18 high-protein breakfast recipes to try (2024)

Looking for a healthy, protein-packed way to start your day? Discover our tasty selection of protein-rich breakfast ideas and then check out our easy breakfast recipes. For more healthy ideas, check out our gut healthy breakfasts, keto-friendly breakfasts, healthy oat recipes, low-carb breakfasts and high-fibre breakfasts.

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Why is protein important at breakfast?

Consuming protein at breakfast has a plethora of benefits, including supporting satiety, energy and a balanced mood. Studies also show that including protein at breakfast can aid weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight by helping you to feel satisfied for longer. All of our chosen recipes provide at least 20% of their calories as protein.

1. Protein porridge

Boost your protein levels in the morning with this simple protein porridge, loaded with toppings such as granola, banana, chocolate chips and seeds.

2. Healthy banana pancakes

Looking for a high protein breakfast which still feels like a treat? Try these fluffy banana pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with banana slices.

3. Vegan tofu scramble

Check out this low-calorie vegan breakfast recipe made with smoked tofu, punchy chilli and pan-fried courgette.

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4. Beetroot borani and halloumi breakfast bowls

Our vibrant breakfast bowl is made by topping salty pan-fried halloumi and creamy beetroot borani with crunchy dukkah and fresh herbs. This wholesome recipe comes from food writer John Gregory-Smith.

5. Rhubarb breakfast pots

Check out these rhubarb pots for a colourful low-cal breakfast. These nourishing breakfast pots are super-simple to make and are high in protein making them the ideal fuel to start your day.

6. Avocado and smoked salmon toasts

If you're looking for a healthy breakfast that feels like an indulgence, try our avocado and smoked salmon toast recipe. It also comes in at under 300 calories. We’re a little obsessed with avo at olive, so you could also try one of our best avocado on toast recipes.

7. Smoked haddock and spinach rye toasts

One for anyone who prefers a savoury breakfast, this quick and easy breakfast is high in protein and full of delicious smoked haddock, pecorino and garlic oil.

18 high-protein breakfast recipes to try (7)

8. Spring greens shakshuka

If you want a healthy weekend brunch, try this shakshuka. Made with eggs and green vegetables, this dish is perfect for anyone wanting a nutritious and filling breakfast.

9. Vegetable omelette

Jazz your omelette up with plenty of grated courgette, kale, peas and chilli flakes, then serve alongside cherry tomatoes dressed simply with white wine vinegar

10. PBJ breakfast parfait

Peanut butter is a breakfast time staple and, as this fruity, tangy, crunchy creation proves, its potential goes far beyond simply topping toast.

11. Sweet and sour lentil shakshuka

Mix up your weekend brunch and make this veggie shakshuka with lentils and punchy spice. This simple egg recipe is not only easy to make, it’s low in calories, too.

12. Open-faced omelette with garlic mushrooms and taleggio

Cheesy, earthy and filling – this simple grilled omelette with garlicky mushrooms and soft, melted taleggio is ready in just 20 minutes.

13. Protein pancakes

Start your day with these protein pancakes, made with bananas, wholemeal spelt flour and yogurt.

14. Spicy fried breakfast rice

For something a little different, try our simple rice bowl with spicy red chillis, salty-sweet bacon jam and soft boiled eggs. This low-calorie recipe is quick, easy and ready in 20 minutes.

15. Healthy breakfast muffins

These easy, healthy muffins are made with wholemeal flour and packed with bananas, dried fruit and seeds. Pack one for work as a breakfast snack – they'll provide you with loads of slow-release energy to get you through to lunchtime.

16. Scrambled eggs

Make the perfect scrambled eggs every time, using our recipe to achieve a soft, creamy texture – they're delicious served over buttered toast for a quick and easy protein-rich breakfast.

17. Kale smoothie

Try our health editor's vegan, four-ingredient green smoothie, packed with vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C.

18 high-protein breakfast recipes to try (17)

18. Healthy granola

Combining protein-rich walnuts, sesame seeds and bran, you can add more protein to this delicious breakfast with the addition of yogurt.

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Tracey Raye is health editor for olive and BBC Good Food. Tracey, MSc, is a registered nutritionist, holding a master’s degree in personalised nutrition. She is passionate about harnessing the power of all things health and well-being, in a way that enhances, rather than limits our lives. She curates our nourishing recipes and collections, and stays abreast of the latest health and lifestyle trends in order to bring you the tools and inspiration you need to find what health means for you.

18 high-protein breakfast recipes to try (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest protein breakfast you can eat? ›

There are so many options to break the fast, but these breakfast foods are some of the highest in protein: eggs, a nutrient-rich AM staple; Salmon and other seafood; yogurt and unsweetened dairy products; nuts and seeds folded into whole grains; and legumes, beans and chickpeas.

What is a high protein breakfast to lose belly fat? ›

Here are a few examples of high-protein breakfasts that can help you lose weight: Scrambled eggs: with veggies, fried in coconut oil or olive oil. An omelette: with cottage cheese and spinach (my personal favorite). Stir-fried tofu: with kale and dairy-free cheese.

What is a high protein breakfast for seniors? ›

Eggs, yogurt and nuts or seeds are great sources of protein. Add vegetables. Greens may not be your go to breakfast option, but there are many ways to incorporate veggies into this meal. Try scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms or an omelet with bell peppers and onions.

How to get 30g protein in the morning? ›

Step One: Eat 30 Grams of Protein
  1. Three scrambled eggs, topped with cheese.
  2. A fruit smoothie made with protein powder.
  3. Greek yogurt topped with nuts.
  4. Cottage cheese with pineapple.
  5. High protein bread topped with nut butter or eggs and cheese.
  6. A bowl of quinoa topped with tofu, eggs, beans, or cheese.
Nov 27, 2023

What is a good breakfast protein besides eggs? ›

High protein breakfast ideas without eggs
FoodProtein (grams)Serving Size
Milk8 g1 cup
Peanut Butter7 g2 tablespoons
Nuts (various kinds)2-7 g1 ounce
Chia seeds4 g2.5 tablespoons
10 more rows
Feb 6, 2024

What is a high-protein first thing in the morning? ›

Seeds, nuts, and whole grains are another important source of protein. Here are some examples of excellent high-protein breakfasts: Eggs and tomato dishes like shakshuka and huevos rancheros. Omelets with sliced chicken or ground beef.

What is the healthiest breakfast to eat for weight loss? ›

To lose weight, eat fewer calories than you burn throughout the day. The best things to eat for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs, lean bacon or turkey, whole-grain toast, peanut butter, smoothies, and yogurt with muesli.

Which protein is best for belly fat? ›

Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as:
  • Lean meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Soy.
  • Low-fat dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts and seeds.

Which vegetable is high in protein? ›

Some vegetables that have high amounts of protein include Brussels sprouts, green beans, yellow sweet corn, asparagus, broccoli, and potatoes.

Are 2 eggs for breakfast OK for seniors? ›

How Many Eggs Can Elderly People (70+) Eat? For healthy people, the National Heart Foundation currently sets no limit as to how many eggs you can eat per day – as part of any healthy and balanced diet.

Is peanut butter high in protein? ›

They're rich in protein and healthy fat, and they're calorie-dense. Two tablespoons, or 32 grams, of peanut butter gives you 7.2 grams of protein. Peanut butter also contains: fiber.

What do 20 grams of protein look like for breakfast? ›

Probably the easiest way to make sure you're getting close to 20 grams of protein at breakfast is to get two eggs on your plate. Omelets are a great way to make sure you're not only getting the benefits of protein, but also packing in the veggies and fiber you need.

What is the 30/30/30 rule? ›

What is the 30-30-30 rule? The 30-30-30 rule involves eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity, steady state cardiovascular exercise.

What does 30g of chicken look like? ›

A standard 4-ounce serving (slightly larger than the size of a deck of cards or about the size of the palm of your hand) of cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast will give you about 30 grams of protein.

What is the 30g protein breakfast myth? ›

Protein myth: the body can only absorb 30g protein per meal

According to research, the human body can absorb a virtually unlimited amount of protein.

What does 20g of protein look like for breakfast? ›

A breakfast burrito is about as easy to whip up as scrambled eggs. Throw a cup of black beans into a burrito with 2 tablespoons of shredded Mexican blend cheese, dress it up with salsa and you've got yourself a 20 gram protein breakfast in minutes.

Is 2 eggs a high-protein breakfast? ›

"Eggs are rich in choline and vitamin D and are complete proteins," says Shapiro. 2 "One egg contains 7 grams of protein, so if you make an omelet with two eggs and lots of veggies, you'll have 14 grams of protein paired with fiber, vitamins, and minerals—a great way to start your day."

What high-protein foods keep you full? ›

The best high-protein foods
  • Chicken. Poultry, particularly lean chicken breast, is a great source of protein. ...
  • Turkey. As with chicken breast, turkey breast meat comes with plenty of lean protein. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Tuna. ...
  • Lean beef. ...
  • Greek yogurt. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Cottage cheese.

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