A hearty breakfast is the perfect way to start your day. As a vegetarian, coming up with inspiring and satisfying breakfast ideas can sometimes be challenging. Here are 14 vegetarian breakfast ideas packed with flavor, nutrition and creativity.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin A and manganese. For a savory breakfast hash, dice a couple of sweet potatoes and sauté them with diced bell peppers, spinach, onions and chili peppers. Season with cumin, paprika, garlic and cilantro. Top with a fried or poached egg. The yolk will create a luxurious sauce for the hash.
Banana bread overnight oats are a delicious make-ahead breakfast option. In a jar, combine rolled oats, mashed banana, milk and chia seeds. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy cold or warmed up. The oats will soften and absorb the flavors of banana, cinnamon and nutmeg. Top with more sliced banana, nuts or nut butter.
For breakfast sandwiches, scramble extra-firm tofu with turmeric, garlic and nutritional yeast. The turmeric will give the tofu a yellow hue and savory flavor. Layer the tofu with spinach and tomatoes on an English muffin or bagel.
Lentil soup makes for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast. Sauté onions, carrots and celery, then simmer in broth with lentils, diced tomatoes, spinach and Italian seasoning. Puree some of the lentils to give the soup a creamy texture. Serve the soup with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.
Coconut milk gives chia pudding a decadent, custard-like texture. Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Refrigerate overnight. The chia seeds will swell and thicken the pudding. Top with fresh or frozen berries, coconut flakes and nut butter.
A tofu scramble is a classic vegan breakfast. Sauté crumbled extra-firm tofu with onions, garlic, turmeric, chili peppers and spinach. Season with cumin, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. The turmeric will color the tofu yellow and give it an savory, earthy flavor. Serve the scramble with hash browns, avocado toast or fruit salad.
For breakfast burritos, warm black or pinto beans, salsa and spices. Add the beans to a whole wheat tortilla with rice, sautéd veggies like bell peppers and zucchini and vegan cheese or avocado. Wrap up the burritos tightly and enjoy with hot sauce, guacamole or vegan sour cream.
Pancakes are an indulgent breakfast treat. To make vegan pancakes, blend flour, baking powder, salt, plant-based milk and oil or melted coconut oil. Add mashed banana or pumpkin puree for extra flavor and moisture. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle and top with maple syrup, fruit, coconut whipped cream or nut butter.
A breakfast pizza or flatbread starts the day in a fun, unconventional way. Use whole wheat dough or flatbread and top with tomato sauce or pesto, sautéd spinach and mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and vegan cheese. You can also add tofu bacon, eggplant bacon or tempeh sausage for a heartier meal.
For crepes, blend flour, plant-based milk, oil and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. Cook the thin crepes in a skillet and fill them with mashed banana, chocolate hazelnut spread, lemon curd or dulce de leche. Fold or roll up the crepes and dust with powdered sugar.
A breakfast sandwich with baked tofu, veggies and vegan cheese or eggless mayonnaise on an English muffin or bagel is a satisfying handheld option. Marinate extra-firm tofu in soy sauce, maple syrup and spices, then bake until lightly browned. Layer with spinach, tomato, avocado and hummus or vegan cheese spread.
Oatmeal provides whole grains, fiber and plant-based protein to start your day. For peanut butter banana oatmeal, cook oats in milk or water, then stir in peanut butter, mashed banana, cinnamon and maple syrup. Top with more sliced banana, chopped peanuts and a drizzle of peanut butter.
For breakfast tacos, warm corn or flour tortillas and fill them with potatoes, black beans, salsa and fried plantains. Add avocado, cabbage slaw or cashew cream for extra flavor and crunch. The blend of Latin American-inspired fillings provides a balance of carbs, protein, fat and spice.