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37 Vegan Breakfast Food Ideas to Start Your Day Right in 2024

Last Updated on Dec 19th 2024
Vegan Breakfast food

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t settle for anything other than the best vegan breakfast food. But why is breakfast so important? Because it helps to get your metabolism running earlier in the day, according to Rush University. 

A well-working metabolism helps you burn more calories. And eating in the morning leads to better memory and attention performance during the day. With the undeniable importance of breakfast, everyone should choose a nutritious meal to start the day with, no matter their dietary restrictions.

Though vegans may have to cut out a few classic breakfast ingredients, they’ll still have plenty of options for good vegan breakfast food. Which breakfast would be appropriate for a vegan? Vegans can have plant-based versions of bacon, sausage and eggs, among other classic breakfast dishes. Cook something in a few minutes or make a decadent feast; here are 37 vegan breakfast food ideas to start your day on a delicious note.

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Lazy Vegan Breakfast Ideas

1. Corn Muffins with Whipped Sweet Corn

Cooking classes for Vegan Breakfast Food
Learn to cook vegan breakfast food at cooking classes (via Canva)

Take inspiration from vegan soul food​ to make these corn muffins that will start your day on a slightly sweet note. Easy to make in large batches, you’ll be able to enjoy one or two every morning for a week. 

Cooking classes in Boca Raton, cooking classes in Kansas City, cooking classes in Reno and cooking classes near you are great ways to learn how to cook and bake vegan breakfast foods. Or try online cooking classes where you can learn new vegan dishes from world-class chefs in your own kitchen.

2. Overnight Oats

A classic lazy vegan breakfast, overnight oats take virtually no time to prep. You can make them in a mason jar at night, stick them in the fridge and they’ll be ready by breakfast time the next morning. Plus, you can use a variety of ingredients and fruits to customize the flavor.

3. Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes are a classic side dish. But you can take a cue from vegan restaurants in NYC, where they elevate standard ingredients. Use sweet potatoes for a spin on this traditional vegan breakfast food, which will also add more fiber.

4. Matcha Ginger Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls make great vegan breakfast foods because they’re quick to make and full of nutrients. Blend up matcha powder with Greek yogurt, pineapple and a hint of ginger.

5. Homemade Granola Parfait

Vegan Granola Parfait
Vegan granola parfait (via Canva)

Making homemade granola is quite easy since all you have to do is add a sweetener like maple syrup and then bake it. Make it in large batches to top vegan breakfast foods like a parfait. Layer vegan yogurt with fruits and add your homemade granola for an easy meal.

6. Slow-Cooker Oatmeal

You can walk away and relax while this lazy vegan breakfast is being made. Make oatmeal in a slow cooker so it’ll be ready overnight. Add your choice of fruits and sweeteners for a custom oatmeal bowl.

7. Peanut Butter and Banana Rice Cakes

Looking for a quick vegan breakfast food on days you’re feeling lazy? This one has three ingredients. Spread peanut butter over rice cakes and top with sliced bananas. Simple, a little nutritious and tasty for a lazy day.

8. Breakfast Cookies

If you have ever wanted to have cookies for breakfast, now is the opportunity. This easy vegan breakfast food recipe uses one bowl and yields enough cookies to last you a week or two. Plus, a low-sugar option can be pretty healthy for you.

9. Overnight Porridge

Overnight porridge vegan breakfast food
Vegan overnight porridge (via Canva)

Overnight porridge is similar to overnight oats and is an easy vegan breakfast food recipe. You can use a variety of ingredients to make the porridge. Take inspiration from other cuisines, like vegan soul food, to choose your ingredients.

10. Pan con Tomate

This vegan breakfast food literally translates to bread with tomatoes. This tapas recipe uses a hearty bread and a spread made from fresh tomatoes and garlic. If you make the spread in advance, you’ll have a quick meal for breakfast.

Savory Vegan Breakfast Ideas

11. 4-Ingredient Bread with Vegan Garlic Butter

You can make bread with just bread flour, salt, yeast and water. Then, make a vegan garlic butter to spread on top for a savory vegan breakfast idea to indulge in.

12. Seed and Nut Bread

This delicious vegan food​ is chock full of nutrients thanks to the variety of seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds. They’re a good choice for plant-based proteins and fiber.

13. Mushroom and Avocado Toast

Mushroom Avocado Toast Vegan Breakfast Food
Mushroom and avocado toast (via Canva)

 

A simple bread can be made without animal byproducts and you can use it as the base of an elevated toast. Whip up a seasoned avocado spread and top with sautéed mushrooms for a savory start to the day.

14. Vegan Breakfast Sandwich

This vegan breakfast food recipe will require some assembly, but it’s worth it. Cook up vegan sausage and make scrambled vegan eggs. Then, layer those ingredients onto an English muffin with your choice of vegetables.

15. Avocado, Miso and Mushroom Bowl

This recipe takes inspiration from vegan Chinese food​. Use rice or quinoa as the base, and add fresh avocado and sauteed mushrooms with a savory miso sauce drizzle on top.

16. Vegan Omelet

Are eggs vegan? Eggs aren’t vegan because they’re a byproduct of chickens and other birds. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use an alternative to create classic egg-based vegan breakfast food. There are plant-based egg alternatives you can use to make omelets with your favorite veggies.

17. Skillet Hash Browns

Hash browns
Homemade hash browns (via Canva)

Skillet hashbrowns are an easy and delicious savory vegan breakfast idea. Grated potatoes grilled in a skillet are the perfect breakfast side. Add in onions for taste and serve hot and crispy.

18. Savory Vegan Crêpes

Crêpes don’t always have to be sweet. You can make vegan crêpes and fill them with spinach, mushrooms, garlic and other vegetables. Roll them up for an easy and delicious vegan breakfast food on the go.

19. Tofu Scramble

Thanks to the garlic powder and nutritional yeast, this vegan breakfast food is incredibly savory. All you have to do is mash the tofu to resemble traditional scrambled eggs and cook until creamy and tender.

Best Breakfasts for Vegans

20. Apple, Thyme and Vegan Cheese Toast

Apple, thyme and cheese is a classic combination. Layer a creamy vegan cheese, green apple slices and a sprinkle of thyme on toasted bread until the cheese is melted. This decadent vegan food idea will be your new favorite for sure.

21. Vegan Protein Pancakes

Vegan pancakes vegan breakfast food
Vegan protein pancakes (via Canva)

This vegan breakfast food will deliver your daily dose of protein in a delicious package. Vegan protein powder is a simple addition to a traditional pancake for a nutritious breakfast. Tools to make their favorite dishes are some of the best gifts for foodies.

22. Cacao Porridge Bowl

This simple vegan breakfast has a slight chocolatey taste. It’s made with oats and plant milk and can be finished with your choice of toppings, such as peanut butter, banana and almonds. This porridge has a ton of nutrients for a healthy breakfast.

23. Coconut, Apple and Ginger Dal

Vegan Indian food​ is a great option for breakfast. It’s a little savory and sweet with sautéed onions, apples, and coconut milk and ginger. You cook it all over heat until boiling before enjoying a bowl of it.

24. Sweet Potato Date Muffins

Sweet potatoes have great protein and fiber content, so they make a great addition to vegan breakfast food. These muffins will be an easy treat to grab in the morning or a great vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe to serve to friends and family.

25. Tempeh Bacon

Tempeh bacon
Tempeh bacon (via Canva)

Bacon is a well-loved breakfast food and you don’t have to give it up completely when switching to vegan food​. Cut strips of tempeh, marinate them and pan-fry them. They’ll come out crispy and savory, perfect for breakfast.

26. Fig Marmalade and Toast

Whip up a sweet fig marmalade at home to use for your morning meals. This vegan breakfast food pairs great on toast, vegan English muffins and waffles.

27. Grain Bowl

Grain bowls aren’t only a great breakfast food ideas, they work well for lunch and dinner as well. For this vegan breakfast food, top quinoa or rice with roasted sweet potatoes, spiced chickpeas and chard. You can meal prep it the night before for an easy and nutritious morning meal.

28. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

For your decadent weekend mornings, vegan cinnamon rolls are a must-have. They’re ready in just an hour or so and make a delicious vegan food idea for dessert as well.

5-Minute Vegan Breakfast Ideas

29. Peach and Banana Smoothie

Peach and Banana Smoothie
Peach and banana smoothie (via Canva)

You can’t go wrong with a smoothie if you’re looking for a quick vegan breakfast food. Blend up peaches and bananas with vegan yogurt. Pour it in a to-go cup and be on your way.

30. Blood Orange Chia Pudding

With this quick vegan breakfast food recipe, all you have to do is blend all the ingredients besides the chia seeds until smooth. Then add the chia seeds. It only takes five minutes to prepare and will be ready overnight for the next day.

31. Breakfast Quesadilla

If you’re looking for a true 5-minute vegan breakfast, make a quesadilla. Fill a tortilla with vegan cheese and your choice of vegetables. Grill it on the stove until golden brown and enjoy your breakfast in just a few minutes.

32. Vegan Frittata

A frittata comes together in a few minutes, and then you have downtime while it bakes. With this vegan breakfast food, you can make it in advance and warm it up in the oven for five minutes before you’re ready to eat it. Prepping in advance is one of the best food hacks for quick meals.

33. Vegan Cream Cheese Bagel

Cream cheese bagel vegan breakfast food
Vegan cream cheese bagel (via Canva)

Vegan cream cheese on a bagel is a simple vegan breakfast that you can never go wrong with. Toast it for a few minutes before adding the spread. You can also make it a breakfast sandwich.

34. Waffles with Nut Spread

When you’re on the go and need a 5-minute vegan breakfast, bring out the trusted waffles. You can make the frozen version in the oven or a toaster, but whipping them up homemade doesn’t take that long either. Top them with a nut spread and you’re ready to go.

35. Zucchini Bread

A slice of zucchini bread is one of the best office breakfast ideas. Make or buy zucchini bread and cut slices as needed. You can also spread jams and nut butters on it or serve it with fruit for a more filling vegan breakfast food.

36. Vegan Breakfast Burrito

A burrito is one of the best breakfasts for vegans because it’s customizable and quick to make. Fill it with tofu, vegetables and your favorite sauces. Roll it up, and you will have a meal you can enjoy at home or on the go.

37. Bruschetta

Bruschetta Vegan Breakfast Food
Bruschetta (via Canva)

Diced onions, garlic and tomatoes on top of toast bread slices? That’s one of the easiest and most delicious vegan breakfast foods you can make. Since it doesn’t have to be cooked, this food only takes five minutes to assemble.

Vegan Breakfast Food FAQs

What Do Vegan Doctors Eat for Breakfast?

According to doctors, oats are one of the best breakfasts for vegans and everyone else. Oats are a good source of fiber and protein. Both of these help manage blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller longer. They’re great for anyone trying to lose or maintain their weight. Oats also have many vitamins and minerals that can provide health benefits to the body.

Oats are a great vegan breakfast food because there are so many kinds and they’re so versatile. They can take on any flavor, from sweet to citrus to savory, so you can often feel like you’re eating a different dish while enjoying the same base ingredient. With options like oatmeal, porridge and granola, there are many ways to use oats as a breakfast ingredient.

Finally, oats are relatively easy to prepare. So, if you’re looking for a quick meal for an on-the-go breakfast or are just beginning a cooking journey, oats can be a good place to start.

What Do Vegans Eat for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner?

You can use many of the ingredients from vegan breakfast foods for lunch and dinner as well. Ingredients like plant-based meats and meat alternatives like tofu and seitan are used for vegan meals throughout the day. That’s because they easily take on flavors of different cuisines. You can use them to make vegan Chinese food​, vegan Indian food​, vegan Italian food and more.

Vegetables are another common ingredient that’s used in vegan meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll often see a variety of vegetables in vegan dishes as the main protein or alongside a plant-based meat alternative or with seitan and tofu.

 

Vegan breakfast food is the perfect way to start any morning. Whip up a few options for a weekend feast or have a go-to for a busy morning before work. No matter how you do breakfast–with smoothies, pancakes or homemade toast–you can fuel yourself while treating your taste buds. Savor these vegan breakfast foods every morning. 

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