Depending on your geographical location, it is either already freezing outside, or that chilly winter weather is right around the corner. This means it’s time for all the warm satisfying winter favorites that come with this season: fuzzy blankets, piping hot cups of tea or cocoa, and of course, warm, filling, delicious food. From mouthwatering casseroles to cinnamon buns and waffles, a good winter breakfast can warm you up and hit the hunger spot like no other seasonal dish. For the best ways to turn up the heat in the kitchen this holiday season, check out these 8 warm breakfast ideas for winter.
Steel-Cut Oats
You may have predicted these appearing on the list, but have you ever tasted oatmeal that’s slow roasted overnight? It’s all kinds of magical, melty and just plain delicious. Pick up some steel-cut oats, toss them in a crockpot with water before bed, and wake up to a delicious, hearty breakfast.
Baked Apple Streusel Pancake Bars
This make ahead dish is another tasty option you can make at the beginning of the week, and quickly grab a few each morning on your way out of the door. This combination of apple, cinnamon and fluffy pancake goodness is definitely mouthwatering.
Pumpkin Waffles
These crunchy, flavorful waffles are just the way to get warmed up and filled up on a brisk, winter day. And you can never go wrong when combining pumpkin with savory, buttery dishes.
Baked egg with Spinach and Mushroom
This recipe combines a baked egg with chopped spring or green onions, sauteed mushrooms, and wilted or sauteed spinach. This savory dish will definitely call for second helpings.
Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
These cookies taste so good, you really wouldn’t believe that they are basically guilt-free. They are packed with nutrition from the quinoa base, and are great for “make ahead and take later” kind of mornings. The whole family will love these, and won’t even know they are actually having a healthy snack.
Toffee Almond Scones
If your idea of the perfect morning is a hot cup of coffee or tea with a sweet danish to accompany, then toffee almond scones are the breakfast treat you never knew you were missing. The chocolatey toffee pieces, buttery batter, nuttiness of the almonds and sweet glaze topping combine to perfection.
Polenta, Beans and Egg Skillet Bake
These ingredients may sound like a weird combination, but somehow it just works amazingly together. Baked polenta forms the base and is topped with refried beans, cheese, baked eggs, avocado chunks, cilantro, hot sauce and salsa, all in one delicious, fiery skillet breakfast.
Chia and Chai Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are one of the most versatile make ahead breakfast dishes that is becoming wildly popular. You can add any combination of toppings and you’re pretty much guaranteed a satisfying smorgashboard of flavors. This recipe combines oats, chia and a chai spice mix. The chai spice mix can actually be made at home, and combines cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and ginger. After tasting this treat, you’ll be ready to go back to sleep just so you can wake up to your next serving of overnight chai and chia oatey deliciousness.