By Tessa McCarthy 

There are many things my mother loves—her family, our dog, a frosting-heavy slice of cake, and, without fail, breakfast for dinner. After my older sister left for college, it was often just the two of us at home, brainstorming what to make for dinner every night. On evenings when our inspiration ran dry, she’d turn to me with a child-like excitement in her eyes and say, “How about breakfast for dinner?”

I’d light up with a quick “oh, yes,” and just like that, our favorite ritual would begin. She’d get out the griddle and mix up homemade pancake batter, with blueberries in hers and chocolate chips in mine. Meanwhile, I’d prep some sausage and maybe peel and chop a few apples for a fresh, warm applesauce. Once everything was ready, we’d sit down together to enjoy a meal that was simple, sweet, and comforting. A plate of breakfast favorites soaked in maple syrup, made together, and always more fun than anything else we could have cooked up.

My mom always knew that breakfast for dinner was one of the easiest and most exciting ways to shake up your weeknight meals. It’s simple, affordable, and a refreshing break from your typical dinner routine. With a wide variety of options— whether you’re craving classic pancakes, a breakfast pizza, or avocado toast— there’s a breakfast for dinner recipe for everyone. Best of all, it’s kid-approved, giving little ones the chance to enjoy some of their favorite foods in a new context, and the chance to maybe even join in on the cooking process. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our top breakfast-for-dinner recipes that will inspire and simplify your next dinner adventure.  

Breakfast for dinner recipes to try

Chicken and Pancakes  

Drawing inspiration from the classic chicken and waffles, this recipe brings a beautiful balance of flavors to your plate. Crispy, seasoned chicken meets its perfect match in soft, fluffy pancakes, creating a contrast in both texture and flavor. Finished with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, you get the best of both worlds with this breakfast for dinner recipe—savory, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.  

Get the recipe: Chicken and Pancakes   

Hash Brown Avocado Toast  

Combine multiple breakfast favorites into one dish with this go-to breakfast-for-dinner recipe. A seasoned avocado mash is spread over crispy, air-fried hash browns, then topped with a freshly poached egg for a fresh twist on classic avocado toast. Coming together in just 15 minutes and requiring minimal cleanup, this dish is a great option for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Hash Brown Avocado Toast  

Pancake Breakfast Tacos  

It only takes five ingredients to make these breakfast tacos. Using a warmed frozen pancake as a “shell,” they are stuffed with freshly scrambled cheesy eggs and breakfast turkey sausage. Finished with a drizzle of maple syrup (and maybe a little extra on the side), this fun twist on a breakfast taco is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.  

Get the recipe: Pancake Breakfast Tacos  

Big-Batch Hash Brown Breakfast Bars 

All your favorite breakfast ingredients come together in this kid-friendly recipe. Hash brown potatoes, turkey sausage, cheese, and a frozen veggie blend are mixed and spread in a baking pan. Whisked eggs are poured over the top before the whole dish goes into the oven. The result? A simple, delicious, big-batch breakfast bake that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. Best of all, leftovers freeze and reheat for future meals!

Get the recipe: Big-Batch Hash Brown Breakfast Bars 

Breakfast Pizza  

If you get excited for pizza night, you’re sure to love this breakfast twist! A store-bought pizza crust makes prep a breeze and is topped with eggs, Canadian bacon, and crispy frozen tater tots. After a quick trip to the oven, this breakfast pizza comes out golden and crisp—just top it off with a sprinkle of parsley and dig in.  

Get the recipe: Breakfast Pizza  

Sheet Pan Breakfast Quesadillas 

Whip up a batch of these hearty Breakfast Quesadillas in just 30 minutes! Packed with eggs, cheese, and classic quesadilla veggies, everything gets layered on tortillas and baked to perfection on a sheet pan. Served with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, this recipe brings the best of breakfast and dinner classics into one! 

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Breakfast Quesadillas 

Spicy Shakshuka Eggs  

This vibrant skillet dish makes for the perfect breakfast-for-dinner. It’s got just the right kick of spice, a rich tomato base, and sunny-side-up eggs, all in one pan. Topped with crumbled feta and fresh green onions, it’s warm, satisfying, and ready in just 25 minutes for a meal that brings cozy morning flavors to your dinner table.  

Get the recipe: Spicy Shakshuka Eggs    

Egg and Bean Breakfast Burritos  

These handheld delights are packed with eggs, refried beans, melty cheese, and loads of veggies, all wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla. Ready to enjoy in just 15 minutes, they’re extra delicious when served with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (a great sour cream alternative) and a dash of hot sauce. The perfect combination of breakfast and dinner flavors, all on one plate.  

Get the recipe: Egg and Bean Breakfast Burritos    

Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake 

Give your leftover morning bagels a new life with this delicious, cheesy breakfast (turned dinner) bake. Best when made with slightly stale bagels, this comforting dish also contains eggs, rich dollops of cream cheese, and a melted cheese topping. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions, it’s a clever way to enjoy bagels any time of day— morning or night.

Get the recipe: Everything Bagel Breakfast Bake    

Sweet Potato with Soft Boiled Egg and Herby Yogurt  

Get a quick and delicious breakfast-for-dinner on the table in under 20 minutes with this tried-and-true recipe. Thanks to ready-to-microwave sweet potatoes, prep time is a breeze. The tender potatoes are topped with perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and finished off with a crave-worthy herby yogurt sauce that’ll have you reaching for a second helping.  

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato with Soft Boiled Egg and Herby Yogurt  

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole  

Indulge in some Southern comfort with this delicious breakfast-for-dinner dish. Requiring just one pan for easy prep and cleanup, frozen biscuits bake right on top of a rich turkey sausage gravy. Pop it in the oven and let the biscuits soak up all that unbeatable gravy flavor. After 45 minutes, you’ll end up with a mouthwatering casserole, made even better with a light brush of butter on top.  

Get the recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole   

Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Breakfast Casserole

Enjoy a fun twist on a classic luncheonette favorite with this easy casserole recipe. Quick grits and tubed breakfast sausage are the stars of the show, bringing all the best breakfast flavors straight to your dinner table. Finished with a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of fresh flavor, this simple dish will take your breakfast-for-dinner menu to the next level. 

Get the recipe: Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Breakfast Casserole   

Blueberry-Oatmeal Pancakes

Often seen as a breakfast staple, blueberry pancakes make the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner treat. Hearty from the oats and with just a hint of tartness from the frozen blueberries, these fluffy stacks are best when drizzled with maple syrup. Served with a side of breakfast sausage or ham, these pancakes can easily transform into a full and satisfying dinner, while still delivering that unbeatable breakfast flavor.  

Get the recipe: Blueberry-Oatmeal Pancakes  

Tessa is the associate digital editor at Savoryonline, where she combines her skills in storytelling with her passion for food. She loves learning about nutrition, trying new recipes, and capturing her kitchen creations—whether through photos or the playlists that soundtrack her cooking.