Starting your day with a protein-packed breakfast supports weight loss efforts by reducing hunger, increasing calorie expenditure, and maintaining muscle health. This post lists 23 different high protein breakfast ideas that are easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
23 High Protein Breakfast Ideas
1. Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries and Almonds
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Greek Yogurt: 1 cup
- Mixed Berries: 1 cup (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Almonds: 1/4 cup, slivered
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
- Layer Yogurt and Berries: In two serving glasses, start by layering half of the Greek yogurt at the bottom.
- Add Fresh Berries: Follow with a layer of mixed berries, saving some for the top.
- Sprinkle Almonds: Add a layer of slivered almonds over the berries for a satisfying crunch.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining yogurt, berries, and almonds.
- Drizzle Honey: If desired, drizzle honey over the top layer for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy this visually appealing and nutritious parfait that offers a balance of creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy almonds.
2. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Avocado
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Eggs: 4, large
- Fresh Spinach: 1 cup
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Whisk Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook Spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Scramble Eggs: Pour the eggs over the spinach and gently scramble until the eggs are just set.
- Add Avocado: Remove from heat and gently fold in the diced avocado.
- Serve: Plate the creamy scrambled eggs with a side of whole-grain toast for a fulfilling breakfast.
3. Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Berries
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Cottage Cheese: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2, large
- Almond Flour: 1/2 cup
- Berries: 1 cup (your choice)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour batter to form small pancakes, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flip.
- Serve with Berries: Top the pancakes with fresh berries and a drizzle of sugar-free syrup if desired.
4. Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups with Cucumber and Hummus
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Smoked Salmon: 4 ounces
- Cucumber: 1, thinly sliced
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: 2
- Fresh Dill: For garnish
- Lemon Wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Spread Hummus: Lay out the whole wheat tortillas and spread a layer of hummus on each.
- Add Salmon: Place smoked salmon slices on top of the hummus.
- Layer Cucumber: Arrange thin cucumber slices over the salmon.
- Roll Them Up: Carefully roll the tortillas tightly to encase the fillings.
- Garnish and Serve: Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces, garnish with fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
5. Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Chia Seeds: 1/4 cup
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup
- Mixed Berries: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Maple Syrup: To taste (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Chia Seeds and Milk: In a bowl, combine chia seeds with coconut milk and vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate: Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours until it achieves a pudding-like consistency.
- Add Berries: Top with fresh mixed berries before serving.
- Sweeten: Drizzle with maple syrup if a sweeter taste is desired.
6. Avocado and Egg Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Eggs: 4, large
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, halved
- Spinach: 1 cup
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook Eggs: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the eggs to your preference (scrambled or fried).
- Prepare Vegetables: In a bowl, combine diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
- Assemble Bowl: Place the cooked eggs on top of the vegetables.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
7. Tofu with Vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Firm Tofu: 1 block, diced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, diced
- Onions: 1/2 cup, diced
- Mushrooms: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Spinach: 1 cup
- Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon (for color)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
- Add Tofu: Incorporate diced tofu and turmeric, stirring well to combine and heat through.
- Wilt Spinach: Mix in spinach until wilted and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy a colorful and hearty plant-based scramble that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
8. Protein Smoothie with Spinach, Protein Powder, and Almond Milk
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- Spinach: 1 cup
- Protein Powder: 1 scoop (vanilla or unflavored)
- Almond Milk: 1 cup
- Banana: 1, frozen
- Almond Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Ice Cubes: Optional
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Process Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: Add ice cubes if desired.
- Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy a refreshing and protein-rich smoothie that’s perfect for a post-workout breakfast or a quick meal on the go.
9. Veggie Frittata with Bell Peppers, Onions, and Mushrooms
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Eggs: 6, large
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, diced
- Onions: 1/2 cup, diced
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Herbs: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to broil.
- Sauté Vegetables: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cooking until they are tender.
- Add Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the sautéed vegetables.
- Cook Frittata: Let the eggs cook without stirring until the edges begin to set, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Broil: Broil the frittata until the top is golden and the eggs are set, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
10. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Turkey Breast Slices: 4, thin
- Avocado: 1, ripe and sliced
- Spinach: A handful
- Whole Grain Tortillas: 2
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay out the whole grain tortillas on a flat surface.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of mustard on each tortilla, then add turkey slices, avocado, and spinach.
- Roll Them Up: Roll the tortillas tightly, enclosing the fillings.
- Serve: Cut into halves or bite-sized pieces and enjoy a protein-rich, on-the-go breakfast.
11. Low Carb Breakfast Burrito with Eggs, Avocado, and Sautéed Vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Eggs: 4, large
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup, diced
- Onions: 1/2 cup, diced
- Low Carb Tortillas: 2
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Salsa: For serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft.
- Scramble Eggs: Beat the eggs and pour them into the pan with the vegetables, scrambling until cooked.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay out the low carb tortillas, place the scrambled egg mixture in the center, and top with diced avocado.
- Roll Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortillas and roll them up tightly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with a side of salsa for an extra kick.
12. Almond Flour Waffles with Greek Yogurt and Berries
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Almond Flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2, large
- Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup, plus more for topping
- Mixed Berries: 1 cup
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and pour the batter, cooking according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve: Top waffles with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a generous helping of mixed berries.
13. Keto Breakfast with Chicken Sausage, Eggs, and Spinach
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Chicken Sausage: 4 links, sliced
- Eggs: 8, large
- Spinach: 2 cups
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Sausage: In a skillet, brown the chicken sausage slices in olive oil.
- Whisk Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Layer Ingredients: In a greased casserole dish, layer the spinach, cooked sausage, and pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
14. Spinach and Cheese Omelette
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- Eggs: 3, large
- Fresh Spinach: 1 cup
- Shredded Cheese: 1/4 cup
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Whisk Eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook Spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Make Omelette: Pour the eggs over the spinach and let them set slightly before sprinkling cheese on one half.
- Fold and Serve: Fold the omelette in half over the cheese and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked to your liking.
15. Sardines on Whole Grain Toast
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- Canned Sardines: 1 tin, in olive oil
- Whole Grain Toast: 2 slices
- Fresh Lemon Juice: From 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare Toast: Toast the whole grain bread to your preferred level of crispiness.
- Top with Sardines: Open the tin of sardines and lay them on the toast.
- Season: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sardines and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy a simple yet nutritious breakfast that’s packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
16. Baked Avocado Eggs with Turkey Slices
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Avocados: 2, halved and pitted
- Eggs: 4, small or medium
- Turkey Slices: 4, thin
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Chives: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Avocados: Place the avocado halves on a baking sheet and scoop out a bit of the flesh to make room for the eggs.
- Add Eggs: Crack an egg into the center of each avocado half.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Add Turkey: Once baked, top with a slice of turkey.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chives and serve warm for a hearty, low-carb breakfast.
17. Protein-Packed Breakfast Bowl with Quinoa, Black Beans, and Avocado
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Quinoa: 1 cup, cooked
- Black Beans: 1 cup, cooked and drained
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, halved
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish
- Lime: For serving
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Assemble Bowl: In two bowls, divide the cooked quinoa and black beans.
- Add Veggies: Top with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Garnish: Add a generous amount of chopped cilantro.
- Serve with Lime: Serve each bowl with a lime wedge to squeeze over the top before eating.
18. Egg and Veggie Muffins with Spinach, Bell Peppers, and Cheese
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Eggs: 6, large
- Spinach: 1 cup, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup, diced
- Shredded Cheese: 1/2 cup
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Muffin Tin: Greased or lined with muffin cups
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Add Cheese: Top each muffin cup with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are set and the tops are slightly golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. These muffins are perfect for a make-ahead breakfast.
19. Keto Breakfast Turkey Sausage Patties with Eggs and Avocado
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Ground Turkey: 1/2 pound
- Eggs: 4, large
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For cooking
Instructions
- Make Patties: Mix ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook patties until browned and cooked through.
- Fry Eggs: In the same skillet, fry the eggs to your preference.
- Serve: Place turkey sausage patties on plates, top with fried eggs and avocado slices.
20. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie with Almond Milk
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- Banana: 1, frozen
- Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Almond Milk: 1 cup
- Protein Powder: 1 scoop (optional)
- Ice Cubes: Optional
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Combine banana, peanut butter, almond milk, and protein powder (if using) in a blender.
- Process Until Smooth: Blend until creamy. Add ice cubes for a thicker smoothie.
- Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy a delicious and energizing start to your day.
21. Tuna Salad with Avocado
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Canned Tuna: 1 tin, drained
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Celery: 1 stalk, diced
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Mixed Greens: For serving
Instructions
- Mix Tuna Salad: In a bowl, combine tuna, avocado, red onion, celery, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Serve on Greens: Serve the tuna salad over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
22. Egg and Cheese Breakfast Quesadilla (using low carb tortillas)
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- Low Carb Tortillas: 2
- Eggs: 2, large
- Shredded Cheese: 1/2 cup
- Olive Oil: For cooking
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Salsa: For serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Eggs: Scramble the eggs in a pan with a little olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat, spread the scrambled eggs on top, sprinkle with cheese, and cover with the second tortilla.
- Cook Quesadilla: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the quesadilla until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa if desired.
23. Protein-Packed Breakfast Salad with Mixed Greens, Grilled Chicken, and Avocado
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Mixed Greens: 4 cups
- Grilled Chicken Breast: 1 cup, sliced
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, halved
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: 2, sliced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add Protein: Top the greens with sliced grilled chicken, diced avocado, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Add Tomatoes: Scatter cherry tomatoes over the salad.
- Serve: Enjoy a hearty and nutritious salad that’s perfect for a protein-rich start to your day.