Start your day with southern breakfast recipes like flaky biscuits, hearty breakfast casseroles and creamy grits. These comforting dishes are hearty enough to feed the whole family.
35 Southern Breakfast Recipes That’ll Fill You Up
1/35
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 337 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
2/35
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 466 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
3/35
Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing Waffles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece chicken with 2 waffles: 691 calories, 43g fat (16g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 1074mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
4/35
Hash Brown Patty Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find everything you want for breakfast—potatoes, eggs, cheese and ham—in this satisfying hash brown patty casserole. I frequently make it for church get-togethers and for company. Everybody loves it. —Iris Frank, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 437 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 280mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
5/35
Hearty Slow-Cooker Breakfast Hash
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and savory hash certainly won't leave you hungry—the sausage, veggies and eggs will fill you up. The hint of maple syrup makes it all feel extra-cozy. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 446 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
6/35
Cornbread Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to joke that these pancakes are so light, you have to hold them down! When we have a chance, we make them with freshly ground cornmeal bought at local festivals. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 321 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
7/35
Southern Brunch Pastry Puff
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 587 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 208mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
8/35
Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 frittata: 223 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
9/35
Sweet Potato Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When family stays over after a holiday dinner, we make sweet potato dumplings, bacon and eggs for breakfast. And later, we even serve these dumplings for dessert. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 dumplings: 482 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/35
Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 399 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
11/35
Corn Fritter Waffles with Spicy Maple Syrup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 round waffles (1 cup syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family used to vacation at a resort in Vermont that served corn fritters with maple syrup. Now when I serve these waffles for breakfast or supper, I'm transported back to those simple days of childhood. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 waffle with 2 tablespoons syrup: 574 calories, 23g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
12/35
Spring Onion Pimiento Cheese Grits
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grits were a breakfast staple when I was growing up. Even today, we still have them about three times a week. The trick with grits is the more you whisk, the creamier they'll be. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 281 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
13/35
Bacon, Egg & Avocado Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 448 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
14/35
Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes, and it tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 476 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
15/35
Brunch Puff with Sausage Gravy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup gravy: 546 calories, 35g fat (10g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
16/35
Apple-Stuffed French Toast Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked stuffed French toast casserole is a great breakfast dish to make ahead for holidays or Sunday brunch. I run a bed and breakfast and tea room cafe, and this recipe is often requested by customers. —Kay Clark, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 854 calories, 46g fat (19g saturated fat), 282mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
17/35
Mushroom Sausage Strata
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 296 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
18/35
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 283 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
19/35
Jam ‘n’ Cream French Toast
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this for me when I was a child. You can use other flavors of jam too. —B. MacKinnon, Kodak, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices: 376 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 275mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
20/35
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my brother, sister and I were young, Mom would bake this cinnamon-scented oatmeal before driving us to school. Whenever I make it, I have lots of happy memories. —Vincent Taylor, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 483 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
21/35
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles served at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, this one's a keeper. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
22/35
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.
23/35
Pumpkin-Pecan Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a yummy wintertime treat. My husband rarely eats in the morning, but when I make my baked oatmeal, he digs right in. —Alex Muehl, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without additional ingredients): 478 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
24/35
Chocolate French Toast
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this yummy treat for a special breakfast or brunch. The layer of chocolate hidden inside makes a wonderful flavor combination that appeals to kids of all ages. You might even be tempted to serve this chocolate sandwich for dessert!
—Pat Habiger
Spearville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 348 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
25/35
Berry Granola Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I like to make this breakfast favorite together. You can leave the berries out of the mix and sprinkle them on top, or sub in chocolate chips or nuts instead. —Elizabeth Stewart, Crab Orchard, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 321 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
26/35
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
9 servings (1-1/2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 8 teaspoons syrup: 505 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
27/35
Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Put together your pastry dough the night before and stash it in the fridge till morning. That rest time will give the quiche a more tender crust. —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 330 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
28/35
Cheese Grits & Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't resist this breakfast casserole. It brings all 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 496 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 1173mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
29/35
Mascarpone-Stuffed French Toast with Berry Topping
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this rich and delicious French toast for my family. With a warm, creamy filling of mascarpone cheese and a sauce of mixed berries, it's a very easy-to-make breakfast treat that looks as if you spent all morning preparing it. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 826 calories, 53g fat (29g saturated fat), 365mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
30/35
Savory Sausage French Toast
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made French toast with sausage to use up leftovers. Now I make it because it’s a heavenly way to start the day. —Suzanne Earl, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice French toast with 2/3 cup gravy: 723 calories, 59g fat (30g saturated fat), 259mg cholesterol, 1171mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
31/35
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.
32/35
All-in-One Slow-Cooker Breakfast
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let your slow cooker do the work and don't worry about adding any sides because this dish already has everything—hash browns, sausage, cheese and eggs. Just sip your coffee, cut up some fruit, and breakfast or brunch is served. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 654 calories, 44g fat (19g saturated fat), 276mg cholesterol, 1194mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
33/35
Sausage and Eggs over Cheddar-Parmesan Grits
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy grits topped with Italian sausage, peppers, onions and a fried egg are total comfort food and perfect for brunch or dinner. They are easy to put together and will satisfy a hungry crew. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
34/35
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with a rich cinnamon cream, these pancakes are an ideal dish for celebrating the tastes and aromas of fall. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes with 2 tablespoons topping: 325 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
35/35
Hush Puppies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 hush puppy: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Southern Breakfast Recipe FAQs
What is a traditional southern breakfast?
A traditional southern breakfast features main dishes like biscuits and sausage gravy, creamy grits, fried eggs and bacon, or country ham and potatoes. Classic sides like fried green tomatoes, cheese grits and cornbread complete the spread.
Can I make southern breakfast casseroles ahead of time?
You can make most southern breakfast casseroles in advance. Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats to take off the chill. For extra convenience, you can bake southern breakfast casseroles ahead of time and then freeze individual portions for grab-and-go breakfasts. Reheat casseroles from frozen in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What southern comfort foods can I eat for breakfast?
Some of the best breakfast-centric southern comfort foods are grits with eggs and cheese, a crispy hash brown casserole, or fried chicken and waffles. These dishes combine savory, filling ingredients that are made for slow, satisfying mornings.
