Vegetarian Breakfast Menus

If you are concerned about getting enough protein in your vegetarian diet, make sure your breakfast features protein-rich foods. While you can certainly serve vegetarian alternatives to sausage and bacon, some people find the commercial substitutes to be an acquired taste. Egg dishes are familiar and versatile breakfast staples that pack in plenty of protein. Scramble, fry or soft boil your eggs for a simple and hearty start to your day. Or get fancy and make omelets stuffed with veggies and artisan cheeses. If you have vegans or egg haters coming to breakfast, try scrambled tofu instead. Scrambled tofu takes just a few minutes to make and can include veggies, garlic, spices and nutritional yeast, a protein-rich topping that adds a savory, cheesy flavor to recipes. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix on your scramble for additional flavor.

Choose from almost any kind of bread and starch you fancy when it comes to planning vegetarian breakfast menus. Whole grain toast, muffins or buttermilk biscuits go well with almost any main course, or serve them alone for quick weekday breakfasts. Sweet and starchy dishes like pancakes, waffles and French toast are crowd-pleasers that complement savory sides like eggs and scrambled tofu. Serve your waffles, pancakes and French toast with real maple syrup, butter and sliced fruit. For a savory starchy breakfast dish, fry potatoes to make hash browns or home fries. Cut down on your cooking time by using prepared hash browns from the freezer section of your grocery store.

Fruit dishes are easy to prepare and deliver a sweet dose of vitamins and minerals. Make a seasonal fruit salad and toss it with a spoonful of sugar and lemon juice to bring out the natural sweetness in the produce. Or slice fruits like mango, melon, apples and pineapple and serve them on a platter just as they are. Fruits like berries, peaches and apples are well-suited for homemade fruit compotes. Follow your favorite compote recipe and use the fruit topping on pancakes, waffles or even toast.

Don’t forget about drinks as you plan your breakfast menu. If you have a health-conscious vegetarian crew at your table, serve fresh juices squeezed from your own juicer or store-bought versions. Make sure to have milk, juice and hot chocolate for kids. Your best bet, especially for feeding a crowd, is to have a few beverage options available. Brew a pot of coffee and a pot of tea, and have a pitcher of cold orange juice ready. Keep a non-dairy milk like almond or soy available for vegans or lactose-intolerant guests.