30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (2024)

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.

01of 30

Spinach & Feta Strata

View Recipe

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.

02of 30

Sheet-Pan Egg Sandwiches for a Crowd

View Recipe

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.

03of 30

Savory Oatmeal with Cheddar, Collards & Eggs

View Recipe

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.

04of 30

'Egg in a Hole' Peppers with Avocado Salsa

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (4)

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.

05of 30

Cheesy Egg Quesadilla with Spinach

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (5)

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.

06of 30

Wild Rice Waffles with Chicken Tenders

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (6)

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.

07of 30

Breakfast Salad with Spinach & Egg

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (7)

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

Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (8)

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

09of 30

Spinach & Egg Tacos

View Recipe

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.

10of 30

Black Bean & Slaw Bagel

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (10)

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.

11of 30

Migas with Spinach

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (11)

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.

12of 30

Chickpea & Kale Toast

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (12)

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

13of 30

Quiche Lorraine with Zucchini Crust

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (13)

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.

14of 30

Avocado & Kale Omelet

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (14)

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.

15of 30

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Tacos

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (15)

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.

16of 30

Cauliflower Hash with Sausage & Eggs

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (16)

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.

17of 30

Instant Egg & Cheese 'Bake'

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (17)

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

18of 30

Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (18)

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.

19of 30

Spring Green Frittata

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (19)

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.

20of 30

Ham & Asparagus Quiche

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (20)

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.

21of 30

Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (21)

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.

22of 30

Spinach-Avocado Smoothie

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (22)

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.

23of 30

Avocado & Arugula Omelet

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (23)

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.

24of 30

Mango-Almond Smoothie Bowl

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (24)

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

25of 30

Avocado & Smoked Salmon Omelet

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (25)

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.

26of 30

Zucchini, Corn & Egg Casserole

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (26)

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.

27of 30

Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (27)

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.

28of 30

Oatmeal-Almond Protein Pancakes

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (28)

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).

29of 30

Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche

View Recipe

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (29)

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.

30of 30

Bacon & Spinach Quiche with Hash Brown Crust

View Recipe

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.

30 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day (2024)

FAQs

How can I get 30g of protein first thing 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 breakfast food is high in protein and low in calories? ›

Cottage Cheese Bowls

A half-cup serving of 2% cottage cheese delivers 90 calories, 5 g of carbs and 12 g of protein, according to the USDA. When topped with foods like bacon and avocado or blueberry and walnuts, it can become a healthy breakfast.

What is a healthy breakfast with 30 grams of protein? ›

Add 3 halved hard-boiled eggs, ½ cup of roasted chickpeas, and slices from a small avocado. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of lemon juice or dressing. Optional: garnish with feta or hemp seeds for an extra protein boost. This bowl provides around 30 grams of protein.

What is a good protein breakfast in the morning? ›

Fill Up Early: 15 Ways to Get Protein at Breakfast
  • Morning Power. 1/16. Want to start your day off right? ...
  • Greek Yogurt Parfait. 2/16. ...
  • Chia Seed Pudding. 3/16. ...
  • High-Protein Cereal. 4/16. ...
  • Veggie Frittata. 5/16. ...
  • Smoked Salmon. 6/16. ...
  • Nut Butter Waffle. 7/16. ...
  • Canadian Bacon-and-Egg Sandwich. 8/16.
Dec 2, 2022

How many eggs to get 30g of protein? ›

Five hard-boiled eggs will get you 30 grams of protein (6 grams per egg). Eggs are one of the most popular high-protein breakfast foods and provide essential fats. If you're not interested in the yolks and want to only use the egg white for protein, you'll need about eight of them to yield the same 30 grams of protein.

What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss? ›

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.

What is a good protein breakfast to lose weight? ›

This process reduces hunger.So for morning meals with a protein boost I recommend opting for things like protein-rich Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, a protein breakfast bowl, egg muffins, chicken sausage, smoked salmon, or protein pancakes (Kodiak makes a nice boxed mix) over bagels ...

What is the best breakfast for weight loss? ›

The best things to eat for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs, lean bacon or turkey, whole-grain toast, peanut butter, smoothies, and yogurt with muesli. If you decide to try high protein breakfasts, play around with food combinations on your calorie tracker.

What is a light high protein breakfast? ›

Chicken and turkey are great for high protein breakfasts. These lean meats are healthy and light and will leave you feeling good. But they're also packed with protein. You can add ground meat or sausages to pretty much any savory breakfast recipe.

How to get 40g protein at breakfast? ›

What Is the Best High Protein Breakfast?
  1. Eggs and tomato dishes like shakshuka and huevos rancheros.
  2. Omelets with sliced chicken or ground beef.
  3. Fish and avocado toasts.
  4. Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with honey or fruit.
  5. Scrambled eggs and bacon.
  6. Smoothies from protein-rich vegetables, leafy greens, and fruit.
Nov 9, 2023

How much protein should I eat to lose weight? ›

If you're trying to lose weight, shoot for 68-82 grams of protein per day. Matt says to split your daily protein intake between your three daily meals. “Your body does a way better job at metabolizing protein when it's consumed 15-30 grams at a time.

What does 35g of protein look like? ›

4-5 ounces of meat = a large chicken breast or fish fillet, or a medium-sized steak or chop (also at least 5-10g of fat) Four ounces of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. 1 ½ cups of low-fat cottage cheese or greek yogurt. 5-6 whole eggs. 4 whole eggs and an ounce of cheese (also 25-30g of fat)

What can I eat in the morning with high protein? ›

Here are seven quick and easy ideas for high-protein breakfasts to power your morning.
  • Overnight Oats with Blueberries. ½ cup oats + ½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup milk + 1 tablespoon chia seeds + ½ cup blueberries. ...
  • Cottage Cheese Toast. ...
  • Smoked Salmon Bagel. ...
  • Beany Breakfast Burritos. ...
  • Turkey Sausage & Egg Sandwich.
Dec 19, 2017

What is the best protein to start your day? ›

There are a variety of ways you can add protein to your breakfast; some of the best protein-rich breakfast ingredients are eggs, nuts, nut butter, beans, and cheese. Whether you're a savory food lover or you have a sweet tooth, there's a protein-rich breakfast option for you! U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Are 2 eggs enough protein for breakfast? ›

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.

How to get 30 grams of protein for breakfast without meat? ›

Recipes with 400-450 calories and 30g protein
  1. Veggie Scramble w/ Fruit. Makes 1 serving.
  2. Berry Kale Smoothie. Makes 1 serving.
  3. Yogurt Breakfast Bowl. Makes 1 serving.
  4. Quinoa Breakfast Scramble. Makes 1 serving.
  5. Berry, Banana, Avocado Smoothie. Makes 1 serving.
  6. Almond Raspberry Parfait. Makes 1 serving.

Do I need protein as soon as I wake up? ›

Consuming whey protein in the morning can boost energy, control appetite, support muscle repair, and help stabilize blood sugar levels. It's a convenient way to start your day with protein, but overall protein intake throughout the day is also essential for muscle maintenance and growth.

How much protein should I eat first thing in the morning? ›

Research shows that eating 25-30 grams of protein at breakfast helps with weight maintenance and blood glucose control, and promotes lean muscle. Milk and other dairy foods are an easy way to add high quality protein to your morning routine.

Should you eat protein first thing in the morning? ›

Technically, it's not necessary to get more protein at breakfast than any other meal, as long as you're getting enough throughout the day. However, it's never a bad idea to start your day with a dose of protein, which will make your meal more satisfying and help stave off sugar crashes and hunger until lunch time.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 5649

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.