30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (2025)

Starting your day with protein can help you avoid fatigue and stay fueled—and these recipes boast at least 15 grams per serving. Whether you need a weekend breakfast recipe to feed a crowd or something quick and easy for whirlwind mornings, this mix of delicious meals will have something you'll love. Plus, recipes like our Spinach & Feta Strata and "Egg in a Hole" Peppers with Avocado Salsa are flavorful and light, with less than 575 calories in each serving.

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Spinach & Feta Strata

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30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (1)

This breakfast casserole is a natural make-ahead choice, as the egg mixture needs plenty of time to soak into the bread before baking. Plus, it's equally delicious hot, room temperature or cold, so guests can help themselves as they wake up.

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Sheet-Pan Egg Sandwiches for a Crowd

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30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (2)

Hosting a crowd for the holidays or another occasion? Forget cooking individual servings of eggs and make these easy sheet-pan egg sandwiches instead. One batch makes enough bacon, egg, cheese and vegetable sandwiches to serve 12 people in the time you'd normally spend prepping breakfast for one or two people.

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Savory Oatmeal with Cheddar, Collards & Eggs

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30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (3)

Have you tried savory oats yet? It's a nice change-up from the sweet way oatmeal is typically served, plus you get a full serving of vegetables. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.

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'Egg in a Hole' Peppers with Avocado Salsa

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Colorful bell pepper rings stand in for bread in this healthy version of egg in a hole. Cook an egg inside the peppers and top with a vibrant avocado salsa for a cheerful breakfast.

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Cheesy Egg Quesadilla with Spinach

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A cheesy, spinach-packed quesadilla is topped with a sunny-side up egg for a quick, protein-packed breakfast. Top with hot sauce for a kick of spice.

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Wild Rice Waffles with Chicken Tenders

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Because these waffles reheat so well, you can skip feeling like a short-order cook—slinging them out one at a time—and prep them all ahead. Paired with chicken tenders you bread in advance and a sweet-and-spicy maple butter, you have a winning brunch with minimal fuss.

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Breakfast Salad with Spinach & Egg

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Salad for breakfast? Yes, please! A hard-boiled egg adds protein to this spinach salad, while baked tortilla strips provide texture and crunch.

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Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast

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Herbed ricotta toast gets topped with cannellini beans and roasted red peppers for a colorful, tasty open-faced sandwich.

Spinach & Egg Tacos

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30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (9)

Hard-boiled eggs are combined with spinach, cheese and salsa for a quick, flavorful breakfast. Mashed avocado provides a creamy element, while a squeeze of lime juice brings acidity.

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Black Bean & Slaw Bagel

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This easy open-faced sandwich recipe uses a jalapeño-Cheddar bagel, but a plain bagel would work just as well. Top each bagel half with black beans and fresh slaw for a satisfying bite.

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Migas with Spinach

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This take on migas, a dish originating in Spain, includes spinach for a boost of color and nutrition, while diced avocado provides a creamy textural finish.

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Chickpea & Kale Toast

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This healthy toast recipe combines chickpeas, kale and feta for a savory bite.

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Quiche Lorraine with Zucchini Crust

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Shredded zucchini acts as the crust in this recipe for healthier, low-carb quiche Lorraine—quiche with Jarlsberg cheese, bacon and scallions—a brunch classic.

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Avocado & Kale Omelet

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Make this kale and avocado omelet for a satiating, high-protein breakfast. Fiber-rich kale will keep hunger at bay for longer in this healthy omelet recipe.

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Bacon & Egg Breakfast Tacos

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Breakfast tacos are quintessential morning eats in Austin, but with this breakfast taco recipe, you can enjoy them wherever you are. The smoky, earthy ancho chile salsa is what makes these extra special, though for a quicker weekday breakfast, feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought salsa.

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Cauliflower Hash with Sausage & Eggs

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This easy and nutritious version of breakfast hash uses cauliflower rice instead of potatoes, and turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage, for a healthier, low-carb breakfast. Top it off with fried eggs for a satisfying morning meal.

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Instant Egg & Cheese 'Bake'

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Learn how to cook eggs in the microwave for a quick, delicious breakfast. Spinach and Cheddar cheese make these eggs even more filling.

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Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie

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Red lentils give this smoothie a plant-based protein boost. To make this smoothie vegan, try using unsweetened coconut beverage or almond milk in place of the dairy milk.

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Spring Green Frittata

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Frittatas are a versatile dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch or dinner. This easy frittata, featuring green spring vegetables accented by chopped tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, can be on your plate in just 25 minutes.

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Ham & Asparagus Quiche

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This spring ham-and-asparagus quiche is perfect for brunch or dinner with a green salad on the side. If you've got leftover Easter ham, let it shine paired with tender asparagus in this crustless quiche. Emmenthal cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor, but Swiss cheese is an excellent alternative.

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Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

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You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don't forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.

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Spinach-Avocado Smoothie

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This healthy green smoothie gets super creamy from the frozen banana and avocado. Make ahead (up to one day) and store it in the fridge until you need a veggie boost.

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Avocado & Arugula Omelet

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Add some greens and healthy fat to your breakfast with this easy arugula and avocado omelet. Serve this healthy omelet recipe with crusty whole-grain toast, if desired.

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Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl

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For this healthy smoothie bowl recipe, be sure to use frozen fruit (not fresh) to keep the texture thick, creamy and frosty.

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Avocado & Smoked Salmon Omelet

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Stay full until lunch when you add this avocado and smoked salmon omelet to your morning routine. This omelet recipe is packed with healthy fat, which helps quash hunger, and the avocado's fiber helps you feel full longer.

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Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole

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This healthy casserole is essentially a crustless quiche, brimming with fresh summer vegetables. Bake it up for an elegant summer brunch or a casual backyard barbecue.

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Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

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This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Prepare it for breakfast, or serve it for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive-oil-drizzled crusty baguette.

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Oatmeal-Almond Protein Pancakes

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Depending on the type of protein powder you pick, you might need to reduce the amount of liquid in this protein pancake recipe. Whey protein pancakes need less liquid than those made with soy, hemp or pea protein. Serve with yogurt and a DIY fruit sauce (warmed frozen berries with a pinch of sugar).

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Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche

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This quiche recipe is full of broccoli, Cheddar cheese and smoky ham surrounded by a crispy hash brown crust. Look for precooked shredded potatoes in the dairy section or in the produce section—or use frozen hash brown potatoes in this easy quiche recipe.

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Bacon & Spinach Quiche with Hash Brown Crust

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30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (30)

A spinach and bacon quiche gets a fun twist with the addition of hash browns. Shredded potatoes create a gluten-free crust for this healthy quiche that's sure to be a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or preferences, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are some key concepts related to the recipes mentioned:

Protein in Breakfast Recipes:

Starting your day with protein can help you avoid fatigue and stay fueled throughout the day. The recipes mentioned in the article boast at least 15 grams of protein per serving. Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and providing energy. Including protein in your breakfast can help you feel satisfied and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Spinach & Feta Strata:

Spinach & Feta Strata is a breakfast casserole that can be made ahead of time. It features a mixture of eggs, spinach, and feta cheese soaked into bread before baking. This dish can be served hot, at room temperature, or cold. It's a versatile and flavorful option for breakfast or brunch [[1]].

Sheet-Pan Egg Sandwiches for a Crowd:

This recipe is a convenient option for hosting a crowd for breakfast. Instead of cooking individual servings of eggs, you can make these easy sheet-pan egg sandwiches. One batch makes enough bacon, egg, cheese, and vegetable sandwiches to serve 12 people. It's a time-saving alternative to individually preparing breakfast for a large group [[2]].

Savory Oatmeal with Cheddar, Collards & Eggs:

Savory oatmeal is a variation of the traditional sweet oatmeal. This recipe combines oats with cheddar cheese, collard greens, and eggs. It offers a different flavor profile and provides a full serving of vegetables. You can customize it by adding hot sauce for an extra kick [[3]].

'Egg in a Hole' Peppers with Avocado Salsa:

This recipe puts a twist on the classic "egg in a hole" dish by using bell pepper rings instead of bread. The colorful bell pepper rings are filled with eggs and topped with a vibrant avocado salsa. It's a cheerful and healthy breakfast option [[4]].

Cheesy Egg Quesadilla with Spinach:

This quick and protein-packed breakfast recipe features a cheesy, spinach-packed quesadilla topped with a sunny-side-up egg. It's a flavorful and satisfying option, and you can add hot sauce for an extra kick of spice [[5]].

Wild Rice Waffles with Chicken Tenders:

Wild Rice Waffles with Chicken Tenders is a brunch recipe that can be prepared in advance. The waffles reheat well, allowing you to skip the hassle of cooking them individually. Paired with breaded chicken tenders and a sweet-and-spicy maple butter, this dish offers a winning combination with minimal fuss [[6]].

Breakfast Salad with Spinach & Egg:

This recipe introduces the concept of having a salad for breakfast. The salad features spinach, a hard-boiled egg for protein, and baked tortilla strips for texture and crunch. It's a refreshing and nutritious way to start your day [[7]].

Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast:

Herbed ricotta toast is topped with cannellini beans and roasted red peppers in this colorful and tasty open-faced sandwich recipe. It's a flavorful option for breakfast or brunch [[8]].

Spinach & Egg Tacos:

Spinach & Egg Tacos are a quick and flavorful breakfast option. Hard-boiled eggs are combined with spinach, cheese, and salsa. Mashed avocado adds a creamy element, while a squeeze of lime juice brings acidity to the dish [[9]].

Black Bean & Slaw Bagel:

This open-faced sandwich recipe uses a jalapeño-Cheddar bagel (plain bagel works too) topped with black beans and fresh slaw. It offers a satisfying bite and can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch [[10]].

Migas with Spinach:

Migas is a dish originating in Spain. This recipe adds spinach for a boost of color and nutrition. Diced avocado provides a creamy textural finish to the dish [[11]].

Chickpea & Kale Toast:

This healthy toast recipe combines chickpeas, kale, and feta cheese for a savory bite. It's a nutritious and flavorful option for breakfast or brunch [[12]].

Quiche Lorraine with Zucchini Crust:

Quiche Lorraine is a classic brunch dish. This recipe offers a healthier twist by using shredded zucchini as the crust instead of traditional pastry. It includes Jarlsberg cheese, bacon, and scallions for flavor [[13]].

Avocado & Kale Omelet:

This omelet recipe combines kale and avocado for a satiating and high-protein breakfast. The fiber-rich kale helps keep hunger at bay, making it a healthy and filling option [[14]].

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Tacos:

Breakfast tacos are a popular morning dish in Austin. This recipe allows you to enjoy them wherever you are. The smoky and earthy ancho chile salsa adds a special touch to these tacos. You can also use your favorite store-bought salsa for a quicker weekday breakfast [[15]].

Cauliflower Hash with Sausage & Eggs:

This breakfast hash recipe offers a healthier twist by using cauliflower rice instead of potatoes and turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage. It's a low-carb and nutritious option that can be topped with fried eggs for a satisfying morning meal [[16]].

Instant Egg & Cheese 'Bake':

This recipe teaches you how to cook eggs in the microwave for a quick and delicious breakfast. Spinach and Cheddar cheese are added to make the eggs even more filling [[17]].

Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie:

This smoothie recipe features red lentils for a plant-based protein boost. You can make it vegan by using unsweetened coconut beverage or almond milk instead of dairy milk [[18]].

Spring Green Frittata:

Frittatas are versatile dishes that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This easy frittata recipe includes green spring vegetables, chopped tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It can be prepared in just 25 minutes [[19]].

Ham & Asparagus Quiche:

This quiche recipe is perfect for brunch or dinner. It combines leftover Easter ham with tender asparagus. Emmenthal cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor, but Swiss cheese can be used as an alternative [[20]].

Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale:

This recipe allows you to make baked eggs in tomato sauce using ingredients you likely already have on hand. It can be served with whole-wheat bread for dipping, similar to eggs in purgatory [[21]].

Spinach-Avocado Smoothie:

This healthy green smoothie gets its creaminess from frozen banana and avocado. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you need a veggie boost [[22]].

Avocado & Arugula Omelet:

This omelet recipe adds arugula and avocado for some greens and healthy fats. It can be served with crusty whole-grain toast for a complete breakfast [[23]].

Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl:

This smoothie bowl recipe uses frozen fruit to achieve a thick, creamy, and frosty texture. It's a refreshing and nutritious option for breakfast [[24]].

Avocado & Smoked Salmon Omelet:

This omelet recipe combines avocado and smoked salmon for a high-protein breakfast. The healthy fats from avocado help quash hunger, and the fiber in avocado helps you feel full longer [[25]].

Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole:

This healthy casserole is essentially a crustless quiche filled with fresh summer vegetables. It's a great option for an elegant summer brunch or a casual backyard barbecue [[26]].

Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata:

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is a quick and versatile meal. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of crusty baguette [[27]].

Oatmeal-Almond Protein Pancakes:

This protein pancake recipe uses oatmeal and almonds. Depending on the type of protein powder used, the amount of liquid may need to be adjusted. The pancakes can be served with yogurt and a DIY fruit sauce [[28]].

Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche:

This quiche recipe is packed with broccoli, Cheddar cheese, and smoky ham. It features a crispy hash brown crust and can be made using precooked shredded potatoes or frozen hash browns [[29]].

Bacon & Spinach Quiche with Hash Brown Crust:

This quiche recipe adds a twist by using shredded potatoes to create a gluten-free crust. It features a combination of spinach and bacon, resulting in a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish [[30]].

These recipes offer a variety of options for protein-rich breakfasts that are flavorful and satisfying. Whether you're looking for make-ahead casseroles, quick and easy options, or creative twists on classic dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (2025)
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