While sweet breakfasts are appreciated, it’s the savory ones that actually sustain you. These concepts include things like; eggs, beans, greens, grains, and leftovers, which heat up nicely and have a hearty, salty, and satisfying flavor. Most can be adjusted, so feel free to change the ingredients according to what you have in the fridge. Choose some to put on repeat and rotate the others when you want something new.
Contents
- 1) Avocado Toast
- 2) Breakfast Burrito
- 3) Savory Oatmeal
- 4) Shakshuka
- 5) Kimchi Fried Rice
- 6) Breakfast Quesadilla
- 7) Egg And Cheese Muffin
- 8) Smoked Salmon Bagel
- 9) Savory Yogurt Bowl
- 10) Chilaquiles
- 11) Miso Soup
- 12) BLT Breakfast Sandwich
- 13) Scallion Pancakes
- 14) Breakfast Tostadas
- 15) Herb Scrambled Eggs
- 16) Breakfast Hash
- 17) Cottage Cheese Toast
- 18) Savory Dutch Baby
- 19) Congee
- 20) Feta Omelet
- 21) Breakfast Grilled Cheese
- 22) Egg Muffins
- 23) Breakfast Tartine
- 24) Sardine Toast
- 25) Breakfast Polenta
- 26) Breakfast Ramen
- 27) Beans On Toast
- 28) Savory Breakfast Bowl
1) Avocado Toast
Mash avocado with salt and a splash of lemon juice and then heap it on to bread that has been toasted. For a bit of richness, add a jammy soft-boiled egg on top and for some heat and crunch, drizzle over some chili crisp. If you have any, sprinkle scallions or sesame seeds on top for some added crunch. It is quick, satisfying, and simple to modify to your desired level of spice.
2) Breakfast Burrito
Brown diced potatoes until crisp, then fold in scrambled eggs and a handful of cheese. Add some beans if you want something more filling, then wrap everything in a warm tortilla with salsa or hot sauce. Leftover roasted potatoes from dinner can be used to make this. Wrap a second one to reheat later.
3) Savory Oatmeal
Cook the oats with a small amount of salt (and if you want, broth instead of water). Mix in some sharp cheddar so it melts into a creamy and comforting dish. For a traditional salty finish top with plenty of black pepper and a fried egg. If you want to make a more substantial bowl, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
4) Shakshuka
Warm spices, along with onions, peppers, and garlic, are mixed with tomatoes and simmered until they thicken enough to be spoonable. Create small wells, break in eggs, and cover until the whites are set while the yolks remain soft. Serve with some bread because you’ll want every bit of that sauce for scooping. If you’re feeding multiple people, this also scales well.
5) Kimchi Fried Rice
This is the ideal way to use cold leftover rice. It fries up better than rice that has just been cooked. Once you can smell the kimchi, toss in the rice and add a splash of soy sauce for seasoning. Complete the dish with a fried egg and as you stir, let the yolk create its own sauce. A few drops of sesame oil at the end will make the dish smell amazing.
6) Breakfast Quesadilla
Prepare scrambled eggs gently/softly, then wrap them in a tortilla along with some pepper jack cheese and any vegetables you may have cooked. Toast in a skillet until the exterior is crunchy and the cheese stretches. You can use salsa, sour cream, or plain yogurt as dips. It’s a great option for a “standing at the counter” breakfast on hectic mornings too.
7) Egg And Cheese Muffin
Toast an English muffin, then cook an egg using an egg ring or a small frying pan to keep it neat. Include cheese and a slice of ham or Canadian bacon, then stack them and allow them to sit for a minute to let the heat melt everything together. A bit of hot sauce or Dijon mustard livens it up. These are great for reheating and freezing if you do meal prep.
8) Smoked Salmon Bagel
First, take a toasted bagel and add cream cheese. Then, add layers of smoked salmon and thinly cut red onion. If you have it, a squeeze of lemon and capers for briny pops would be great. It may seem complicated, but only takes about 2 minutes to put together. Add some crunch and freshness with slices of cucumber or tomatoes.
9) Savory Yogurt Bowl
Considering yogurt to be a savory food option makes it an effortless breakfast staple. Take some thick Greek yogurt, mix in some salt, and top it with olive oil. Add cucumbers, za’atar, and possibly some olives or cherry tomatoes on top. Enjoy it with pita, toast, or even with a spoon directly from the bowl.
10) Chilaquiles
Add tortilla chips to warm salsa until they start to soften a little but are still somewhat crunchy. Place a fried egg on top so the yolk can blend with the sauce. Top with crumbled cheese, sliced onion, or any garnishes you prefer. It’s a smart way to use up chips that are about to expire.
11) Miso Soup
A soup that is light and salty can be surprisingly grounding when eaten first thing in the morning. Miso can be dissolved in hot dashi or water. Then you can add in tofu and quick-cooking vegetables. If you have rice left over, include a small bowl with it. It is still savory and satisfying while being gentle.
12) BLT Breakfast Sandwich
Prepare the bacon so that it is crispy, and then make a sandwich with lettuce and tomato on bread that has been toasted. Add a fried egg and let the yolk do the saucy work. It’s even better with mayo or avocado. It’s like brunch in your hand.
13) Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes from the store crisp up perfectly in a skillet, so this is an easy option for a weekday. Top with a fried egg and a quick dipping sauce made of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar. This combination is pleasantly salty and crunchy. If you’d like more, consider ordering a cucumber salad on the side.
14) Breakfast Tostadas
Spread warm refried beans on crispy tostadas and add scrambled or fried eggs on top. For added crunch, include shredded lettuce and salsa. You may add crema or sour cream as well. The base is so filling that you won’t be hungry again in an hour. It pairs well with leftover shredded chicken as well.
15) Herb Scrambled Eggs
To keep the eggs soft and tender, scramble them slowly. Then add herbs and parmesan. Cook the spinach with garlic in a separate pan and serve it on the side or folded in. The cheese provides saltiness without requiring much else. When served with toast, this dish becomes a full meal that begs for (and deserves) some quality plate-mopping.
16) Breakfast Hash
Dicing sweet potatoes into smaller pieces will help them cook and brown more evenly. For a combination of sweet, smoky, and savory, add peppers and sausage. Add an egg or two, and you’ve made a one-skillet complete meal. It’s another clever way to use up leftover roasted vegetables.
17) Cottage Cheese Toast
Adding cottage cheese to toast gives it a more filling quality without requiring much effort. Spoon the mixture onto some toasted bread, top with sliced tomatoes, and add lots of black pepper. A bit of olive oil and some flaky salt make everything come together. Fresh basil and dill would fit right in.
18) Savory Dutch Baby
A Dutch baby is an impressive looking, but simple to make oven pancake. For a savory version that puffs at the edges, add shredded cheddar and herbs to the batter. You can serve it with sautéed mushrooms, or a simple salad if you want to go more brunchy. A toaster oven reheats leftovers well.
19) Congee
Congee is made from rice which is further cooked down and transformed into a more comforting, easily seasonable porridge. You can brighten the dish by adding ginger and scallions. Consider adding a soft-boiled egg for additional protein. A few drops of soy sauce or sesame oil can enhance the flavor quickly. It is especially nice on cold mornings or when you want something a little softer.
20) Feta Omelet
An omelet with tomatoes and feta cheese tastes like it could be on a cafe menu. Sauté tomatoes slightly to remove some moisture, then mix with eggs and crumbled feta. Adjust the heat so the omelet remains tender. For a touch of the Mediterranean, finish with some herbs or a bit of oregano.
21) Breakfast Grilled Cheese
Add an egg to a classic grilled cheese sandwich for some breakfast power. Prepare the egg how you want (fried for runny, scrambled for neat) and place it between some slices of sharp cheddar. Grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Given its richness, a few pickles or sliced tomatoes on the side can help balance the dish.
22) Egg Muffins
With salt and pepper, whisk eggs, then add chopped ham with spinach and stir. For convenient grab-and-go servings, pour into a greased muffin tin, and bake until set. They can be refrigerated for a few days and reheated easily. You can change the fillings to whatever you have, such as roasted peppers or onions.
23) Breakfast Tartine
Sauté the mushrooms until they are well browned, and have a slight crispness around the edges. Spread ricotta on the toast, then add the mushrooms on top and season well. The creaminess of the ricotta cheese works well with the umami flavor of the mushrooms. If you have thyme or parsley, add it just before serving.
24) Sardine Toast
Tinned sardines are ideal for a savory breakfast since they don’t need any cooking and are quick, easy, and delicious. Lightly mash them with lemon and pepper, then spread it on toast. For added texture, consider including herbs, sliced cucumbers, or thinly sliced onions. This option has a strong flavor that goes well with either coffee or tea.
25) Breakfast Polenta
For a savory base, cook the polenta until it’s creamy. Then, stir in butter and parmesan. Add roasted tomatoes or other roasted vegetables you may have on hand. The grits have added sweetness from the tomatoes. If you’d like to make it more filling, go ahead and add a fried egg.
26) Breakfast Ramen
For a more balanced breakfast, add some greens and a soft-boiled egg to the instant ramen. If you’re watching your salt intake, use less of the seasoning packet and substitute it with soy sauce or chili oil. The feeling of warmth and comfort comes from the broth. This is also a great choice for those mornings when you want something really hot.
27) Beans On Toast
This timeless classic is quick and easy to prepare. It is also surprisingly filling. Warm up the baked beans and spoon them over the toast so that the sauce soaks into the bread. For added richness and protein, add a poached egg. It could benefit from a touch of black pepper or some hot sauce.
28) Savory Breakfast Bowl
Start with a base of cooked quinoa (leftover quinoa is great) and then add some roasted veggies to add bulk and flavor. For a creamy nutty sauce, drizzle tahini mixed with lemon juice and water on top. Depending on what you have, you can add protein with either a handful of chickpeas or a soft-cooked egg. It’s a good choice if you prefer breakfast to feel more like a lunch meal.
