Sneaking in a nutritious breakfast can be hard for just about anyone. And for those sticking to a Paleo diet, the morning meal might seem even more daunting. Eggs are always an option, but going through multiple cartons per week gets old fast. Besides, no one should have to give up the goodness of waffles, pancakes, and muffins.
Whether you’re making an impressive brunch spread or just looking for something quick as you dash out the door, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. These a.m. options range from savory to sweet, refreshing to rich. The only hard part about breakfast now is picking which recipe to make first.
Muffins and Breads
Photo: Bakerita
1. Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
It’s hard to improve upon banana bread, but adding chocolate chunks does just that. This Paleo loaf stays nice and moist from plenty of mashed banana. Just mix the wet ingredients and then add in a coconut flour and cinnamon mixture. Though the recipe calls for letting this goody cool before slicing, it might be even better when those bits of chocolate are still melty.
2. Paleo Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Who decided that the best use of pumpkin spice was in a coffee drink? We think these muffins are a way tastier (and healthier!) option. Made from mostly eggs and pumpkin puree, these morning treats pack in a good amount fiber and protein. Put down the latte and pick up one of these to get all of that great flavor with a lot more staying power.
3. Paleo English Muffins
If you thought going Paleo meant giving up English muffins, think again. The best part about this recipe is that it cooks in the microwave in just two minutes, so there’s no need to preheat the oven. They’re great with a swipe of nut butter or jam, but they also make a killer eggs Benedict on a leisurely Sunday. Bonus: Brunch at home means getting to wear pajamas well into the afternoon hours.
4. Carrot Ginger Muffins
Some muffins are so rich that they’re more appropriate for dessert than breakfast. This Paleo version combines the goodness of grated carrot and plumped raisins with a base made from coconut oil, shredded coconut, and almond flour. They taste just like carrot cake but won’t derail your eating for the rest of the day.
5. Coconut Flour Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a no-no for anyone forgoing grains—unless you make this loaf, which swaps out butter and sugar for mashed banana, a touch of maple syrup, and a little bit of coconut oil. Walnuts are optional, but they offer up some omega-3s and give a satisfying crunch.
6. Paleo Almond Flour Muffins
Everyone should have one master muffin recipe that works with everything from blueberries to chocolate chips. Consider this the ultimate Paleo one. It’s a simple, two-bowl method that takes well to whatever ingredients you have on hand. That means it can be your go-to recipe whenever you get a craving for a sweet morning baked good.
7. Paleo Breakfast Bread
While quick breads get bonus points for being super easy to prepare, they don’t typically win any health contests. This Paleo bread gets healthy fats and protein from nut butter and just enough sweetness from a touch of honey. The recipe calls for cinnamon, but feel free to play around with different spices to suit your mood. Maybe it’s more of a cardamom kind of day.
Pancakes and Waffles
Photo: A Girl Worth Saving
8. Paleo Chocolate Waffles
Chocolate for breakfast usually brings to mind Pop-Tarts or kids’ cereal—and a massive sugar crash that leaves you asleep at your desk by midmorning. That won’t happen with these waffles, which get just enough sweetness from applesauce and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. To give them even more staying power, top with strawberries, bananas, or nut butter rather than the sauce.
9. Coconut Flour Pancakes
Traditional pancakes are definitely not an option for Paleo converts, so these coconut flour ones are a dream come true. With a triple dose of coconut—flour, milk, and oil—they’re great with any of your favorite toppings, but why not go for it with a sprinkle of toasted, shredded coconut?
10. Paleo Sweet Potato Waffles
The crispy edges of a fresh waffle make it one of the best on-the-go options out there, especially when it’s a spiced sweet potato waffle. Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of beta-carotene to support a healthy immune system, plus they could help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. With natural sweetness and a bit of pumpkin spice, these treats don’t even need a topping.
11. Grain-Free Applesauce Pancakes
Two-ingredient banana pancakes are a quick breakfast option, but these ones are a great alternative when you’re in the mood for something a little bit different. Don’t worry, they’re hardly any more work with just six ingredients and a simple method. They’re perfect as is, but a sprinkle of cinnamon makes them taste just like an apple pie.
12. Paleo Belgian Waffles
Any day that begins with a waffle is nearly guaranteed to be awesome. Enjoy the same taste of a classic Belgian waffle with this recipe that’s made with raw cashews, almond milk, eggs, and a bit of coconut flour. Purists will want to enjoy these as is, or try using them to make a seriously fun breakfast sandwich.
13. Paleo Pear and Bacon Pancakes
Pancakes and bacon are a sweet and salty combination that just wins. This genius breakfast marries the flavors by putting the savory meat right in the batter along with some sweet, juicy pear. We’re so happy that someone finally went there—and shared the recipe!
Casseroles
Photo: Plaid and Paleo
14. Sausage and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
While breakfast strata makes a great weekend treat, it’s filled with tons of bread and not much else. Talk about bloat. This recipe gives the typical casserole a whole new look and taste with sweet potatoes, greens, and sausage. With so much flavor, you won’t miss the cheesy topping one bit.
15. Blueberry French Toast Casserole
If you thought eating a Paleo diet meant no more French toast, think again. Although this requires making bread first, you can split the tasks in two and bake that the day before (and have some sandwiches while you’re at it), or prep the entire casserole the night before, pop the dish into the fridge, and then toss it into the oven for 40 to 50 minutes when you wake up.
16. Paleo Breakfast Casserole
Having some veggies for breakfast starts the day off right by offering up plenty of antioxidants and fiber. That doesn’t mean a boring salad is the only option, though. This hearty casserole gets plenty of flavor from sriracha, bacon, mustard, and some Italian seasoning. Cook up the veggies, layer into a dish, and then pour a quick egg batter on top before sending it to the oven.
17. Apple Banana Berry Paleo Baked French Toast
Crispy on the top, gooey in the middle, this dish gets a health boost with bananas for potassium, raspberries for vitamin C, and apples, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. All that fruit provides a sweet flavor that almost makes maple syrup seem excessive, but what’s breakfast without syrup?
18. Spaghetti Squash Breakfast Casserole
Italians like to use leftover pasta to make all sorts of breakfast dishes, and this spaghetti squash casserole has a similarly hearty texture minus the wheat. One of the best things is that it’s versatile enough to work with just about any meat or veggie you prefer.
19. Baked Breakfast Casserole With Apples and Raisins
Paleo or not, sometimes having another plate of scrambled eggs for breakfast can be maddening. This casserole is a sweet treat that seriously shakes up a boring morning routine. With no added sugars and plenty of produce, you can have seconds without overdoing it. And it’s the perfect way to use up leftover veggies.
20. Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole
Get all the flavor of a chile relleno for a lot less effort with this savory breakfast bake. Stack alternating layers of a spicy pork mixture and chiles in a baking dish, then cover with an egg mixture. After a trip to the oven, this casserole is ready to go. Cooking for one? Go ahead and make the whole thing and save leftovers in the fridge so breakfast is ready to go for the rest of the week.
Smoothies
Photo: The Iron You
21. Raspberry Grapefruit Smoothie
A lot of smoothie shops add all sorts of bizarre ingredients to their drinks. For those who prefer purity, this recipe is 100-percent fruit. With plenty of vitamin C and a tart flavor, grapefruit is like a seriously sassy version of an orange that works perfectly with the sweetness of banana and raspberries. Just remember to have some protein (like a hard-boiled egg) with it for staying power.
22. Banana Walnut Date Shake
For those with a sweet tooth, this beverage is one of the best breakfasts out there. Bananas and dates means there’s no need for added sugar, and walnuts add an addictive toasty flavor. Puree everything in the blender, pour it into a to-go cup, and breakfast is ready to zoom out the door.
23. Creamy Paleo Chocolate Milkshake
A morning workout can end with a serious craving for something sweet. Instead of heading for a sugary coffee drink, whip up this refreshing chocolate shake. Avocado and nut butter make it satisfying and give plenty of creaminess, while cocoa powder and cinnamon make it taste like a frozen Mexican hot chocolate—and that couldn’t possibly be a bad thing.
24. Avocado Banana Smoothie
Tons of health gurus swear by waking up with a green juice to get loads of nutrients. Unfortunately, that can leave stomachs grumbling hours before lunch. This smoothie gets a lot more heft with filling fats from avocado. Spinach ups the nutrient value even more and it also lends a pretty green hue. Move over green juice, it’s time for green smoothies to shine.
25. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Ever wondered what it would be like to stick a piece of pumpkin pie in the blender? This recipe has all the flavors of that fall favorite with a lot fewer calories. As easy as this smoothie is, speed it up even more by replacing all the spices with a rounded quarter teaspoon of pumpkin spice.
26. Creamy Orange Julius
Orange juice for breakfast is such a yawn. This easy smoothie tastes like a melted creamsicle with a tropical twist. Blend some oranges with vanilla, honey, ice cubes, and coconut milk, and this drink is ready for sipping. It might taste more like dessert than a healthy morning meal, but that just makes it extra fun.
27. Energizing Green Smoothie
Some green drinks can taste like a mouthful of lawn clippings. Not this treat. Sweet and tangy pineapple offers up loads of vitamin C and manganese to keep your body in tip-top shape. And chia seeds help thicken it up and further boost the fiber.
Bowls
Photo: Paleomg
28. Blueberry Carrot Cake Parfaits
We can’t lie, sometimes a piece of cake is all we really want for breakfast. It’s not exactly a nutritious way to wake up, though. Get the best of both worlds with this sinfully delicious parfait. It takes some time to bake the cake and make a compote, but it’s so worth the effort during a relaxed weekend. Breakfast never tasted so good (but go ahead and have it at dessert too).
29. Gluten-Free Granola
Saying no to grains shouldn’t mean having to say no to a helping of crunchy granola, and it doesn’t have to anymore. This recipe lets the food processor do most of the work, chopping up a combo of nuts and seeds with some coconut. Full of copper, manganese, and healthy fats that may help protect against heart disease Nuts, Blood Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease. Sabate, J. Wien, M. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010; 19(1):131-6.
Nuts and Berries for Heart Health. Ros, E., Tapsell, LC., Sabate, J. Current Atherosclerosis Reports. 2010 Nov; 12(6):397-406.
Frequency of Nut Consumption and Mortality Risk in the PREDIMED Nutrition Intervention Trial. Guasch-Ferré, M., Bulló, M., Martínez-González MÁ., et al. BMC Medicine. 2013 Jul 16; 11:164.
, nuts make a super nutritious morning meal.
30. Yogurt Parfait
Miss the creamy goodness of yogurt for a morning treat? This recipe purees coconut water, fresh coconut, soaked cashews, and vanilla in the blender to get a luxurious puree that’s every bit as good as the dairy stuff. Fresh coconut has unbeatable flavor, but it can be a challenge to crack. Save this one for a day when you’re feeling adventurous!
31. Paleo Pumpkin Pie Porridge
Bring the flavor of fall to a creamy morning treat with a porridge made from pumpkin puree, almond flour, water, and some maple syrup. Any fruit and nut combo makes a great sweet porridge, plus this can easily morph into a savory offering my skipping the maple, adding some chopped chipotle, and topping with a sprinkle of cilantro and pumpkin seeds.
32. No-Bake Paleo Muesli
This country is crazy for granola, leaving muesli long forgotten. It’s time to bring this European breakfast staple to the limelight, because it’s just as delicious as those oat clusters and even easier to make. Chop some nuts and seeds in the food processor and then toss with coconut flakes, cinnamon, and cranberries. Breakfast for the whole week will be ready in just a couple of minutes.
33. Oat-Free Paleo Oatmeal
It’s hard to beat a comforting bowl of oatmeal, but this Paleo version might be even better thanks to the delicious coconut. With just four ingredients, it’s nearly as easy as the classic and comes together just as fast. Serve with raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a traditional spin, but some mango and a sprinkle of macadamia nuts makes this taste like a trip to Hawaii.
34. Banana-Nut Porridge
A bowl of something warm and creamy is always a great way to wake up since it’s basically like a hug from the inside. This dreamy concoction comes together in the blender before a quick blast on the stove. Just note that the nuts need to soak overnight, so plan ahead or else you’ll wind up with a chunky mess.
35. Avocado, Kale, and Cashew Parfait
Most people probably scrunch up their noses at the thought of heading to a Paleo friend’s place for weekend brunch, but that doubt will turn to delight if they get one of these gorgeous parfaits. Start with a sprinkle of homemade cookie crumbles (or chopped nuts), follow with a sweet spoonful of macerated strawberries, and then crown the whole thing with a thick layer of avocado kale mousse that packs a serious punch of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
36. Paleo-Os Cereal
Finding a grain-free cereal in the grocery store is pretty much an impossible mission, so making it at home is the best option. This crunchy cereal is made with coconut flour, arrowroot flour, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup. Storing it in an airtight container also means it’ll stay fresh way longer than that boxed stuff.
Bars
Photo: The Pescetarian and the Pig
37. Raw Coconut Cranberry Cashew Fig Bars
While there are plenty of great homemade bar options out there, a lot of them take forever to make. Not these sweet treats. Nuts, fruit, coconut oil, and honey go into a food processor, and then the whole mixture gets pressed into a pan. No baking, no fuss, and totally tasty.
38. Paleo Breakfast Bars
Most packaged breakfast bars don’t have much flavor apart from crazy amounts of sugar. These DIY portables will leave your taste buds dancing with a combo of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus some molasses for extra richness. Made from mostly nuts and dried fruits, these bars offer up plenty of filling fiber and an addictive crunch that makes them great for breakfast or a late-night snack.
39. Gluten-Free Paleo Fig Bars
Let’s face it, we all grab a bar on the go from time to time. And then wonder what half the ingredients are that we’re eating. Eek! These use only pronounceable ingredients including figs, hazelnut flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. With a sweet and nutty taste, they’re basically Fig Newtons' sophisticated older sister.
40. Coconut Date Bars
Requiring only three ingredients and 10 minutes to make, this recipe may make you never buy another bar again. But how do they taste? Sweet and tropical, with an occasional crunch from a piece of almond. This is proof of how amazing clean eating can be.
41. No-Bake Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars
Perfect for post-workout, these bars are made with nuts, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and chia seeds. They’ll satisfy any stubborn sweet tooth while offering up antioxidants and protein. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the recipe for even more muscle-building, belly-satisfying benefit.