21 DeIicious Ideas For A Light Breakfast - The Spruce Eats

Skip to Content 15 Light Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right

These delicious breakfasts will satisfy you without weighing you down.

By Laurel Randolph Laurel Randolph A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process Updated on 08/10/24 Close

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but sometimes you don't want to be weighed down by a hefty breakfast burrito or French toast. For those days on the go, a light breakfast will do. From bowls to muffins to smoothies to toasts, we've got plenty of quick and easy recipes that don't sacrifice flavor and won't weigh you down.

• 01 of 15

  Avocado Toast

  

  Avocado toast is a super quick and easy savory breakfast. Use a toasted, hearty multigrain bread and top with ripe, mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and salt and pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick. For a more filling, protein-packed breakfast, add a poached or soft-boiled egg.

• 02 of 15

  Apple Pie Breakfast Cookies

  When you need a little hit of sweet while still getting a dose of whole grains and fruit, grab an apple pie breakfast cookie. They travel well and they keep for up to a week in an airtight container, so they're a great make-ahead breakfast. Add walnuts or pecans for extra protein.

• 03 of 15

  Cloud Eggs

  Cloud eggs are more than just a picture-perfect way to cook eggs—they also make a nice light, savory breakfast. The egg whites are whipped until fluffy and folded together with cheese. Baked and topped with an egg yolk, they're a fun way to start the day.

• 04 of 15

  Blueberry and Spinach Superfood Green Smoothie

  For a simply delicious and nutritious light breakfast, you can't go wrong with a smoothie. This green smoothie combines banana, blueberries, and spinach for a naturally sweet drink packed with fiber and vitamins. Fruit juice or non-dairy milk can be used for the liquid.

  Protein-Packed Meal Delivery Makes Eating Healthy So Much Easier—These Are Our 7 Favorites Continue to 5 of 15 below
• 05 of 15

  Blueberry Biscuits

  Fresh-baked blueberry biscuits are a wonderful way to start the day, and you can make them the night before. This biscuit recipe pairs fresh blueberries with lemon zest and adds a little sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness. Topped with a lemon glaze, they offer a quick, delicious breakfast.

• 06 of 15

  5-Minute Omelet

  A simple two-egg omelet with a light filling like sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of cheese can't be beaten. The protein-rich egg will give you a burst of energy while keeping you focused. Change up the fillings with options like spinach, tomato, peppers, and onions to keep things interesting.

• 07 of 15

  Breakfast Stuffed Apples

  Instead of just grabbing an apple on the way out the door, take some extra time to stuff a few apples and bake them until tender. The autumnal treat is basically a healthy version of apple pie and a much prettier version of apple-cinnamon oatmeal. Use vegan margarine to make it vegan.

• 08 of 15

  Muffin Cup Ham and Cheddar Quiches

  A ham and cheese mini quiche is a flavor-packed portable breakfast. One muffin-sized egg dish is a nice light meal, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days or the freezer for a few months and reheated. Switch up the mix-ins if you like—you can also make these vegetarian.

  Continue to 9 of 15 below
• 09 of 15

  Banana Oatmeal Cookies

  Perfect for when you need breakfast on the go, these cookies are chock full of healthy ingredients, offering a great start to your day. Ripe bananas, oatmeal, and walnuts are added to typical cookie ingredients, making for what may seem like a decadent treat.

• 10 of 15

  Acai Berry Parfait

  Acai berries are a superfood and can be found in the frozen food section. Blend them with a frozen banana and layer with granola for a healthy and light breakfast parfait. Pumpkin seeds and pomegranate add lots of flavor and texture but use your choice of nuts and fruit.

• 11 of 15

  Egg White Omelet

  Using just the egg whites makes a low-fat, low-cholesterol, high-protein way to start the day. This egg white omelet is filled with spinach, tomatoes, feta, and olives for a flavorful and healthy dish.

• 12 of 15

  Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Breakfast Cookies

  These high-protein, low-sugar breakfast cookies only take a few minutes to mix and form before baking. They have lots of flavor from cocoa powder and peanut butter, and lots of nutrition thanks to oats and quinoa. One cookie is a light breakfast and is easy to take on the go.

  Continue to 13 of 15 below
• 13 of 15

  Easy and Crispy Hash Brown Breakfast Bites

  For a savory breakfast bite, these tater totes and egg bites are just the ticket. Swap out the cheese for your favorite and add veggies or meat if you like, such as cooked, crumbled bacon or finely diced peppers and onions. Make a batch and reheat them one or two at a time for breakfast.

• 14 of 15

  Cinnamon and Date Chia Pudding

  Chia seed pudding is a healthy dish that takes minimal effort and can be whipped up the night before. Soaked in almond milk and chilled in the fridge, the seeds plump and form a pudding. Flavor however you like, similarly to oatmeal but less filling. This version uses dates as a natural sweetener.

• 15 of 15

  Sweet and Tropical Pineapple Smoothie

  Smoothies are a delicious way to start the day. Plus, they're quick and easy to make in a blender and perfectly portable. Sweet banana and tart pineapple are the main ingredients of this tropical smoothie. Add coconut milk as the liquid to mimic the flavors of a piña colada.

20 Healthy Breakfast Ideas Explore More:

• Recipes By Course
• Breakfast & Brunch
• Pancakes & Waffles

Passover Pancakes 23 mins Ratings Tips for Making Perfect Pancakes Banana Bread French Toast Recipe 25 mins Ratings Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pancakes 30 mins Ratings Baked French Toast With Brown Sugar Streusel Topping Recipe 50 mins Ratings Quick and Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles 15 mins Ratings Bisquick Pancakes Recipe 25 mins Ratings Churro Waffles Recipe 35 mins Ratings Savory Herb Pancakes and Lox 40 mins Ratings Sweet Potato Waffles Recipe 25 mins Ratings Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes 30 mins Ratings Simple Homemade Pancakes Recipe 22 mins Ratings Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Waffles Recipe 20 mins Ratings Instant Pot Pancake Recipe 50 mins Ratings Lemon Blueberry Pancakes 17 mins Ratings Raspberry Pancakes 20 mins Ratings