Starting the day off right requires more than just a main course. A well-curated selection of breakfast sides can elevate the overall dining experience, providing a satisfying foundation for the morning ahead. With over 40 options to explore, this list offers a diverse array of classics and modern twists alike. From the comforting familiarity of buttermilk pancakes and cheesy grits to innovative additions like #29 and #39, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these breakfast sides are designed to complement your favorite morning main courses with ease. Rather than simply taking my word for it, I encourage you to dive in and put these recipes to the test. By doing so, you’ll be rewarded with a breakfast experience that’s truly unbeatable.
Sweet Potato Hash
Starting with a refreshing twist on traditional breakfast sides, we’ll begin with a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines salty, sweet, and peppery notes. This easy-to-make dish requires just 5 essential ingredients, making it an ideal introduction to our culinary journey.
Sautéed Apples
For those who prefer their side dishes with a hint of sweetness, this recipe is sure to delight. This unique dish is essentially an apple pie filling, minus the traditional pastry crust. Simply combine juicy apples, rich butter, and sweet sugar for a flavor combination that’s equal parts familiar and exciting.
Mimosa Fruit Salad
Combine the decadence of a celebratory champagne toast with the sweetness of fresh fruit, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. This indulgent side dish brings together the best of both worlds, marrying the effervescence of bubbly champagne dressing with the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruit. The result is a truly sinful morning treat that will elevate your breakfast game and leave everyone feeling like they’re celebrating something special.
Overnight Oats
For a stress-free morning, consider preparing your sides the night before. One easy option is a no-cook oatmeal recipe that can be enjoyed as-is or topped with a variety of ingredients, such as fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, nutritious seeds, or even decadent chocolate chips.
Buttermilk Biscuits
When it comes to this dish, the beauty lies in its versatility. Not only is it easy to prepare, but you can also make ahead of time and reheat it as needed. This means you can enjoy it at your leisure, whether that’s a leisurely Sunday morning or a busy weekday breakfast.
And don’t be afraid to get creative with how you serve it – it pairs beautifully with any number of breakfast staples, including scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or savory sausage and rich white gravy in a classic biscuits and gravy combination.
Yogurt Parfait
Indulge in a sweet and tangy treat with this delectable Yogurt Parfait! Fresh strawberries provide the perfect base for this creamy delight, boasting flavors that are both fresh and slightly sour. To add some satisfying texture to the mix, chopped granola brings a delightful crunch – but feel free to get creative and substitute it with frosted flakes or another cereal of your choice if you don’t have granola on hand.
Mini Cinnamon Rolls
While it’s possible to purchase pre-made rolls, the real fun lies in creating your own. This recipe promises to yield soft, airy, and scrumptious results in under two hours, making it an ideal solution for those seeking a quick yet satisfying side dish.
French Toast
Indulge in the familiarity of a timeless favorite as you integrate this delectable recipe into your morning routine. What sets it apart is not only its enduring appeal but also the innovative approaches that elevate the flavor profile, yielding an even more satisfying breakfast experience.
Whole Wheat Waffles
While the world of waffles may seem straightforward, there’s actually a surprising level of nuance when it comes to their construction. In reality, two primary methods exist: the use of batter and the use of dough. The former yields a delightfully airy and lightweight treat, its texture characterized by a tender crumb that’s simply begging to be topped with your favorite sweet or savory ingredients.
Potato Pancakes
This humble breakfast accompaniment requires just a mere four elements to come together. The simplicity of its composition belies its satisfying nature, making it an excellent addition to your morning meal. A key component is leftover mashed potatoes, which can be substituted with mashed potato flakes or pureed potatoes for added versatility.
English Muffins
Indulge in a quintessential British treat that’s sure to delight. These flaky, buttery accompaniments are a far cry from their American counterparts – think biscuits with a yeasty twist. The secret lies not in baking powder, but rather the magic of yeast, giving them an unmistakable flavor and texture that will leave you hooked.
Cinnamon Apple Bake
A versatile apple recipe to start your day is one that can easily be transformed into a delicious apple pie filling. Unlike the fried apple option previously mentioned, this baked alternative yields a pie-like consistency that’s perfect for a morning meal.
Croissant Breakfast Rolls
Forget about buying pre-made pastry when you can create your own delicious treats with minimal effort. Croissant rolls are a great place to start, and using store-bought puff pastry makes the process much easier. By simply rolling out the dough and adding some buttery goodness, you’ll end up with homemade-tasting croissants that will impress anyone.
Scones
The classic scone recipe provides a versatile foundation for experimenting with various flavors. Take the original as a starting point and feel free to incorporate your preferred sweet or savory elements, such as juicy blueberries, tart cranberries, crunchy apple slices, or even a hint of citrus from lemon zest. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create unique scone variations that suit your taste buds.
Hash Brown Casserole
Transform your humble hash browns into an epic, cheesy casserole that’s sure to impress. With this simple recipe, you’ll just need to combine the ingredients, pour them into a casserole dish, and let the oven do its magic until it emerges golden brown and irresistible.
Blueberry & Banana Baked Oatmeal
As a complement to your morning meal, consider crafting this delectable fruit recipe that’s packed with fiber and versatility. The blend of fruits can be easily customized to suit your taste buds, with options like succulent strawberries and plump blackberries serving as suitable substitutes for blueberries.
Berry Muffin
There’s something undeniably charming about starting the day off with a warm, freshly baked muffin. The perfect blend of texture and flavor, these sweet treats have the power to brighten up even the most mundane mornings. In this recipe, we bring together the richness of buttery goodness and the tanginess of three distinct berries in a thick, indulgent batter – a match made in breakfast heaven.
Classic Fruit Salad
Elevate your breakfast spread with this innovative, citrus-infused side dish. By incorporating sweet orange juice into the recipe, you’ll not only add a touch of acidity but also introduce a hint of natural sweetness, all without relying on refined sugars.
Classic Crepes
When crafting crepes, it’s crucial to achieve the ideal balance of moisture, allowing for their signature thinness. Additionally, having a hot skillet ready at the outset is essential for ensuring a perfectly cooked dish. This versatile side can be paired with an array of toppings, making it an exciting canvas for creativity and experimentation.
Whole Wheat Bagels
Ready to take on a new culinary challenge? Look no further! This straightforward recipe empowers you to craft delicious bagels from the ground up in under three hours. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this accessible guide will have you rolling, boiling, and baking like a pro in no time.
Asparagus Omelet
When it comes to breakfast, eggs make for an excellent accompaniment due to their impressive ability to keep us full. Furthermore, when paired with the likes of asparagus and a sprinkle of cheese, this classic combination becomes not only filling but also delightfully flavorful.
Sticky Buns
The lines between sticky buns and cinnamon rolls are often blurred, and it’s easy to see why. Both treats share a common denominator: soft, fluffy bread dough infused with the warmth of cinnamon. However, the key difference lies in their texture and flavor profiles. Sticky buns, as the name suggests, have an unmistakable stickiness that sets them apart from their cinnamon roll counterparts. This is largely due to the presence of caramel sauce, which adds a rich, velvety sweetness to each bite.
Fried Bananas
Imagine indulging in a crispy, sweet, and utterly unexpected snack: fried bananas. This unconventional treat may raise eyebrows at first, but trust us – it’s a game-changer. The process is surprisingly simple: slice your bananas into coins or strips, then coat them with a mixture of honey (or substitute sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar) before frying to a golden crisp.
Glazed Donuts
Indulge in the sweet treat of donuts for breakfast without leaving the comfort of your own home. Instead of braving the outside world, why not whip up a batch yourself? This recipe is so impressive that it’ll fool even the most discerning palates into thinking you bought them from a store. The result will be a delightful surprise for your loved ones, and they might just ask where you got them.
Banana Bread
Regardless of whether you perceive it as a warm loaf or a sweet indulgence, this versatile baked good is an excellent candidate for advance preparation. A perfect option for busy households, it allows you to share the workload with loved ones and enjoy quality time together.
Chocolate Babka
This indulgent loaf combines the best of both worlds – it’s a delicious breakfast option and an equally satisfying snack. What makes it particularly enjoyable to prepare is the process itself, which involves layering and braiding the dough to create a stunning finished product.
Buttermilk Pancakes
When it comes to rounding out your morning meal with a satisfying selection of breakfast sides, no collection would be considered comprehensive without including at least one beloved pancake recipe. And for good reason – the classic Buttermilk Pancake is a timeless treat that boasts a unique tang and subtle sourness courtesy of its star ingredient: buttermilk.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Kick off your day with a quick and effortless breakfast side dish that’s ready in no time. The key to achieving the perfect texture is using steel-cut oats instead of rolled or instant oats. This simple substitution ensures that your morning meal remains hearty and satisfying, rather than mushy and unappetizing.
Southern Sausage Cake
A breakfast treat that checks all the right boxes – savory, doughy, sweet, and effortlessly prepared. This indulgent dish brings together the ultimate morning trifecta: sausage, cake, eggs, and the richness of maple syrup, all in one satisfying casserole-style package.
Cheesy Grits
Grits, a staple in Southern cuisine, take on a rich and indulgent twist when paired with melted cheese and butter. But what really elevates this comforting dish is the addition of chopped green onions, which bring a bright and refreshing flavor to balance out the savory and creamy elements.
Vegetable Frittata
When combining a medley of vegetables, cheese, and an abundance of eggs, what can you expect? The outcome is a scrumptious frittata that’s both filling and indulgent, making it an ideal choice for a morning meal or brunch. Its satisfying flavor profile and impressive nutritional value will leave you craving more.
Cheese Danish
Indulge in the simplicity of crafting a scrumptious breakfast pastry, utilizing your very own homemade pastry dough and a medley of sweet and tangy toppings. What’s more, this delightful treat can be conjured up in a remarkably short span of 59 minutes or less, leaving you with ample time to start your day.
Poached Egg & Avocado Toast
The anticipation is over – avocdo toast has officially made its mark on this list. This versatile recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity. Simply combine the creamy richness of avocado with a poached egg on any type of toast and take it to the next level by adding crispy bacon, salty prosciutto, juicy tomato slices, or tangy goat cheese. The options are truly endless.
Jalapeno & Turkey Cornbread
Although often thought of as a standalone side dish, this cornbread has the potential to be a satisfying all-in-one breakfast option. The combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors in each slice makes for a delightful culinary experience that can easily keep you fueled until lunchtime.
Avocado Egg Salad
Indulge in a creamy and healthier breakfast option by trading traditional mayonnaise-based egg salad for a green alternative. The secret ingredient? Avocado. This innovative twist on a classic recipe replaces the richness of mayo with the velvety smoothness of avocado, providing a satisfying and nutritious start to your day.
Brown Butter Carrots
Indulge in the simplicity of a stress-free breakfast side dish with these delightful Brown Buttered Carrots. Their trifecta of textures – crunchy, sweet, and fresh – harmonizes beautifully with heartier, more filling morning meals, striking a perfect balance between flavors.
Green Bean Salad
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of a Green Bean Salad, a perfect accompaniment to your morning meal. This refreshing side dish boasts a trifecta of flavors: crisp from the green beans, salty from the tanginess, and a hint of tartness that will leave you craving more. The best part? It can be expertly prepared ahead of time, allowing you to effortlessly toss it together just before serving.
Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower
For those seeking a low-carb breakfast option, this recipe offers a delicious and versatile solution. Its versatility lies in the ability to be paired with various ingredients, such as steamed broccoli, which adds a unique flavor profile.
Loaded Pull-Apart Bread
For your next family get-together or reunion, consider whipping up a simple yet impressive pull-apart bread recipe, also known as strata. This delightful bread takes on a whole new level of flavor when infused with the savory goodness of bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of scallions.
Bacon & Corn Pudding
For a quick and satisfying breakfast, try combining corn, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs. This simple recipe is easy to throw together and can be elevated with an extra kick of heat from diced jalapeños.
Egg Muffins
Technically speaking, these bite-sized treats are not traditional muffins. Instead, they’re miniature frittatas, boasting a medley of flavors within each compact package. Spinach, crispy bacon, and melted cheese are the core ingredients, but feel free to get creative by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers, corn, or asparagus to give them an extra boost.
Raspberry Pinwheels
As we near the conclusion of our culinary journey, we’re pleased to include one final dessert recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This delectable treat is a breeze to prepare, courtesy of the convenience offered by store-bought puff pastry – allowing you to indulge in its flaky goodness in mere minutes.
The bottom line
Indulge in a world of flavors and textures with our extensive collection of 42 mouth-watering breakfast sides. These versatile options can be expertly paired with your favorite breakfast main courses, ensuring you leave the table feeling thoroughly satisfied. Looking for even more inspiration? We’ve curated lists of top breakfast picks, including 25 delectable appetizers, 23 sunny dinner ideas, 27 easy gluten-free options, 27 delicious keto recipes, and 30 sweet treats.
With so many mouthwatering choices at your fingertips, you’ll be spoiled for selection. Here’s a sneak peek at our comprehensive list of 42 breakfast sides that will elevate the most important meal of the day to new heights!