Cosy Winter Breakfast Ideas

Winter and its icy breath always has us all feeling trapped in the wrath of its wicked coldness this time of year. Those frosted fingers, hailing from the bleak mid-winter, wrap around us and keeps us shivering and praying for the spring dawn.

Never fear, though. The comfort one can derive from a delicious and warm breakfast can melt away those icicles and start your day as if wrapped in a cosy blanket. No longer will you be trapped beneath a floor of snow, but will be able to thaw through it and come out on top feeling refreshed, nourished and ready to face the day.

The following ideas and recipes will heal what ails you and make your winter more bearable and less intrusive. Feel free to indulge and enjoy.

Egg Dishes

While eggs are healthy go-to breakfast food any time of year, these egg dishes will be an extra special winter breakfast or brunch addition.

These can be made at any time and are genuinely easy to prepare. They can be a comforting and nourishing breakfast or brunch addition.

Winter vegetables can be highlighted in a baked egg brunch or breakfast. Simply sauté favourite winter vegetables such as leeks, Brussel sprouts, kale, garlic, etc. in a cast iron skillet with olive oil or butter. Crack eggs into the pan along with optional shredded cheese and bake until heated through.

Scrambled eggs are always a favourite and monumentally simple to make. For added warmth you can always a dash of chilli paste and ginger and enjoy a heartily delicious breakfast.

Another crowd-pleasing winter breakfast egg dish is lamb or beef shakshuka. Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern breakfast dish that is based on eggs and tomatoes. Adding lamb or beef elevates it to become a main dish worth celebrating with friends or family. This dish can even be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.

Stuffed French Toast

Who doesn’t love French Toast? It’s a no-brainer. Delicious and simple.

Now, imagine a cream cheese and ricotta filling steeped with the warm flavours of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. And to top it off, a naturally sweetened berry compote to round out the dish! This is heaven on a plate, and a breakfast that will send you off on your day with a smile.

Easy Winter Oatmeal

This beauty is absolutely perfect for those cold, grey winter mornings. Make oatmeal festive and fun during the winter months with festive warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and cardamom.

Another way to enjoy your oatmeal is to put in-season fruits on top. Festive and nourishing ideas include cut-up apples, plums, pomegranate seeds, or blood orange segments. For additional flavour and texture, sprinkle on various nuts and seeds such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts.

Hot Porridge

Searching for a warm, comforting breakfast but tired of oatmeal? Consider making a breakfast porridge with quinoa, quinoa flakes, farro, or other whole grains. This warm and delicious alternative to oatmeal can provide you with a comforting, and delicious start to a cold winter day.

Also consider cooked ancient grains - like barley, quinoa, and farro - to be used for either a sweet or savoury breakfast bowl as a unique way to use up leftovers. Simply combine warm, cooked grains with desired toppings like fruit, nuts, yogurt, dried fruit, or coconut shreds.

Winter Muffin Breakfast

Homemade muffins can serve as a hot breakfast idea for winter while also being a healthy option in the morning (or anytime!). They can be made ahead of time and quickly heated up and topped with butter, peanut butter, or jam.

As we all know, fresh out of the oven, baked goods can seem enticing on cold mornings, so go for the healthy option and bake without an abundance of sugar.

Breakfast Burritos

To make breakfast burritos, start by sautéing desired vegetables in a skillet with olive oil. This could include any desired vegetables including onions, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms. Scramble eggs and cook optional meats such as chicken sausage, turkey bacon, or another favourite. Shredded cheese or beans can also make delicious and filling burrito ingredients.

When ready to enjoy, heat in the oven or microwave to easily heat up. Top with other desired toppings such as a spoonful of Greek yogurt, salsa, or avocado.

They are ideal for when you want a quick, warm, and nourishing breakfast on a cold morning.

Toast

Yes, toast! Rather than eating straight from the toaster, prepare high-protein toast with toppings that will be sure to satisfy. Delicious combinations include peanut butter with banana and cinnamon, scrambled eggs with veggies, and melted cheese with tomatoes and basil. And let's never forget about avocado on toast.

Healthy winter breakfast ideas can include both comfort and nourishment with festive-flavoured oatmeal or porridge from another whole grain. Special egg dishes for winter brunches (or any day of the week), healthy breakfast burritos, or muffins can also easily be made ahead of time.