They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and when it’s plant-based and packed with flavor, it’s even better! Whether you love hearty, savory dishes or quick, grab-and-go options, this guide has everything you need to start your day right—without eggs, dairy, or meat.
If super crisp hash browns, softly sweet vegan pancakes, savory tofu scramble, or fresh fruit-filled smoothie bowls sound like heaven to you, our guide to vegan breakfast will be a lifesaver (literally)!
When you’re just starting out on your vegan journey, simple things can sometimes get confusing. Starting your day with the right food can truly help to motivate you for the rest of the day. With this guide, you’ll have the best tool to transform a basic, dairy-filled breakfast to a delicious and downright delectable meal that’s plant-based and positively free from animal suffering.
An easy way to make breakfast as simple as possible without having to pour through stacks of plant-based cookbooks, is to make a vegan version of an already familiar and favorite breakfast. What does that mean exactly?
For example, if you usually have cereal, fruit, and milk in the morning, all you need to do is replace the dairy milk with a plant-based beverage. There are so many creamy and delicious nut and seed milks on the market (some with added flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut, too!) that there won’t be a lack of choices.
Are you used to having scrambled eggs, toast with butter, and bacon on the side? Whip up a JUST egg or tofu scramble, swap out the butter for vegan butter, and use a tasty tempeh or eggplant bacon instead. Easy-peasy!
These recipes are great for busy mornings! You’ll notice many of these are oatmeal inspired. There are so many reasons to love oatmeal—high levels of heart-healthy fiber, supremely satisfying, chock full of whole grain goodness, and so easy to adapt with different tasty toppings. You can enjoy it cold, warm, hot, or even in a smoothie!
Choose from enticing Strawberries and Cream, Apple Pie, or Peanut Butter Overnight Oats!
So easy to make and bake! The seeds and nuts add healthy fats while the fresh berries give it and extra sweet flavor and insoluble fiber.
The ground oats provide such a creamy, thick texture to the smoothie that’s oh-so-heavenly!
Sweet, spicy, and great to take on the go. Just cut a slice and carry it with you.
Ditch store-bought snacks and make your own granola bars packed with nuts, seeds, and just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for meal prep, these bars come together in just 30 minutes for an easy, on-the-go vegan breakfast idea.
Are you a sweet or savory breakfast lover? Do you prefer early morning eats that are less like lunch and more like dessert, or the other way around? Luckily, we’ve got you covered for both in our vegan breakfast guide! First up, savory vegan breakfast ideas.
These fluffy, dairy-free cornbread muffins are a fun and flavorful addition to breakfast. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cozy bowl of soup or as a savory morning snack, they’re quick to make and freezer-friendly!
Make toast with a smear of vegan butter and vegan strawberry jam. This rosemary beer bread or some vegan spelt bread would be perfect!
Love crispy hash browns? Love waffles? This genius fusion of two breakfast favorites is made with just four simple ingredients and a waffle iron. It’s the ultimate crispy, golden breakfast treat!
Serve your favorite vegan bagels with dairy-free cream cheese and New York style carrot lox for a savory version.
For a warm, hearty start to the day, try this creamy polenta topped with flavorful veggies. It’s comforting, filling, and the perfect savory breakfast for chilly mornings.
If you’re craving crispy, golden home fries, this easy air fryer recipe will be your new go-to! Cost-effective, quick to make, and absolutely delicious—it’s a must-try for breakfast potato lovers.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this hearty breakfast casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for brunch or a comforting way to start the day.
Made with tofu as the base, this savory, protein-packed frittata highlights the best of seasonal veggies. Serve it with a fresh side salad for a balanced and satisfying brunch.
Whether you’re shopping for the best store-bought options or making your own, vegan sausages are a game-changer for a high-protein, savory breakfast. Serve them with toast, in a breakfast sandwich, or alongside a hearty scramble.
Take your morning to the next level with this irresistible, plant-based breakfast sandwich. It’s a guilt-free, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend brunch!
Like to start your day on a sweet note? I’m drooling just thinking about all of the interesting and appetizing options! How about you?
Smoothies are a great on-the-go option! Some of our favorites include tropical mango banana smoothie, gingerbread, and creamy pineapple banana. When you have a little more time, try a smoothie bowl. This beet smoothie bowl, acai smoothie bowl, and dragonfruit smoothie bowl are all delicious options!
The flavor variations are endless! Try vegan banana muffins with an easy crumble topping, plant-based blueberry muffins, or vegan chocolate chip muffins!
Craving something rich and chocolatey for breakfast? This moist and decadent zucchini bread is like having cake for breakfast—while sneaking in veggies! The zucchini keeps it incredibly soft, but the chocolate flavor steals the show.
Start your morning with a bowl of homemade, crunchy granola baked to perfection with toasted pecans, pure maple syrup, and warm cinnamon. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt or enjoy it by the handful, it’s a wholesome way to fuel your day!
Whether you’re making weekend waffles for the family or hosting a brunch, this foolproof waffle recipe delivers crispy edges and a fluffy center every time. Works with any waffle iron—including Belgian!
Nothing beats a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes to start the day! This easy, 15-minute recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients for a perfectly light and airy texture.
Love pancakes but hate flipping? This no-fuss, one-pan recipe lets you bake a whole batch at once, so you can enjoy a warm breakfast with zero hassle. Add your favorite toppings for the ultimate customizable meal!
Brighten up your breakfast routine with these refreshing, zesty lemon poppyseed pancakes! They’re gluten-free, vegan, and packed with citrusy goodness, making them a delicious way to shake things up.
Who says you need eggs for French toast? This golden, crispy, plant-based version is just as indulgent as the classic but made with dairy-free ingredients that everyone can enjoy!
Warm, creamy, and perfectly comforting, this breakfast polenta is a delicious alternative to oatmeal. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy morning meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
On the flip side, creating a beautiful vegan breakfast dish might be the very thing you love to do. When you have a little extra time to put into cooking up something special, it can be really satisfying. Along with recipe ideas, here are a few ways to make these meals more meaningful.
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling the streets of Paris with a warm, chocolate-filled crepe in hand, you’re in luck! These easy four-ingredient vegan crepes are just as delightful and can be filled with fresh berries, sliced fruit, or homemade vegan Nutella for a breakfast that feels truly special.
Bring a taste of summer to your mornings with this bright and refreshing fruit salad! Packed with juicy oranges, cherries, strawberries, and kiwi, it’s a simple yet delicious way to add more fresh fruit to your breakfast routine.
Nothing beats the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, and this plant-based version is just as soft, fluffy, and irresistible as the classic. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion breakfast, these rolls are pure cinnamon-sugar bliss!
Start your day on a sweet and sophisticated note with these tender, buttery vegan scones. Each bite is bursting with juicy raspberries and creamy white chocolate, making them perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy morning treat.
If scrambled eggs are your morning go-to, you may feel a bit lost when it comes to planning a plant-based breakfast. The ideas above should get you started, and many people find that scrambled tofu (aka “tofu scramble”) fills all their breakfast scramble desires. But if you just can’t imagine life without eggs, don’t worry! There are several vegan egg brands coming to life that can give you that familiar morning egg scramble experience.
There are other powders and vegan egg products out there, but these are the most popular and the most egg-like, in our opinion. This is a swiftly evolving arena, however, and new vegan egg substitutes are sure to come to life frequently as humans continue to unlock the magical power of plants, so stay tuned!
And who knows, cultured eggs (eggs grown from animal cells without harming the animals) may be here before we know it. Cultured meat (aka “Clean Meat“), cultured dairy, and cultured eggs can give you the same experience of eating your favorite animal foods without the cruelty, the antibiotics, the hormones, and lots of other “no thank yous” that are traditionally served up with these products.
If you’re jonesing for a hard-boiled egg, you’re unfortunately out of luck. There is no spot-on vegan hard boiled egg that we know of—yet. You can try our vegan deviled potatoes though!
Another important topic comes in the form of breakfast beverages. Specifically with coffee creamer. There are some serious concerns about curdling and separation. If can’t have your coffee or tea without this creamy concoction, don’t panic.
Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to finding your perfect vegan creamer:
Sometimes, there’s just not enough time to make or eat breakfast at home. If you’re in a pinch and really need to stop for an early morning snack on the road, here are some tips for vegan breakfast options:
If you’re still in search of extra ideas for breakfast or brunch, here is a list of popular vegan cookbooks on this very subject:
We also highly recommend the breakfast and brunch recipes from The Friendly Vegan Cookbook. We might be a little biased, since this cookbook was written by World of Vegan founder Michelle Cehn and Plant-Based on a Budget founder Toni Okamoto, but the recipes were all rigorously tested and have gotten rave reviews. Our favorites are the crunchy granola, creamy mango smoothie, and toaster pastries (just like vegan Pop Tarts). Definitely give those a go!
When you wake up in the morning, the very thought of making breakfast might cause a mini meltdown (believe me, I’ve been there!). To make things easier for yourself (and your stomach), here are a some really simple recommendations for planning your first food of the day.
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This is so helpful because sometimes it’s hard for me to think of breakfast ideas
So many yummy breakfast ideas to try out! Thanks for such a delicious list!
Morning becomes so busy and unmanageable especially when you are a working woman and this is the same issue that I have been facing each day but since the day I have across this post by you I really got a great help it has helped me be quicker and also on time at work.
I’m so glad it is helpful! I can definitely relate, as a working mom any ways to make breakfast faster and easier is a huge win!