12 Amazing Breakfasts You Need to Try

As college students, it’s sometimes difficult to have the motivation to eat breakfast or even wake up in time to grab a fruit or granola bar on the way to class. Living off campus has really helped me start to prioritize breakfast, and here are some of my favorite breakfasts to make before heading to class. Instead of dreading waking up, I now look forward to a little treat before class! Follow my food account, @vishnus_veggietales, to see what breakfast and other food I’m eating. Richmond is full of amazing breakfast spots like 821 Cafe’s french toast and Capitol Waffle Shop if you are looking for a more fancy breakfast as well! 

Homemade French Toast

This breakfast always reminds me of my childhood with its wholesome and rich flavor. Although there are many alternative methods to preparing this delectable option, my favorite way is to toast bread on the stove, add a beaten egg to the top and cook together (flipping occasionally). Spice things up for fall with a touch of cinnamon, maple syrup, apples and some pecans. Slice up these to make french toast sticks that are easily stored in a coffee cup for a breakfast on-the-go! Here’s a recipe to try if you don’t know how to start.

Waffles/pancakes

A mini waffle maker makes it so easy to make blueberry, chocolate chip, or dessert waffles topped with ice cream. You can buy large packs of pancake mix or easily make it from scratch. I like to liven up the meal with freshly cut strawberries, butter, and whipped cream. If you need inspiration for how to make your waffles/pancakes more exciting, visit this link.

There’s a new trend about freezing pancake batter with the mix-ins in ice cube trays and just putting them straight on the pan for an easy breakfast idea!

Acai bowls

This easy breakfast is a healthy and fresh way to kick-start your day. If you don’t have acai berries, don’t worry — frozen mixed berries are a perfectly acceptable alternative. Add some spinach and lemon juice (or milk) to your blender to add more flavor. I like to top my acai bowls with granola, sliced fruit, salted chocolate, and nuts (@vishnus_veggietales). Shake Smart on campus also offers smoothie bowls for students with meal plans!

Smoothies

If you don’t have enough time for a well-thought-out breakfast, whip up an easy smoothie by blending fruit (frozen is cheaper) with water, fruit juice, or lemon juice. You can even add protein powder or greens to have a healthy start to your day. I find it easiest to add water and milk to my smoothies to help loosen up the fruit faster. Add chia seeds for some texture!

Parfaits

I know what you might be thinking: Isn’t parfait a dessert? Well, technically, yes, but it can be a perfect alternative to a traditional breakfast. Just mix berries, granola, and vanilla nonfat yogurt in a cup and enjoy! I am not a huge fan of Greek yogurt, but these are easy for meal prep if you leave a bunch in the fridge at the start of the week.

Croissants

Whether you prefer salty or sweet flavors, I bet there is a croissant for you. You can eat them plain, toast them with butter, add jam, or even microwave your croissant with chocolate chips inside to make a chocolate-filled croissant. I love croissant-wiches with scrambled eggs and a glass of orange juice. I usually grab my croissants wholesale at Costco and eating one makes me feel satisfied until lunch.

English muffins

Slice your English muffin horizontally, spread some butter, add seasoned scrambled eggs, and enjoy. Similar to croissants, you can even add sweet toppings like jelly or bananas to switch up the flavor. If you buy your English muffins from the store, this breakfast takes as much time as whipping up a PB&J sandwich! I like how they offer more crunch than a typical bread and the small divots can hold a lot more on the inside.

Cinnamon rolls

Alright, this is a breakfast for people with a sweet tooth. Cinnamon rolls are flavorful and delicious (not to mention aromatic). You can buy pre-made cinnamon rolls or try your luck with a recipe online. If you’re feeling hesitant about sugar in the morning, add less icing to your roll and pair with fruit instead. If you have a waffle maker, you can also pop a frozen cinnamon roll inside and you will get the most delicious cinnamon waffle in under 5 minutes!

Scones

Scones are an easy-mode recipe for new bakers and offer a filling Sunday breakfast. Although people usually pair scones with tea as a snack, breakfast scones are a sweet and tasty way to treat yourself! You can make scones with relatively few ingredients in a variety of flavors, so I suggest you try them out. Try adding blueberries and oatmeal in your scones for a healthy variation. I love baking these with my friends and trying out different combinations of mix-ins.

Bagels

In the mood for something more versatile? We all love a good bagel in the morning, especially when there are so many options! There are raisin bagels, cinnamon bagels, blueberry bagels, cheese bagels, sesame bagels, everything bagels… need I go on? Bagels are amazing on-the-go and can be quickly put together with some spread or butter. Einstein Bros has bagels for students on campus, but I prefer the Panera or local Richmond spots like Perly’s.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an incredibly healthy and easy breakfast. Pour one cup of oats and two cups of milk or water into a bowl before throwing it in the microwave (or stove) . Add whatever toppings you want and enjoy! I usually make overnight oats which is ½ cup oats + 3 spoons chia seeds + milk until submersion + dash of cinnamon and honey + fruit of choice to meal prep for the next morning. I love topping my oatmeal with granola, sliced almonds, pistachios, shredded coconut, peanut butter, and/or jam to play with textures.

Eggs

Finally, we have reached the most treasured food in the breakfast business (in my opinion). There must be an unlimited number of ways to cook eggs, ranging from sunny-side-ups and scrambled eggs to a classic omelet. Although new studies are linking eggs to cholesterol, it is still an amazing source of protein when consumed in moderation. I love making a quick fried egg to eat with leftover rice, sesame seeds, and soy sauce for an easy breakfast.

Make time to prioritize your nutrition and well-being in your busy schedule, because I know it can be difficult as a college student! The next time you need to make breakfast, I hope this list ensures that you won’t be stumped.