Is it just us? After dinner, we often find ourselves daydreaming about breakfast next the morning. And why not? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason, especially a that's loaded with plenty of protein. Packing in the protein early in the morning means that you’ll have the stamina to get through your weekdays (or weekends if you're nursing a mean hangover). With easy recipes like our hearty cowboy breakfast bowls and piña colada protein smoothies, these protein-packed high-protein breakfast ideas are perfect for any day of the week (and they go pretty well with a brunch-time mimosa, too!)

When it comes to building a protein-packed breakfast, you can't deny the versatility of eggs in the morning. They add an instant bit of richness as well as a powerful punch of protein. Crack a few over your next batch of green shakshuka, savory oatmeal, or breakfast tostadas and you'll always have a carton on hand. And if you're not in the mood to bust out a pan in the morning, now's the time to perfect your air-fryer game with our recipes for air-fryer omelets and air-fryer poached egg avocado toast.

Want more healthy breakfast inspo? Check out all of our favorite gluten-free breakfasts, keto breakfast ideas, and paleo-friendly breakfasts. In a rush? We've also got tons of next-level breakfast meal prep ideas that are perfect for when you're on the go.

This avocado toast has it all, from creamy avocado to protein-packed eggs and bursts of sweet tomatoes. Pro tip: You’re going to want to eat this one with a knife and fork (and maybe a mimosa!).

Get the Air Fryer Poached Egg Avocado Smash Toast recipe.

Why in the world would you make homemade yogurt in an Instant Pot? Because it tastes extra-fresh, creamy, and smooth. And it earns you major bragging rights (shhh, no one needs to know how easy it is).

Get the Instant Pot Yogurt recipe.

Loaded with crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, creamy avocado and crispy bacon, this bowl is a crowd-pleaser. For a customizable meal, prepare all your ingredients and any extras—salsa or black beans would be a great addition—and set them out so everyone can create their bowl as they please!

Get the Cowboy Breakfast Bowls recipe.

When you picture meals on the paleo diet, what do you see? We bet huge, fluffy stacks of golden pancakes aren't the first thing you imagine. Guess what though? Delicious paleo pancakes CAN BE YOURS, and we're here to show you how.

Get the Paleo Pancakes recipe.

We love a simple but crazy delicious breakfast, and these tostadas are just that. The toppings on these tostadas are our ideal toppings, but you can change them up however you’d like. Cook an overeasy egg instead or top with some sour cream. The best part is that these can be different every time you make them and still be so very good.

Get the Breakfast Tostadas recipe.

This makes for a great traditional American breakfast, alongside toast and eggplant bacon, but it's also killer in breakfast burritos, tacos, and sandwiches.

Get the Classic Tofu Scramble recipe.

Many folks, when they start their journey on the keto diet, think they have to say goodbye to all their favorite sweet breakfast treats. But these Keto Waffles is here to prove you wrong! This recipe is totally keto without sacrificing any of the flavor and crispiness you expect from a typical waffle.

Get the Almond Flour Keto Waffles recipe.

Whether you eat these as-is, or wrapped in a toasted English muffin, you'll be so glad you made a big batch of these egg muffins.

Get the Best-Ever Egg Muffins recipe.

Originating in North Africa and now strongly associated with Israeli cuisine, shakshuka typically involves a sauce of tomatoes and red peppers. Our take on this simmered skillet breakfast spins the color wheel, thanks to roasted tomatillos and Swiss chard, and takes flavor inspiration from Mexico.

Get the Green Shakshuka recipe.

This granola has cinnamon toast crunch vibes, and we can’t get enough of it. It’s chock-full of pecans, pumpkin seeds, and coconut, but you can play around with whatever nuts and seeds you have on hand (just keep the dry ingredients at 3 1/4 total cups).

Get the Air Fryer Cinnamon Crunch Granola recipe.

This veggie-packed omelet really highlights what an air fryer can do. Customize the fillings just like your very own at-home omelet bar. Hot tip: This omelet will look set on top before it’s fully cooked. If you take it out to fold it and there’s still some runny egg on the bottom, just pop it back in the air fryer for another minute.

Get the Air Fryer Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Goat Cheese Omelet recipe.

Remember that baked feta pasta that took the world by storm? Well, now you can have it for breakfast! There's no pasta involved, but white beans add a hearty creaminess, and a side of crusty bread or pita is highly encouraged.

Get the Baked Feta Eggs recipe.

This PB&J twist tastes just like your favorite sandwich—top it off with a drizzle of melty peanut butter if you wanna feel a little indulgently nostalgic.

Get the PB&J Overnight Oats recipe.

This easy bacon and sweet potato hash can upgrade any breakfast and comes together in one. single. pan. Yes, even the bacon! Make this for any occasion; casual weeknight dinner, Thanksgiving side, potluck... you get the idea.

Get the Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Hash recipe.

This TikTok number has taken breakfasttables by storm, and for good reason. It involves topping bread with a shortcut egg-yogurt “custard” to create a slightly sweet, fancy-ish dessert with barely any effort. The choices of toppings are ripe for your imagination. (FYI, Team Delish favors a bit of chocolate in the custard.)

Get the Yogurt Toast recipe.

We know and love classic oatmeal laced with brown sugar and cinnamon and other sweet toppings, but your next bowl should be this savory version. It’s creamier, bolder in flavor, and a runny egg makes everything better. It’s the breakfast version of risotto and that can never be a bad idea.

Get the Savory Oatmeal recipe.

Who needs protein powder anyways? Packed with almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, this shake will energize you and keep you full all morning. If you're not really a chocolate person and prefer fruit smoothies, Coconut Berry Keto Smoothie is for you.

Get the Chocolate Keto Protein Shake recipe.

The classic combo of Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and basil lends itself to a recipe that’s easy to whip up for an impressive breakfast or brunch. If you’re new to adding nutmeg to savory recipes, trust us: It adds a subtle, mysterious note that will have your guests (keto or not!) wondering why this recipe is so delicious.

Get the Keto Breakfast Casserole recipe.

This traditional Mexican breakfast is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Fried tortillas meet scrambled eggs, creating that magical crispy-gone-soggy texture that's irresistibly satisfying.

Get the Best-Ever Migas recipe.

This ultra-refreshing smoothie will deliver a boost of energy to your day and make you feel like you're on vacay, too.

Get the Piña Colada Protein Smoothie recipe.

True genius move: Using the egg for the bun on this classic breakfast sandwich. We loaded ours up with bacon, cheddar, and avocado, but go for some of your favorite fillings! Sausage and Gruyère would be killer too.

Get the Bunless Bacon, Egg & Cheese recipe.

For the ultimate breakfast, try this green salsa-smothered take on chilaquiles. How could you go wrong with a dish that’s essentially crisped-up tortillas tossed in a brothy salsa? Rather than fried eggs (a traditional topping for chilaquiles), we skipped the extra skillet and baked them right into the dish, lending more of a breakfast casserole feel than a saucy chip concoction.

Get the Chilaquiles Verde recipe.

This breakfast in a bite is ready in under 30 minutes! Not a ham fan? Feel free to switch it up with sliced turkey or salami.

Get the Ham and Cheese Egg Cups recipe.

When you're in the mood for a sweet breakfast, but don't want to load up on something heavy like pancakes or waffles, give this parfait a try! If you don't use up all your blueberry compote in your parfaits, it's really great on top of vanilla ice cream, too. 😉

Get the Best-Ever Parfait recipe.

You’re gonna flip over the flavor of these homemade sausage patties. They’re just as delicious as the classic pork version but made with leaner ground turkey (and in your air fryer= less oil!).

Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage recipe.

Load up these breakfast tacos—packed with hearty potatoes, chorizo, and crunchy pickled onions—for a meal to keep you full all morning long. Skip the chorizo and opt for vegan cheese to make these best-ever tacos into a vegan breakfast dream!

Get the Best Breakfast Tacos recipe.

We looove whipping up our bacon weave breakfast sandwiches for a high-energy day, and this taco variation mixes it up in the best way possible.

Get the recipe from Bacon Weave Breakfast Tacos recipe.

If you're like us and can't get enough of Brussels sprouts, this hash is for you. Paired with crispy bacon and runny eggs... what more could you want?

Get the Brussels Sprouts Hash recipe.

This frittata has everything you need to fuel your day. Bonus: You don't even need to turn on the oven to make it!

Get the Instant Pot Frittata recipe.

Who needs a tortilla when you have bacon? These protein-packed roll-ups take less than 30 minutes for breakfast on the go.

Get the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Roll-Ups recipe.