Power up your morning with these delicious high-protein breakfast recipes that pack up to 30 grams per dish.
01of 21
20 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas (That Aren't Eggs)
If you want to stay satisfied all morning long—without the dreaded 10:30 a.m. hunger pangs—you need to make protein a big part of your meal. (P.S. Here's how much protein you should be eating every day.)
Instead of whipping up your usual scrambled eggs or throwing a dash of protein powder into your smoothie, look to some other delicious foods that can easily add to your breakfast protein count. We rounded up 20 high-protein breakfast ideas that don't have anything to do with eggs. No, seriously: Each good morning recipes contains 13 to 30 grams of protein per serving.
02of 21
Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Barley
View Recipe
If you aren't on the carb-loving train yet, this super grain will convince you to hop aboard. Just 1/4 cup of dry barley packs 6g of protein and 8g of fiber, making it a hearty and filling option for your high-protein breakfast base.
03of 21
Whole-Grain Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
View Recipe
If barley didn't blow your taste buds, farro—another super grain that's like the love child of oatmeal and brown rice—definitely will. This farro and Greek yogurt parfait is easy to meal prep ahead of time for a grab-and-go high-protein breakfast that hits all your a.m. nutrient needs. (
Plant-Based Diet Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
04of 21
Peach-Halva Smoothie
View Recipe
Instead of your usual banana and berries smoothie, swap out the latter ingredient for peaches. Then add tahini—a spread made from ground sesame seeds—and some soy milk for a 15g protein smoothie that's perfect for starting your day.
05of 21
Overnight Cookie Dough Oats
View Recipe
Non-morning people, here's a high-protein breakfast idea you'll love. These overnight oats are prepped the night before (meaning less effort required in the a.m.) and taste like a dessert. Plus, with 13g of protein, this breakfast will have you ready to tackle the day. (Obsessed? Try these other 20 overnight oats recipes.)
06of 21
Baked Blueberry French Toast
View Recipe
Wondering what makes this baked French toast recipe a high-protein breakfast? Muscle-building cottage cheese. Make a big batch on Sunday for easier mornings all week, or share your masterpiece with friends for a DIY healthy brunch. (For best results, serve with one of these healthy, creative mimosa recipes.)
07of 21
Whipped Banana Cream Cheesecake Shake
View Recipe
This high-protein breakfast cheesecake shake uses cottage cheese for a serious protein boost, plus bananas, graham cracker, and vanilla to up the delicious factor. (Also try: Healthy Breakfast Cookies)
08of 21
Almond Breakfast Porridge
View Recipe
Ground almonds (one of the healthiest nuts out there) make a hearty base for this high-protein breakfast porridge. The combination of nuts and coconut cream make this dish high in healthy fats, and the warm spices make it the breakfast version of a cozy cup of chai.
09of 21
Pinto Bean Tofu Breakfast Rancheros
View Recipe
Eggs aren't the only savory option for those in need of high-protein breakfast ideas. These pinto bean tofu breakfast rancheros pack 18g of protein and are totally vegan, proving that you don't need animal products to hit your daily quota of the muscle-loving macro.
10of 21
Oatmeal Griddle Cakes with Whipped Ricotta Topping
View Recipe
Take your oatmeal out of the bowl with these healthy oatmeal griddle cakes. They're filled with Greek yogurt and almonds, and topped with a high-protein ricotta spread. For only 350 calories, you'll get 17g of protein and a breakfast worthy of Sunday brunch.
11of 21
Chocolate Nut Butter Spinach Smoothie
View Recipe
This simple, five-ingredient smoothie is like sipping a high-protein breakfast-appropriate twist on chocolate cake—with a sneaky serving of greens inside. (If you're really a chocoholic, you'll drool over these other chocolate smoothie recipes too.)
12of 21
Vanilla Mango Breakfast Smoothie Bowl
View Recipe
This tropical-tasting smoothie bowl gets its protein from vanilla protein powder, but you could also swap it for Greek yogurt, tofu, or cottage cheese. Blend it just like a smoothie, then pour in a bowl and top with chia, hemp, and sunflower seeds—or anything you'd like!
13of 21
"Chorizo" Breakfast Tacos
View Recipe
This faux chorizo breakfast taco recipe uses either tofu or tempeh (your choice!) for an egg- and meat-free take on a high-protein breakfast. Top with beans for even more protein and fiber, and stick with veggies to keep it lower in calories.
14of 21
Honey-Lemon Ricotta Toast with Figs and Pistachios
Avocado toast might get all the Instagram love, but ricotta is the toast MVP when it comes to getting enough protein. And no need to worry if you're dairy-averse; studies show the protein in ricotta might be easier to digest than others.
15of 21
Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This simple quinoa breakfast bowl recipe serves up 6g of protein from the quinoa alone, but you can personalize it if you want to amp it up. Top with nuts, seeds, and other healthy toppings to score a few extra grams, or swap for dairy or soy milk for even more.
16of 21
Chickpea Flour Vegan Omelet
Nope, those aren't eggs! This magic, vegan version of an omelet is made with chickpea flour, flaxseed or chia seed meal, spices, baking soda, and plain non-dairy yogurt, which makes it a great high-protein egg alternative if you don't want to eat more soy.
17of 21
Blueberry Almond Breakfast Quinoa Smoothie Bowl
Don't save quinoa for lunches and dinners. The hearty, whole grain makes a great swap for cereal or oatmeal for a high-protein breakfast. This simple smoothie bowl recipe with the quinoa topping packs 8.5g of protein—but you can also add a bit of protein powder or a more protein-rich milk if you want even more fullness factor.
18of 21
Sweet Potato Hash High-Protein Breakfast Bowl
This hearty, savory bowl works for breakfast—and every other meal too. The combo of sweet potatoes, veggies, and sliced chicken sausage make it both filling and nutritious, packing healthy protein, fats, carbs, and micronutrients.
19of 21
Veggie Tofu Scramble
ICYDK, tofu is one of the most versatile foods out there—and it makes for a perfect high-protein, vegan breakfast option. Heat up some veggies, then scramble it in a pan just like eggs. (Pro tip: Add turmeric to give it a egg-like color and for bonus health benefits.)
20of 21
Air Fryer Cajun Breakfast Sausage
Break out your air fryer in the early hours (or meal-prep with it ahead of time) to make these indulgent Cajun breakfast sausage bites. Serve with a whole grain (such as oatmeal) and veggies for a well-rounded meal. (
20 Air Fryer Recipes That Are Almost Too Good to Be True
21of 21
Almond Flour Pancakes
These healthy pancakes pack more protein than your usual mix because they're made with almond flour. This recipe has 6g of protein as-is; add a dollop of Greek yogurt or ricotta on top to get a few more grams and skip the sugary syrup.