The Best Breakfast Recipes of 2020

Fluffy Pancakes

This is the best fluffy pancakes recipe according to my family. They are quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider these homemade pancakes a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia

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Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby

I modified a friend’s traditional Dutch baby pancake recipe to come up with this version, which my family thinks is terrific. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make. —Mary Thompson, La Crosse, Wisconsin

True Belgian Waffles

It was on a visit to my husband’s relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are great with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan

Sheepherder’s Breakfast

My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it’s a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I’ve passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

French Toast Casserole

Topped with cinnamon and sugar, this fuss-free overnight French toast casserole is my favorite way to make the breakfast favorite. Since you assemble this baked French toast the previous night, you save time in the morning, and if you have an extra hungry crowd, it's easy to bake up a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana

Breakfast Wraps

We like quick and simple morning meals during the week, and these wraps are great when prepared ahead of time. With just a minute in the microwave, breakfast is ready. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri

Peanut Butter Pancakes

Wondering how to make peanut butter pancakes? These morning treats are one of my husband's specialties. It's not unusual for him to wake me with those hot-from-the griddle cakes! —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

Sausage & Crescent Roll Casserole

I made this tasty breakfast casserole with crescent rolls for a baby shower. It saved me; preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

Pancake Syrup

My husband has fond memories of this pancake syrup recipe. Every Sunday morning, his dad would get up early to make the family pancakes and homemade syrup. They didn’t have much money, but the kids never knew that. What they do remember is that their dad always had time to make their Sundays extra special. —Lorrie McCurdy, Farmington, New Mexico

Amish Breakfast Casserole

We’ve enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It’s a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut

Breakfast Quiche

I enjoy preparing hearty country breakfasts for the guests at my bed-and-breakfast. This fluffy golden pie, which has lots of cheese and bacon, is a most satisfying entree.—Mark Clark, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire

German Apple Pancake

If you’re looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I’ve served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I’d written down incorrectly! If you don’t leave out the flour as I did, it’ll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington

Cheesy Hash Brown Bake

These cheesy hashbrown potatoes were so popular at the morning meetings of our Mothers of Preschoolers group that we published it in our newsletter. It’s a great dish for busy moms because it can be prepared ahead of time. It’s perfect for brunches or to serve on Christmas morning. It’s creamy, comforting and tasty. —Karen Burns, Chandler, Texas

Puff Pastry Danishes

Even though they’re simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad’s favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio

Cheesy Sausage Potatoes

For a satisfying brunch, try some sausage and potatoes! I never have to worry about leftovers with these tasty potatoes—everyone loves them and the pan always empties. You can also serve these as a side dish at Sunday supper. —Linda Hill, Marseilles, Illinois

Creamy Strawberry Crepes

Take summer-ripe strawberries plus a creamy filling and tuck them into these delicate crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut

Egg Burritos

Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you’ll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota

Berry Smoothie Bowl

We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped it with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Avocado Scrambled Eggs

Bacon and avocado blend nicely in these special eggs. They’re easy and perfect for breakfast. But I’ll also whip them up after an evening meeting or football game—or any time friends drop by for coffee. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet

I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast…and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Crustless Spinach Quiche

I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin

Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies

I use to buy name-brand breakfast cookies from the supermarket, but since I found this recipe I’ve enjoyed making my cookies more than buying them.—Linda Burciaga

Scrambled Egg Muffins

After enjoying scrambled egg muffins at a local restaurant, I came up with this version that my husband likes even better. They’re pretty, hearty and fun to serve, too. —Cathy Larkins, Marshfield, Missouri

Mixed Berry French Toast Bake

I love this recipe! It’s perfect for fuss-free holiday breakfasts or company, it’s utterly delicious and so easy to put together the night before. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine

Hash Brown Egg Bake

A package of frozen potatoes makes this hash brown egg casserole simple to prepare. Featuring bacon and cheddar cheese, this easy egg bake is tasty breakfast or brunch fare. You can even make it the night before, keep in the fridge and bake the next morning—so convenient! —Cheryl Johnson, Plymouth, Minnesota

Brown Sugar & Banana Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland

Crab Quiche

Chopped green onions and sweet red pepper bring a bit of color to this golden entree. The creamy filling features imitation crabmeat and Swiss cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

This is an old Southern biscuits and gravy 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

Easy Breakfast Strata

We start this breakfast casserole the night before so it’s ready for the oven the next day. That way, we don’t have to deal with the prep and dirty dishes first thing in the morning! —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri

German Pancake

Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast, too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho

Oven Denver Omelet

I like omelets but don't always have time to stand by the stove. That's why I favor this oven-baked variety that I can quickly pop into the oven at a moment's notice. My family frequently requests this for Sunday brunch. They always empty the dish. —Ellen Bower, Taneytown, Maryland

Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes

I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Oh-So-Good Oatmeal

Add extra nutrition to fiber-rich oatmeal by adding chopped apple with the peel and chopped almonds. My two boys demand seconds! At 1-1/2 cups per serving, it’s hearty and filling; and at zero cholesterol, what’s not to love? —Danielle Pepa, Elgin, Illinois

Chicken and Egg Hash

This chicken and eggs recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites. To reduce cooking time and clean out the fridge, dice up leftover potatoes and use pre-cooked meat. —Joyce Price, Whitefish, Ontario

Farmer’s Casserole

Between family and friends, we average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

Vanilla French Toast

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

Vegetable Scrambled Eggs

I like to have friends and family over for a special Sunday brunch, especially when there’s a “big game” on television. These colorful scrambled eggs with veggies go perfectly with sausage, toasted English muffins and fresh fruit. —Marilyn Ipson, Rogers, Arkansas

Strawberry Banana Crepes

My family often has company over for breakfast or brunch, and these light fruit-topped crepes are our favorite. The sweet sensations are as fast to make as they are fabulous. You can cook the crepes the night before, refrigerate them with waxed paper in between, then fill and top them in the morning. —Shelly Soule, Las Vegas, Nevada

Mushroom Asparagus Quiche

Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California

Fluffy Waffles

A friend shared this fluffy waffle recipe with me a few years ago. The cinnamon cream syrup is a nice change from maple syrup, and it keeps quite well in the fridge. Our two children also like it on toast. —Amy Gilles, Ellsworth, Wisconsin

Bacon and Eggs Casserole

Because it’s fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this bacon and eggs dish is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, this bacon and eggs casserole is excellent for an after-church brunch. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario

Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake

This blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and 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

Cheesy Zucchini Quiche

A few years ago, I found this zucchini brunch recipe that's quick to prepare and freezes well, too. Just put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and pop it into the oven when you wake up! —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts

Colorful Brunch Frittata

A friend called and asked me for a special recipe that he could serve at his daughter's wedding brunch. I created this recipe for the special day. —Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey

Country-Style Scrambled Eggs

I added a little color and flavor to an ordinary scrambled eggs recipe with some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

I’ve always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking also teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This gourmet peanut butter and jelly recipe is easy to make and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Bacon Breakfast Pizza

I used to make this bacon breakfast pizza for my morning drivers when I worked at a delivery place. And they just loved it. Breakfast pizza is a quick and easy eye-opener that appeals to all ages. —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland

Family-Favorite Oatmeal Waffles

These healthful, good-tasting waffles are a tried-and-true family favorite—even with our two children. My husband and I have a small herd of beef cattle and some pigs. A hearty breakfast really gets us going! —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa