Breakfast foods are often considered a distinct category from other meals, and yet, many of our favorite breakfast dishes can also be adapted as satisfying dinners. The idea of having breakfast for dinner may seem unconventional, but it offers a delightful twist on traditional mealtime norms.
Not only does it provide a change of pace, but it also allows for an array of creative and delicious options that can be enjoyed in the evening. This versatility results in a multitude of possibilities for breakfast-for-dinner menus, ranging from indulgent savory dishes to lighter, healthier fare. Many of these recipes are budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and easily adaptable to individual tastes or dietary restrictions.
Baked Eggs with Green Olives and Swiss Chard
The mere mention of green olives in a breakfast recipe is enough to elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. In this luxurious breakfast for dinner recipe, the star of the show are Castelvetrano olives, which team up with eggs and Swiss chard to create a truly indulgent meal. The sunny-side-up eggs are baked to perfection alongside a rich mixture of Swiss chard, green olives, and heavy cream, resulting in a dish that’s as decadent as it is delicious. To add some satisfying crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top. For an added layer of creaminess and protein, crumble salty Greek feta cheese on top. Pair this indulgent meal with crusty bread and a rich cup of coffee for a truly memorable breakfast experience.
Salmon and Bagel
When it comes to enjoying a bagel, the time of day is irrelevant – it’s perfect for breakfast for dinner just as much as it is for a mid-morning snack. This particular combination is a treat, featuring smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a delightful blend of fresh dill and lemon juice that adds a tangy twist. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the unexpected burst of flavor from the freshly squeezed lemon juice, while the capers bring an additional layer of depth. Meanwhile, the thinly sliced red onions contribute both a pop of color and a rich, savory taste. Serve it with a fresh salad, sliced Persian cucumbers, or your preferred accompaniment for a truly satisfying meal.
Bacon Fried Rice
While fried rice is a tried-and-true dinner option, we like to think outside the box by adding some exciting twists. This classic recipe gets a boost from crispy bacon, pungent garlic, and fluffy eggs. To add some extra crunch and color, you can also toss in frozen peas and diced carrots. The combination of sautéed onions and four cloves of garlic provides plenty of depth, but it’s the oyster sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and green onions that really bring this dish together.
Jalapeno Popper Bagels
Jalapeno poppers have a way of captivating our taste buds, don’t they? The combination of melted cheese, crunchy texture, and a hint of heat is nothing short of irresistible. When it comes to breakfast recipes that bring the excitement, this bagel-based treat takes the cake – or rather, the popper. The secret lies in its triple-cheese approach: shredded white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese all come together to create an indulgent delight. For added depth, a pinch of garlic powder, kosher salt or sea salt, and black pepper do their magic. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – crispy bacon that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Pair it with avocado slices for a delightful breakfast treat that will leave you wanting more.
Breakfast Burger
While we often associate breakfast burgers with morning meals, there’s no reason why they can’t be enjoyed in the evening as well. The key to making a successful breakfast burger is finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Our recipe starts with a tangy tomato jam made from tomatoes, sugar, fresh lemon juice, fresh ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and curry powder. This adds a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the hamburger patty. Speaking of which, our patty is a combination of ground beef and spicy breakfast sausage for added complexity. To tie everything together, we recommend topping with shredded gouda cheese and serving on an everything bagel with creamy avocado, a runny fried egg, and crispy bacon. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, don’t be afraid to add some crispy tater tots on the side. This breakfast burger is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Breakfast Quesadillas
When it comes to using up leftover ingredients, quesadillas are a game-changer. But why stop at dinner? You can easily create a breakfast quesadilla by substituting traditional breakfast foods for the usual suspects. The key is to use high-quality tortillas – flour works beautifully – and choose your meat wisely. Bacon is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also opt for breakfast sausage, chopped ham, or even cooked chicken. Serve your creations with a selection of Mexican staples like guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and sour cream to add some extra flavor.
French Toast Casserole
Indulge in a sweet and indulgent breakfast experience with this mouthwatering French toast casserole recipe. This show-stopping dish combines the best of both worlds, offering the crispy exterior, rich sweetness, and fluffy center that French toast enthusiasts crave. But here’s the best part: it’s an effortless one-pan meal that can be whipped up in no time, thanks to its straightforward step-by-step instructions. To bring this delightful casserole to life, start by cubing a loaf of authentic French bread – yes, you read that right; only French bread will do. The subtle nuances it brings to the dish are simply unmatched. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a world of comfort and delight.
Souffle Pancakes
In Japan’s culinary scene, soufflé pancakes have taken center stage, and it’s not hard to understand why. These remarkable treats seamlessly combine the lightness of a pancake with the airy texture of a soufflé, resulting in an utterly delightful experience. The key to their tender, almost ethereal quality lies in the meticulous beating of egg whites until they reach stiff peak perfection.
Breakfast Pizza
Imagine a breakfast that’s not just for mornings, but also suitable for dinner. That’s exactly what you get with this recipe for breakfast pizza, which is designed to satisfy both morning and evening cravings. This isn’t your average leftover pizza fare; instead, it’s a carefully crafted meal that combines the best of both worlds. And the beauty of it lies in its simplicity: just grab a tube of refrigerated pizza crust, add some Colby Jack cheese for an extra layer of creaminess, real bacon pieces to give it a smoky depth, scrambled eggs cooked just until they’re done, and a drizzle of sausage gravy to tie everything together. For those who prefer a more rustic approach, you can also substitute in a baked egg instead. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd after a big night or looking for a satisfying dinner option, this breakfast pizza recipe has got you covered.
Cheesy Spinach Quiche
This quiche recipe is a game-changer. The combination of spinach, Gruyere cheese, and heavy cream creates an indulgent flavor profile that’s hard to resist. While you can make your own pie crust from scratch, this recipe also accommodates the use of a frozen deep-dish crust from the store. Simply ensure you have one on hand before getting started.
The beauty of this quiche lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Shallots and spinach provide an excellent base for the dish, while ground nutmeg and cayenne pepper add depth to the flavor without overpowering it. Don’t forget to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a soggy crust.
Source: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Eggs Benedict
For a sophisticated evening meal that’s sure to impress guests or your loved ones, look no further than the classic Eggs Benedict. While it may seem like a daunting task to prepare, this dish is largely straightforward, aside from the preparation of the Hollandaise sauce, which simply requires some time and patience. By following the instructions carefully, you’ll be able to create a flawless rendition of this international favorite. As an added bonus, if you’re in a hurry or short on time, you can always opt for a packet of pre-made Hollandaise sauce that’s mixed with water. The combination of toasted English muffins, savory Canadian bacon, and a perfectly poached American egg creates a truly unbeatable culinary experience.
Chicken and Waffles
It’s long overdue for the person who first combined chicken and waffles to receive the recognition they deserve. The harmonious union of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles is a match made in heaven, making it the perfect recipe for breakfast or dinner. What sets this dish apart is its bold flavor profile, which is elevated by a tangy spicy sauce infused with honey butter and chili powder. For an added layer of complexity, you can substitute maple syrup for the honey. The key to achieving tender, juicy chicken thighs lies in a clever buttermilk brine that incorporates garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (or hot sauce), and smoked paprika. A true game-changer is the website tastesbetterfromscratch.com, which provides inspiration for this mouthwatering dish.
Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole packed with sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese is a comforting treat that transcends traditional morning hours. Why not flip the script and serve it for dinner? The addition of green onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper infuses this dish with wholesome goodness. A dollop of sour cream adds richness, while the opportunity to customize with alternative veggies like zucchini or spinach, and cheeses such as pepper jack or Swiss, allows for endless adaptation. Whether you’re a fan of breakfast-for-dinner or not, this casserole’s hearty combination is sure to please.
Sweet Potato Waffles
If you’re craving healthy breakfast-for-dinner ideas, we’ve got just the recipe to satisfy your cravings – sweet potato waffles! Not only are they paleo-friendly, but they also happen to be dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. What’s more, these six-ingredient wonders can be whipped up in no time, using a mere sweet potato, eggs, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and coconut flour. To take it to the next level, simply serve your waffles with a drizzle of sugar-free syrup – the perfect finishing touch.
Steak and Egg Sandwich
A steak and egg sandwich is a breakfast and dinner winner, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The runny egg and tender cube steak provide a satisfying base, while the smoky notes from smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add depth. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes in the caramelized onions amplifies the flavor profile, elevating this sandwich to new heights. Served on a buttery biscuit – or another bread of your choice – this mouthwatering creation is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The Elvis
Imagine sitting down for dinner with the King himself, Elvis Presley, renowned as the King of Rock and Roll. It’s not every day you get to enjoy breakfast with someone who loves their food as much as they love their music. And it just so happens that Elvis had a peculiar fondness for a particular sandwich that’s both sweet and savory. The iconic peanut butter and banana sandwich gained fame when Elvis went to great lengths – literally jumping on his private jet in the middle of the night – to get his hands on one from Denver, all thanks to its creator who hollowed out a loaf of white bread to stuff it with an entire jar of creamy peanut butter.
Croque Madame
In the realm of French breakfast sandwiches, Croque Madame is a revered classic that harmoniously blends melty cheese, sweet deli ham, rich Mornay sauce, and a fried egg on toasted bread. The crowning glory is the bechamel-based sauce infused with melted Gruyere, which belies its intimidating appearance by being surprisingly easy to prepare. A key component of this indulgent sandwich is thick slices of white bread, perfectly toasted to provide a sturdy foundation. The seasoning trifecta of stone-ground mustard, ground nutmeg, and fresh thyme adds an aromatic depth that elevates the dish. To complete this masterpiece, garnish with chopped chives for a pop of freshness.
Breakfast Grilled Cheese
The breakfast grilled cheese sandwich is often misunderstood as just another take on the classic morning combo. But trust us, this recipe holds its own unique charm. You can choose to use pre-cooked bacon for a stress-free experience or opt for cooking your own if you’re feeling extra adventurous. When it comes to the cheese, Colby and cheddar are excellent choices that will elevate the flavors of this delightful sandwich. Interestingly, the key to creating the ultimate grilled cheese lies not in the type of cheese or even the method of preparation, but rather in the quality of bread used. While any old loaf will do, an artisan white or sourdough adds a level of sophistication that truly sets this breakfast sandwich apart.
Breakfast Burrito
Anytime is a good time to indulge in a breakfast burrito, but when it’s packed with melty cheddar cheese, soft scrambled eggs, savory pork sausage, tender diced potatoes, creamy avocado, and your choice of fillings, you might just find yourself craving one for dinner too. The key to achieving the perfect breakfast burrito is to fry those potatoes to a golden crisp. And the best part? This recipe requires minimal cleanup since you cook all your ingredients – including sausage, potatoes, and eggs – in a single skillet. So go ahead, wrap up your morning meal in a tortilla and serve it with salsa, fresh cilantro, and a cold Mexican beer for a fiesta on a plate.
Frittata
For those who have yet to indulge in a frittata, you’re missing out on a culinary delight that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner. This Italian-style omelet is remarkably quick to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. At its core, a basic frittata recipe relies on the simplicity of large eggs, milk (including plant-based alternatives like almond milk), sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. The beauty of frittatas lies in their versatility – simply choose your favorite veggies, such as green onions, broccoli, feta cheese, asparagus, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, pecorino cheese, cherry tomatoes, or any other combination that suits your taste buds. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting the perfect frittata.
Grilled Cheese
We couldn’t leave out a grilled cheese sandwich from our breakfast sandwich roundup, and for good reason – it’s a classic! Some people swear by buttering their bread before adding the cheese, while others prefer to spread mayonnaise instead for a slightly tangier flavor. To take your grilled cheese to the next level, try cooking the cheese first without the top slice of bread and with the skillet covered. The steam will help melt the cheese perfectly. And don’t forget to add a dollop of mustard – it really makes the sandwich shine.
Blueberry Pancakes
As a delightful treat, blueberry pancakes offer the perfect excuse to flip the script on traditional meal times. When we’re in the mood for a breakfast-for-dinner indulgence, these fluffy treats hit the spot. The tanginess of lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of pure vanilla extract combine beautifully in this recipe. Fresh blueberries are our top choice, but frozen ones will also suffice if that’s what you can find. If using fresh blueberries, be sure to set some aside for a colorful garnish. To complete the experience, have room temperature butter and an ample supply of maple syrup at your fingertips.
Tapsilog
For those who have yet to encounter the culinary delight that is Tapsilog, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! This traditional Philippine dish consists of a harmonious combination of a fried egg, garlic-infused rice, and succulent tapa pieces. The latter are made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and calamansi juice before pan-frying it to perfection. When brought together, these elements create a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day – including breakfast for dinner. Feel free to add some fresh veggies like cucumber or tomato slices to enhance the overall experience.
Bacon, Cheese, and Egg Sandwich
We often enjoy a simple yet satisfying bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich as one of our go-to easy dinner options. This classic combination is a staple in many households, and for good reason: it’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and can be easily adapted for a hearty dinner. To create the perfect breakfast-for-dinner sandwich, we recommend cooking your eggs in an omelette-style rather than scrambling them, allowing you to build a sturdy, filling meal. When it comes to cheese, feel free to get creative – cheddar or American work beautifully, but you can also experiment with Havarti, Monterey Jack, or any other variety that suits your taste. If you’re craving more innovative breakfast ideas, be sure to check out the accompanying video for inspiration.
Final Words
Indulge in these mouthwatering recipes, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these dishes are sure to delight.