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Breakfast has always been the most important meal of the day, but it’s even more vital during these stressful times. That’s why we’ve rounded up 50 comforting meals—including pancakes, egg dishes, muffins and more—to help you jumpstart the day. And the best part? Many of them are made with pantry ingredients so you don’t have to run to the store. For more tips, recipes and advice, read our entire guide on how to cook, clean and make the most of your time indoors.
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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 3 / 51
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 4 / 51
Breakfast In A Pan
Try this tasty one-pan dish for an easy low-mess breakfast or brunch. This recipe also works well with bacon or sausage instead of ham. I sometimes saute chopped peppers and onions until tender and whisk them in with the eggs for added flavor and color. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee 5 / 51
Overnight Flax Oatmeal
Fans of the healthy benefits of flaxseed will enjoy this hearty oatmeal. It's full of yummy raisins and dried cranberries, too.—Susan Smith, Ocean View, New Jersey 6 / 51
Basic Banana Muffins
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready, start to finish, in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine 7 / 51
Quick Stovetop Granola
The fiber-rich oats in this granola will quell your cravings with just a small serving. Keep some handy in a small airtight container for moments when your stomach takes over. For even longer-lasting fullness, pair the treat with protein-packed yogurt. 8 / 51
Creamy Baked Eggs
My husband loves eggs prepared in any way. This recipe is simple but special, and the eggs come out just as he likes them every time. If you like soft yolks, cook the eggs for 9 minutes; for firmer yolks, cook for about 11 minutes.—Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas 9 / 51
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts
Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. — June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas 10 / 51
Breakfast Banana Splits
These bright cups are pretty enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious, too. Feel free to substitute different fruits and cereals—the possibilities are endless! —Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi 11 / 51
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri 12 / 51
Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
This yummy breakfast bowl gives everyone's favorite sandwich a healthy twist. Switch to crunchy peanut butter and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if you like the extra crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 13 / 51
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
On busy mornings, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor 14 / 51
Migas Breakfast Tacos
Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Think of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient: corn tortillas. They're what really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa 15 / 51
Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes
These blueberry cornmeal pancakes are one of my family's favorite breakfasts. No time to make it from scratch? No problem! My grandmother's standby of store-bought corn muffin mix makes quick work of the job. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio 16 / 51
Home Fries
When I was little, my dad and I would get up early on Sundays and make these for the family. The rest of the gang would be awakened by the tempting aroma. —Teresa Koide, Manchester, Connecticut 17 / 51
Banana Blender Pancakes
This mouthwatering recipe is a hit with banana lovers! Whipping up the batter in the blender makes it simple and easy to mix, pour and wash up. Feel free to experiment with different favorite fruits. Serve with butter and syrup. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario 18 / 51
Spicy Egg Bake
This family favorite makes a wonderful brunch dish served with muffins and fresh fruit. It's also a great way to use up extra taco meat. Adjust the heat by choosing a hotter or milder salsa. —Michelle Jibben, Springfield, Minnesota 19 / 51
Brunch Pizza
Whenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin 20 / 51
Slow-Cooker Oatmeal
Waking up to the wonderful aroma of this cinnamon-sugar Crock-Pot oatmeal is a great way to start the day! —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois 21 / 51
Hearty Breakfast Egg Bake
I always fix this casserole ahead of time when overnight guests are visiting so I have more time to spend with them. Then I simply add some toast or biscuits and fresh fruit for a complete meal that everyone loves. This dish also reheats well. –Pamela Norris, Fenton, Missouri 22 / 51
Tropical Muffins
I entered these muffins at our county fair and won the grand champion award for baked goods. They're so moist, they don't need butter. —Sylvia Osborn, Clay Center, Kansas 23 / 51
Homemade Bagels
I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a bagel recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough. 24 / 51
Power Berry Smoothie Bowl
While you can't taste the spinach in these smoothies, you get all its nutrients with big berry flavor. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida 25 / 51
Lemon Pull-Apart Coffee Cake
I found this recipe in a newspaper and make it often. I like to bake this coffee cake when unexpected company stops in and I need something speedy to go with a cup of coffee. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin 26 / 51
Fiesta Scrambled Eggs
I love to fix this spicy scrambled egg dish for friends and family. It’s almost a meal in itself, but I serve it with muffins or biscuits, fresh fruit juice and coffee. —Kay Kropff, Canyon, Texas 27 / 51
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes
My family absolutely loves these oat pancakes. I make them every Saturday and Sunday. If I don't, they don't believe it's the weekend! My son's friends often spend the night, and I think it's because they like these oatmeal pancakes so much. They are especially delicious served with molasses and syrup. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina 28 / 51
Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal
I absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas 29 / 51
Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread
I'm always busy with three active sons, so this rich quick bread is a favorite. I like to wrap these loaves to give as gifts. —Sharon Walker, Huntington Station, New York 30 / 51
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 31 / 51
Yankee Rancheros
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I needed to learn to make a few Mexican dishes. These rancheros are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas 32 / 51
Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmer's Breakfast
This hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs will warm you up on a cold winter morning. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan 33 / 51
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 34 / 51
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 35 / 51
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
The classic flavors of peanut butter and bananas come together in this yummy oatmeal. It’s a healthy recipe that fits in my diet and satisfies my husband’s taste buds at the same time. We enjoy it often. —Debbie Perdue, Westland, Michigan 36 / 51
Crustless Spinach Quiche
I served this quiche recipe 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 crustless quiche—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin 37 / 51
Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread
Cinnamon and raisins bring heartwarming flavor to this mildly sweet bread. It's ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick snack before dinner. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma 38 / 51
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 39 / 51
Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Is it possible for four kids to cook together without total chaos in the kitchen? Yes, with the right recipe. This cinnamon roll monkey bread is a favorite with my bunch. They get to "play" with the dough as they roll pieces of refrigerated biscuits into balls. —Lisa Combs, Greenville, Ohio 40 / 51
Hard-Boiled Eggs
In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 41 / 51
Vegetable Frittata
When you're looking for something healthy in a hurry, you can't beat this veggie-filled frittata cooked in a cast-iron skillet. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California 42 / 51
Breakfast Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes aren't just for dinner anymore. Top them with breakfast favorites to power up your morning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 43 / 51
Aunt Edith's Baked Pancake
My aunt made a mighty breakfast that revolved around 'The Big Pancake'. I always enjoyed watching as she poured the batter into her huge iron skillet, then created the perfect confection: baked pancakes. —Marion Kirst, Troy, Michigan 44 / 51
Overnight Oatmeal
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get some extra sleep in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana 45 / 51
Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho 46 / 51
Blueberry Cream Muffins
When most people think of Maine, they immediately think of lobster. But we who live here know of something equally as good: wild blueberries. Their flavor is unmatched, and they're especially great in these blueberry muffins with sour cream. —Lillian Van der Harst, Center Lovell, Maine 47 / 51
Tropical Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
I have been making this quinoa, coconut, pineapple and mango dish since I was in high school. To make it even more tropical, add some diced papaya.—Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee 48 / 51
Oat Waffles
These family favorites have more fiber and less fat than standard waffles. My 2 year-old daughter loves them with fresh berries. —Karen Hayes, Danville, Virginia 49 / 51
Bacon 'n' Egg Gravy
My husband, Ron, created this wonderful bacon and egg gravy. It's home-style and old-fashioned. Sometimes we ladle the gravy over homemade biscuits. Served with fruit salad, it's a great breakfast. —Terry Bray, Winter Haven, Florida 50 / 51
Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake
I like that I can use delicious Wisconsin sour cream in this recipe. This coffee cake tastes wonderful and feeds a crowd, so it's perfect for a morning meeting or for breakfast with overnight company. —Sandra Munyon, Watertown, Wisconsin 51 / 51
Cast-Iron Scrambled Eggs
I love these easy cast-iron scrambled eggs, which use fresh ingredients that I usually have on hand. They make a quick and simple breakfast! — Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin Originally Published: May 05, 2020