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.

Is 18g of protein good for breakfast? ›

Research shows eating at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast can really help. Meal options include scrambled eggs, greek yogurt, and tofu. Protein is a key nutrient for weight loss. Studies show that protein can help curb your appetite and keep you from overeating.

What is a high protein meal in the morning? ›

Two eggs provide 12 grams of protein while three tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 10 grams; together they easily provide one-third of your daily protein needs. Other healthy high-protein breakfast foods include: Low-fat Greek yogurt. Whole wheat bread with nut butter.

How to get 20 grams of protein at breakfast? ›

Here are some top sources of protein that sound appealing in the morning and will help get you to 20 grams.
  1. 7 oz Greek yogurt, plain, nonfat 20 grams protein.
  2. ½ cup cottage cheese, low-fat 14 grams protein.
  3. 2 oz turkey sausage 14 grams protein.
  4. 2 large eggs 13 grams protein.
  5. 1 cup milk, nonfat 8 grams protein.

How can I get 30g of protein for breakfast? ›

15 Ideas for Breakfast with 30 Grams of Protein
  1. 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt (opt for unsweetened and add your own toppings)
  2. 1 cup cottage cheese.
  3. 5 large eggs, or 2-3 eggs mixed with extra egg whites.
  4. 5 ounces salmon.
  5. 4 slices of turkey bacon.
  6. 1 cup tofu scramble.
  7. 1 scoop protein powder (can be mixed into a smoothie or oatmeal)
Mar 27, 2024

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

Amidor recommends that your morning meals incorporate more protein foods such as plain Greek yogurt (reduced/non-fat), peanut butter, eggs, lean meats and fish, and even some nuts to foster fat loss.

What is the 30/30/30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 diet involves eating 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, and then completing 30 minutes of low intensity exercise. This method first appeared in Tim Ferriss' book The 4-Hour Body in 2010 but was recently popularized by nutritionist and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka.

Are 2 eggs a day enough protein? ›

Is 2 eggs a day enough protein? Two eggs give you 12 grams of hunger-satisfying protein. Although 2 eggs does not complete your daily protein needs, it's a great start. Eating two eggs in the morning ensures you are on the right track to hit your protein consumption goal by the end of the day.

What is 30g protein 30 minutes waking up? ›

The 30/30/30 is a weight loss method that involves eating 30 g of protein within the first 30 minutes of your day, and following it with 30 minutes of light exercise. It is rooted in sound science, and it could be a good way to increase your capacity to burn fat, while keeping lean muscle.

How to make protein rich breakfast? ›

22 high-protein breakfast recipes to try
  1. Corned beef hash. This classic comfort-food dish, with crispy potatoes and corned beef, will never go out of style. ...
  2. Healthy banana pancakes. ...
  3. Vegan tofu scramble. ...
  4. Healthy spinach omelette. ...
  5. Rhubarb breakfast pots. ...
  6. Scrambled eggs. ...
  7. Avocado and smoked salmon toasts. ...
  8. PBJ breakfast parfait.

Is it better to eat carbs or protein in the morning? ›

If weight management and body composition is your primary objective, then a high-protein breakfast is probably best for its ability to keep us feeling fuller for longer. But if you're planning to go on an early morning jog or gym session, then a high-carb breakfast might be a better idea.

What is a good breakfast protein besides eggs? ›

High protein breakfast ideas without eggs
FoodProtein (grams)Serving Size
Peanut Butter7 g2 tablespoons
Nuts (various kinds)2-7 g1 ounce
Chia seeds4 g2.5 tablespoons
Thomas Light English Muffin4 geach
10 more rows
Feb 6, 2024

Is oatmeal high in protein? ›

Oatmeal contains some protein but isn't considered a particularly great source of it. A standard half-cup serving of dry oats has about 5 grams of protein and is a good base for adding other high-protein foods.

Is avocado high in protein? ›

A 50g serving of fresh avocado contains 1 gram of protein and a whole 5-oz. fresh avocado (3 servings) contains 3 grams of protein. Though fresh avocados do not contain a significant amount of protein, they can be a creamy and delicious addition to a variety of meal plans and menus.

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.

How can I get 25g of protein for breakfast? ›

20-30 grams of protein for breakfast ideas
  1. High-Protein Breakfast Bowl. Heat 1 tbsp. ...
  2. Steak and Eggs. ...
  3. Sweet Potato Salmon Avocado Toast. ...
  4. Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon. ...
  5. Strawberry Milkshake with Collagen. ...
  6. Chocolate Coconut Smoothie Bowl. ...
  7. Bulletproof Coffee with Collagen Protein.
Jun 8, 2020

What is a high protein breakfast other than eggs? ›

High protein breakfast ideas without eggs
FoodProtein (grams)Serving Size
Nuts (various kinds)2-7 g1 ounce
Chia seeds4 g2.5 tablespoons
Thomas Light English Muffin4 geach
Ground Flax Seeds4 g3 tablespoons
10 more rows
Feb 6, 2024

How to get 50 grams of protein at breakfast? ›

50 Grams Per Meal

Breakfast: Two-egg omelet with veggies of your choice and 1 ounce of cheddar. 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of raspberries. 1 ounce of almonds.

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."

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