14 Low-Calorie Breakfast Recipes For A Happy Morning

Switch up the most basic of brunch dishes with this recipe that swaps brioche for English muffins to make a French toast that’s just begging for extra maple syrup and butter.

This breakfast sandwich is so much more sophisticated than your standard Egg McMuffin. Bell pepper scrambled eggs, bacon, and a creamy chipotle sauce make this a morning meal you can feel proud of.

Juicy grilled shrimp burgers are way better than your standard barbecue fare. And once you’ve had a burger on an English muffin bun, you’ll never look back.

The next time you have a party, ditch the frozen snacks. These mini English muffin Hawaiian pizzas are perfect finger food.

If making hollandaise sauce last minute is a little too stressful for your mornings, look to this casserole. It has all the eggs Benedict flavor you love, but is easily made ahead of time.

The best part about baking is you can customize your favorite dishes. This recipe gives plain English muffins a hearty makeover with the addition of dried cranberries and walnuts.

Skip the take-out pizza and opt for this simple recipe that’s just as tasty as the real thing, with the added bonus of homemade flavor.

When topped with crab meat and cheese, English muffins make for a mean canapé too.

Sometimes brunch just isn’t brunch-y enough — everything tastes too much like either breakfast or lunch. Not so with this mealtime fusion, combining a breakfast favorite with a barbecue classic.

Making your own English muffins is great for two reasons. They taste better than anything store-bought, and any recipe using the homemade version becomes a million times tastier.

If you’ve never had English muffin in bread form, you’re in for a treat. It’s super-moist, toasts like a dream, and makes every sandwich taste just a little more special.

English muffins in the microwave may sound strange, but trust. This version is gluten-free, vegan, oil-free, and sugar-free, but still gets nice and toasty, making them a great allergy-friendly option.

Sometimes the best part of baking is how it makes your house smell. These English muffins will fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, raisins, and baking bread.

Quick breakfast recipes are essential to have on hand. This two-minute Paleo pumpkin English muffin is made in the microwave, so you can have a tasty breakfast even on busy mornings.

Hey, sometimes we all just want an excuse to have a burger for breakfast. This one is made with a turkey patty, bacon, and cheese, for a breakfast that will really fill you up.

Nothing hits the spot on the weekend like a brunch sandwich. This one, made on an English muffin and stuffed with a poached egg, prosciutto, and lemon garlic mayo, will make you glad it’s the weekend.

Finding the perfect dish for a brunch party can feel like a chore — you don’t want to have to do a bunch of cooking after your guests arrive. This recipe for English muffin bacon, egg, and cheese cups solves that problem.

Fruit-filled breakfasts always feel like a special treat. These English muffins, topped with baked rosemary peaches and cream cheese, will make you feel like a queen.

A fast breakfast doesn’t have to mean an apple or granola bar on the go. These make-ahead English muffins ensure that you can eat a hot and cheesy meal, even on busy mornings.

While ordering multiple kinds of pies can get pricey really fast, our mini English muffin pizzas are an all-around win. From tangy Buffalo chicken to a meatless Margherita, these healthier budget-friendly mini pies will be a hit with everyone - just start with a base of sauce, cheese, and muffin and then try one of these variations. Click for the more recipe details!

Pepperoni:

(serves 6)

• pepperoni sticks, sliced into thin rounds
• optional toppings: hot banana pepper rings

Buffalo Chicken:

(serves 6)

• about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot
• optional toppings: crumbled blue cheese or feta and chopped celery leaves

Pesto Chicken:

(serves 6)

• about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
• 3-4 Tablespoons of basil pesto
• optional topping: crumbled feta

Veggie Lover’s:

(serves 6)

• button mushrooms, sliced
• green bell pepper, diced
• red onion, thinly sliced or diced
• cherry tomatoes, sliced
• green olives, sliced

Margherita Inspired:

(serves 6)

• cherry tomatoes, sliced
• fresh basil leaves (if they’re large, you can slice them into ribbons or roughly chop them)

Greek Inspired:

(serves 6)

• kalamata olives, sliced
• red onion, thinly sliced or diced
• cherry tomatoes, sliced
• crumbled feta

Made with pork shoulder, try this slightly sweet Asian-style recipe from the classic English muffin brand.

Baked French toast is always a breakfast favorite. This recipe ups the ante, swapping bread for English Muffins and adding macadamia nuts and fresh cherries for flavor.

Protein Pancakes

These hearty protein pancakes provide such a nice balance between getting your daily nutrition in while also enjoying a sweet treat. Pro tip: add in some pumpkin pie spice to give the batter even more fall edge and flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Lazy Breakfast Sandwiches

These crowd-pleasing breakfast sandwiches are made possible with the magic of Hawaiian sweet rolls. First, batch-cook your eggs and sausage in a sheet pan, then get ready to build the tastiest sammies of your life. The best part is they're highly customizable – add in veggies to the eggs and play around with different cheeses until you find your perfect fall breakfast combo. (via Maria Provenzano for Brit + Co)

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Muffins

Use up some oats, warm spices, and your apple of choice (we get it – not everyone can be a Granny Smith fan), and a few other pantry staples to craft these nutritious breakfast muffins. Just toss all the ingredients in one big bowl and bake, then you've got enough on-the-go bites to last you the entire week! (via Brit + Co)

Vegetarian Egg Cups

These healthy egg bites are reminiscent of our fave Starbucks food order, but cost way less to make right at home. You can easily swap out the veggies and choice of cheese for your own personal taste, too. These meal prep-able bites make the perfect fall breakfast since they're packed with enough protein to fuel you for the day. (via Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste for Brit + Co)

Traditional Norwegian Pancakes

You'd be surprised at just how easy these Norwegian pancakes are to make! Just 5 ingredients, and you've got some seriously delish, satisfyingly thin, and perfectly sweet flapjacks on your plate. Top your creation with seasonal fruits like apple, cranberry, or figs to really dig into the fall vibes. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Chicken & Waffles

Does it really get better than some good ol' chicken & waffles? We think not. The crispy, breadcrumb-covered chicken tenders in this recipe do require a bit of extra work, but it's so worth it once you sink your teeth into a bite that's both sweet and savory. And syrupy – never forget the syrup! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Olympic Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate is yummy any time of year, which is why you need to try making these muffins that went viral over the summer Olympics. Made with a touch of instant coffee and packed with a rich dark chocolate ganache filling, these may not be the healthiest of fall breakfast ideas, but dang, are they good! (via Jordan Howlett / Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

These healthy, gluten-free, and low-cost breakfast cookies will certainly set your day off on the right foot. Pumpkin puree, flax meal, pepitas, dried cranberries (for the fall-ness of it all), and coconut are all wonderful additions to the oat-packed dough. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vegan Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan breakfast casserole is perfect for serving a brunch crowd with specific dietary restrictions. It's definitely super hearty since it's made with tater tots, tofu scramble, and plant-based sausage. It delivers the same bulky, breakfast-y effect as a non-vegan option would, and the best part is you'll have plenty of leftovers if you end up making it just for yourself! (via The Edgy Veg)

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread is the childhood breakfast of our dreams, so if you're stuck on what to make the fam for a lazy Sunday brunch, let this recipe dissolve all your problems – no monkey business here! These soft and doughy bread rolls get coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar blend before being glazed in a super-sweet cream cheese frosting. (via Clean Cuisine)

Cheesy Pesto Avocado Bacon Breakfast Burritos

These totally meal prep-worthy burritos combine cheese, eggs, spinach, roasted potatoes, avocado, and crispy bacon for a very satisfying fall breakfast. Your morning routine will become a thousand times easier if you make 'em ahead of time and freeze them so they keep the entire week! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash

Sweet potato and kale are an absolute power combo, but we bet you've never thought of having them for breakfast before. Don't shy away from hearty vegan fall breakfast ideas like this one – it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as protein to keep you full and satisfied all morning long! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Matcha Overnight Oats

This overnight oats recipe is a delectable two-fer, being loaded with fiber from the oats and chia seeds, as well as caffeine from the matcha powder. So, you'll wake up to a nice boost of energy that's also great for your gut! (via Earthly Provisions)

Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

It doesn't get more fall than this! These buttery biscuits paired with a rich sausage gravy simply don't compare to anything you can order at a restaurant since they're made with love right at home. (via Completely Delicious)

Gingerbread Oatmeal

Your kitchen will start smelling like absolute heaven the moment you start whipping up this oatmeal on the stove top. With the help of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this hearty, fiber-rich bowl earns the tastiest fall twist. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Potatoes and waffles are pretty much two of our favorite things, so combining each food into one is so genius. You'll fall in love with the crispy exterior, while the inside stays fluffy and tender. Serve with avocado, lox, or eggs to make these bites even more breakfast-worthy. (via The First Mess)

Shakshuka

Shakshuka – AKA runny eggs cooked in a bath of flavorful tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices – is a classic when it comes to fall breakfast ideas. There's a good amount of spicy flair and plenty of heartiness to go around. Share this one-skillet meal with friends and loved ones with a side of toasty, crispy bread for dipping delight. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Apple Cider Mochi Donuts

Apple cider donuts for the win! These sweet treats have a unique mochi-like texture, thanks to the addition of sweet rice flour. It makes them super tender and bouncy – you won't be able to get enough! These donuts would make an excellent addition to your Saturday breakfast plans alongside a cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee for fall time. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Sweet Potato Muffins with Maple Pecan Butter

These muffins are 100% vegan, though they don't taste like it at all! They're also free of processed sugar, making them a healthy bite to enjoy in the AM. The maple-pecan butter totally makes this recipe. (via Butternut Bakery)

Keiko Agena has a complicated relationship with 'Gilmore Girls' character Lane Kim.

“I think what [the role] was for people was different than what it was for me,” she tells Juliet Litman on an episode of the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast (via People). “In a weird way, I feel like I want to honor the experience that people had from the show, and what it meant to them, especially young Asian people, because I get that comment a lot, about what it was like for them to see someone like that on screen.”

And it's no surprise that as much as Gilmore Girls viewers love Lane, Keiko "[loves] her too. I can tell, when I meet someone who knows Gilmore Girls or who loves Lane, it's like, I recognize that love. I see that you love that person."

But it's possible to hold two conflicting emotions at the same time, and although Lane Kim was an incredibly special role at the time, there are some things Keiko would do differently today. “The best thing is to have a Korean American writer [and a] Korean American actor,” she says. “I don't think that that role, cast that way, would happen today. But at that time, in 2000, it was such a different time that I definitely know I wouldn't have said no or pulled myself out of that situation at that time...Now it's just a mix of just having gratitude for having gone through that experience and having that experience.”

Keiko Agena also keeps in touch with two very special 'Gilmore Girls' costars!

And one aspect of Gilmore Girls that Keiko Agena is thankful for is her relationship with the Gilmore Girls cast! And there are two costars in particular she frequently keeps in contact with: John Cabrera (who played Brian) and Sean Gunn (who starred as Kirk).

“There is this kind of lovely nostalgia for that time, and yet also we have years since then,” she says. “I [have] gone to both of their weddings. Our friendship is part Gilmore Girls and appreciation for that crazy time, and then part just like a million other things that are just like friends.”

I was totally surprised to learn she keeps in contact with John and Sean (supposedly) more regularly than Alexis Bledel, but it makes sense when you remember Keiko, John, and Sean are all around the same age — and Alexis is 7 years younger. Hopefully we get another Gilmore Girls reunion to see our favorite television BFF's reunite!