, the citrusy aroma of oranges is a must at Christmas time! —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit.
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Chicken Brunch Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
28/42
Avocado Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm glad a friend gave me this delicious recipe, featuring four kinds of fruit as well as avocado. A light honey-lemon dressing enhances the already tasty flavor of the produce. My family loves it and so do I! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
29/42
Fruit-Filled Puff Pancake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruity puff pancake is a top breakfast request at my house. The combination of cinnamon, blueberries and bananas is wonderful. —LeAnne Senger, Oregon City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 232 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
30/42
Sweet Onion Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with sweet onions, this creamy pie makes a scrumptious addition to the brunch buffet. By using less butter to cook the onions and substituting lighter ingredients, I cut calories and fat from the tasty dish. —Barbara Reese, Catawissa, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Peach-Stuffed French Toast
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its make-ahead convenience and scrumptious flavor, this recipe is ideal for holiday brunches—and for busy hostesses with a hungry crowd to feed! —Julie Robinson, Little Chute, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 267 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
32/42
Italian Garden Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 183 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
33/42
Get-Up-and-Go Granola
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves to have this soul-warming granola before hiking, biking or even when camping. It smells delicious while baking up and you can easily make in large batches for special occasions or to send in gift packages to family and friends. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 255 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
34/42
Pigs in a Pool
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 mini muffins: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
35/42
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.
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37/42
Hash Brown Quiche Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini quiches: 180 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 205mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
38/42
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.
39/42
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.
40/42
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 fruit.
41/42
Turkey Sausage Patties
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everybody who samples my breakfast sausage enjoys the taste and is amazed to learn it's made of turkey. —Sally Brassfield, California, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 117 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat.
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Brunch Enchiladas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want something a little different for brunch, try this one—folks love it! —Linda Braun, Park Ridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 208 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
