80 Birthday-Worthy Breakfast Ideas
Updated: Jul. 20, 2023
These special birthday breakfast ideas are the perfect way to start a daylong celebration.
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Birthday Cake Pancakes
For my kids’ birthdays, I love to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal. And don’t forget to top with a candle! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Your kiddos will love these kid-friendly birthday party food ideas.
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Spanakopita Casserole
This traditional Spanakopita Casserole features spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. My dad and I used to fight over the last piece. —Sharon Olney, Galt, California
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Peach Waffle Syrup
I make this sweet chunky syrup on Saturday mornings when my husband and I have extra time. I love to serve it on yogurt and pancakes, in addition to waffles. You can substitute fresh or canned peaches. —Kristina Dalton, Coker, Alabama
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Creamy Banana Crepes
My husband and I enjoy taking turns fixing weekend breakfasts. These crepes are frequently on our menus. The sweet-and-sour banana filling is delicious. You'll want to serve them for lunch, dinner and dessert!
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Salmon Quiche
This recipe came to me from my mother. It’s hearty enough to be served as a meal all on its own, but I like to add a fresh salad on the side. —Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, CaliforniaFor more delicious recipes, check out these 5oth birthday recipe ideas for a special celebration.
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Birthday Cake Waffles
These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Chiles Rellenos Croque-Madame
A traditional croque-madame is a heartier version of a croque-monsieur because it's served with an egg on top of the sandwich. Instead of bechamel and Gruyere, this playful version includes pepper jack, chiles and chipotle. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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Chocolate Chip Pancakes
There's a rush to breakfast in my house when I whip up this chocolate chip pancake recipe. The batter calls for chocolate milk and mini chips, and I top the golden brown cakes with butter and fruit. My daughter says the chocolate chip pancakes are one of her all-time favorites. —Laura Rader, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
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Eggs Florentine
I wanted to impress my family with a holiday brunch, but keep it healthy too. So I lightened up the hollandaise sauce in a classic egg recipe. No one could believe this tasty dish was good for them! —Bobbi Trautman, Burns, Oregon
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Cheesy Bacon and Grits Casserole
I was craving grits for breakfast, so I created this masterpiece with fresh corn and leftover bacon. Serve with avocado and hot sauce to really take it to the next level. —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia
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Pecan Coffee Cake Muffins
These moist, cakelike muffins with heaps of crumb topping are to die for! They’re wonderful for a birthday, entertaining, brunch or anytime. —Shannon Saltsman, Olmsted Falls, Ohio
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Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
This cinnamon bites recipe is the perfect breakfast treat with a sweet, crispy coating.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
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Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas
Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
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The Best French Toast
There's no question that this is the best French toast recipe ever. The caramelized exterior meets a soft custardlike center that practically melts in your mouth. Not only that, but it's quick and easy, too! —Audrey Rompon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Breakfast Scramble
One weekend morning, my husband and I were craving a breakfast without the traditional sausage or bacon. I reached for the ground beef and tossed in other ingredients as I went about cooking. This was the heavenly result! —Mary Lill, Rock Cave, West Virginia
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Orange-Glazed Bacon
Just when you thought bacon couldn't get any tastier, our Test Kitchen staff whipped up this tasty recipe starring the favorite breakfast meat drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Tex-Mex Grain Bowl
This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—but they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
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Spinach Chicken Frittata
When we were growing up, spinach was one of the few vegetables my brothers and I enjoyed. So our mom found all kinds of ways to include it in meals. This dish is one of my favorites. Be creative; feel free to vary the vegetables, cheeses and meat to suit your tastes and budget. —Paula Tuduri, Bozeman, Montana
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Strawberry Overnight Oats
These strawberry overnight oats will be ready and waiting for you in the morning. ThePB&J-inspired breakfast is both gluten-free and dairy-free. Use more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire
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Breakfast BLT Waffles
I'm not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Quinoa-Pear Breakfast Bake
My husband and I enjoy quinoa, so I created this pear breakfast bake for our Sunday brunch. The quinoa is a nice change of pace from oatmeal. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Feta Asparagus Frittata
Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
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Pecan Bacon
Crispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it "special breakfast." The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Mixed Berry French Toast Bake
I love this recipe! It's perfect for fuss-free holiday breakfasts or laid-back company—utterly delicious and so easy to put together the night before. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
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Sausage and Egg Grits
I always mix my sausage, grits and eggs together so I thought it would be great to make a casserole that did the same. It’s loaded with downhome flavor without using any butter! —Jeannine Quiller, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Berry Breakfast Parfaits
Expecting brunch company but short on time? Parfaits are the perfect solution. Feel free to mix and match with whatever berries you have on hand. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
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Homemade Biscuits & Maple Sausage Gravy
I remember digging into flaky, gravy-smothered biscuits on Christmas morning and other special occasions when I was a child. What a satisfying way to start the day! —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls
My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
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Apple Streusel Muffins
These apple streusel muffins remind us of coffee cake, and my husband and kids love them as a quick breakfast or snack on the run. The drizzle of glaze makes them pretty enough for company. —Dulcy Grace, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania
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Surprise Monkey Bread
When my neighbor hosts brunch, she always asks that I make this monkey bread recipe. I also make a savory version with garlic and cheese for dinner. —Lois Rutherford, Elkton, Florida
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Brunch Ham Enchiladas
When I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Puff Pastry Danishes
Even though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
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Down East Blueberry Buckle
This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts
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Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey Syrup
This is a great breakfast for special days, but it mixes up so fast that it's perfect for busy mornings as well. —LeeAnn Hansen, Kaysville, Utah
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Strawberries 'n' Cream Scones
This strawberry scones recipe is rich with cream and packed with berry goodness. If you are like me, you won't be able to eat just one! —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Upside-Down Orange French Toast
I like to serve this for breakfast when we have overnight guests or for a holiday brunch. It gives Florida visitors a taste of sunshine! —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
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Pecan Waffles
I've tried for years to duplicate a delicious waffle I ate at a restaurant chain here in the South. This is the closest I've come, and they're crisp and nutty. Butter and maple syrup are my family's favorite toppings. Why not serve them for your holiday brunch? -Susan Jansen, Smyrna, Georgia
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Overnight Pancakes
Our kids love waking up to these golden, fluffy pancakes. The buttermilk batter is refrigerated overnight, making them perfect for busy mornings and special occasion breakfasts alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana
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Raspberry Breakfast Braid
We also like using blackberries, Marionberries, a mixture of raspberries and blackberries, or all three in this quick and easy pastry. —Tressa Nicholls, Sandy, Oregon
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Breakfast Loaf
I love to make this mile-high breakfast sandwich when we have company for the weekend. If you'd like, add sliced mushrooms and olives. —Amy McCuan, Oakley, California
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Poteca Nut Roll
My mother-in-law brought this recipe from Yugoslavia in the early 1900's. It was a tradition in her family to serve it for holidays and special occasions. Now it's my tradition. Family members often help roll our the dough and add the filling. —Mrs. Anthony Setta, Saegertown, Pennsylvania
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Baked French Toast with Strawberries
French toast is a crowd-pleaser, but it's hard to make for a big group. This overnight casserole with strawberries and a sweet pecan topping fixes everything. —David Stelzl Jr., Waxhaw, North Carolina
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Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey Bread
I love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona
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Waffle Monte Cristos
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
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Chocolate French Toast
Try this yummy treat for a special breakfast or brunch. The layer of chocolate hidden inside makes a wonderful flavor combination that appeals to kids of all ages. You might even be tempted to serve this chocolate sandwich for dessert! —Pat Habiger Spearville, Kansas
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Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Pancakes
At our house, Saturday morning always means pancakes for breakfast. I make the menu special by servings up stacks of these fluffy buttermilk treats studded with mini chips. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
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Berry Puff Pancake
Breakfast is my husband's favorite meal of the day. I use our homegrown blueberries in this sweet morning treat. —Cecilia Morgan, Milwaukie, Oregon
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Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
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Bacon and Asparagus Frittata
My frittata makes a marvelous light meal. especially during the summer. When I prepare the frittata for guests, I also serve rice and bread to make a hearty meal—quick and easy, but it always wins compliments! —Gwen Clemon, Soldier, Iowa
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Easy Glazed Bacon
Brown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Streusel-Topped Blueberry Waffle Casserole
I had company coming and needed a new breakfast casserole, so I made up this nutty idea using waffles. My neighbors and husband were happy taste testers. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas
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Chocolate Chip Elvis Pancakes
I'm one of 13 children, so making a recipe that everyone likes can be a challenge. This chocolate peanut butter pancakes recipe was a Saturday-morning special that we all loved. —Keenan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
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Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits
I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
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Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon & Mushrooms
This meat lover’s breakfast has a big wow factor. The Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are an amazing combination. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
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Eggs Benedict Bake with Bearnaise Sauce
I've made this recipe for my family every Christmas morning for 10 years—it's a food tradition that we look forward to every year. Part of what makes this dish special is the croissants that make the egg bake extra light and fluffy. —Susan Triplett, Citrus Heights, California
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Baked French Toast
Any day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
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Sausage Tortilla Breakfast Bake
This casserole is perfect for a special brunch. It combines the spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it by replacing the tomatoes and green chiles with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona
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Tropical French Toast
Weekends are hectic in my house and we rarely find time to have breakfast together. When I make this special French toast on a Saturday morning, my boys are more than happy to help in the kitchen and eat together!—Amie Carlock, Brick, New Jersey
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Pineapple & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
This bread pudding is easy, convenient, versatile, and delicious. Every time I take it to church or school everyone asks for the recipe because it's the best bread pudding they have ever tasted—I never have any leftovers. This delicious brunch casserole has been requested for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and birthday parties.—Laura Ellis, Biloxi, Mississippi
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Sausage & Mushroom Pizza Frittata
I love this frittata because the combination of fresh flavors makes it special. It's the perfect sunny South Florida breakfast.—Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
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Brunch Banana Splits
My whole family loves bananas, fruit and granola for breakfast. I topped all that with yogurt, nuts and honey and called it a split. This is perfect to serve on a busy morning or a special one! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Swedish Cream Apple Rings
My mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday... Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let's you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
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Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet
I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I created this recipe with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast—and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
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Beefy Huevos Rancheros
This quick, easy and oh-so-tasty recipe works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is delightful served with fruit or salad and some flour tortillas. Guests can top the dish however they'd like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri
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Bacon & Eggs Pizza
I tried a breakfast pizza at a resort buffet and wanted to adapt it for home. I'm pleased with the results. It’s a fun alternative to the more typical egg bakes. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Stuffing & Sausage Strata
We are major stuffing fans, so we use it in this sausage strata. If you have leftover turkey, try it as a substitute for the sausage. —Elizabeth Ray, Corona, California
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Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal
In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite specialty. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana
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Cornmeal Towers with Strawberries & Cream
My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
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Raspberry Peach Puff Pancake
Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Spiced Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
What a sweet way to start your morning! It’s perfect for the holidays, but we enjoy it year-round. Prep the evening before, and in the morning you can pop this in the oven and have a delicious breakfast in no time! —Joanne Wessel, Greenwood, Indiana
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Fiesta Cornbread & Sausage Strata
I like to break away from traditional breakfast bakes, so I experimented and came up with this sweet-savory cornbread and sausage egg bake. It's easy to prepare and a wonderful make-ahead morning meal.—Ellen Woodham-Johnson, Matteson, Illinois
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Fruity Waffle Parfaits
This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great.—Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California
Originally Published: June 30, 2021
