Weekday breakfasts around here are usually nothing more than a strong black coffee and a quick green juice. But all week long I’m really dreaming about the real breakfasts we’ll make on the weekend – best enjoyed while catching the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off.
I adore breakfast food, and Ina has spoiled us with options across her 13 cookbooks and countless TV episodes. Truly, there’s something for everyone:
- Quick weekday favorites like her Country French Omelet and Maple-Roasted Bacon (both on heavy rotation in my kitchen).
- Dessert-for-breakfast treats—think Cinnamon Baked Donuts or Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake—for those who start the day with a sweet tooth.
- Showstoppers like Potato Galettes with Smoked Salmon or Truffled Scrambled Eggs for when you really want to turn up the volume.
Today, I’m sharing my 25 favorite Ina Garten breakfast recipes – a mix of classics, indulgences, and everyday staples. What’s your go-to breakfast dish?
Short Rib Hash & Eggs – Cook Like A Pro, page 244 (Recipe) | I’ve made this recipe four or five times now, and every single time it’s a huge hit! It’s so hearty and satisfying that I usually save it for dinner rather than breakfast – and it never disappoints.
Maple-Roasted Bacon – Barefoot Contessa at Home, page 225 (Recipe) | Ina taught me the magic of cooking bacon in the oven, and I’ve never looked back! Add a drizzle of maple syrup, and suddenly this breakfast classic is next-level delicious.
Cinnamon Baked Doughnuts – Foolproof, page 252 (Recipe) | I bought a donut pan specifically for the recipe and was worried I’d never use it again … and I was right. BUT this recipe is so phenomenal that I’m happy I have the pan on hand if ever the craving hits!
Breakfast Ricotta with Berries & Maple Syrup – Make It Ahead, page 240 (Recipe) | Making your own ricotta is a total game-changer and so much easier than you’d imagine! I never would have considered it for breakfast but this combo was heaven. No notes.
French Toast Bread Pudding – How Easy Is That, page 18 (Recipe) | I’m not a fan of repetitive cooking (looking at you, stack of pancakes). That’s why I’m obsessed with this French toast bread pudding: it feeds a crowd and saves me from spending forever at the stove!
Country French Omelet – Back to Basics, page 227 (Recipe) | Probably the breakfast recipe I make the most. Simple, yet delicious – an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake – Parties, page 37 (Recipe) | This is one show-stopping breakfast! I can never resist a good coffee cake, and this is hands-down the best one I’ve ever made at home.
Herbed-Baked Eggs – Barefoot in Paris, page 64 (Recipe) | Insanely easy and doesn’t skimp on the flavor. After making this for my parents, this became one of their favorite breakfasts!
Tri-Berry Muffins – Barefoot Contessa at Home, page 212 (Recipe) | You really can’t go wrong with Ina’s muffin recipes, but this is a favorite. Packed with berries and a hint of cinnamon. Yum!
Potato Pancakes with Fried Eggs – BarefootContessa.com (Recipe) | Crispy potatoes. Runny yolk. Enough said.
Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake – Go-To Dinners, page 71 (Recipe) | This supremely moist ricotta cake is bursting with blueberries and the lemon really pops. It’s a new favorite.
Croque Monsieur – Barefoot in Paris, page 48 (Recipe) | Simple and hearty breakfast with a divine béchamel. I usually serve these as Croque Madams and top them with a fried egg.
Easy Eggs in Purgatory – Go-To Dinners, page 68 (Recipe) | Another favorite from her latest book! Poached eggs swimming in a spicy arrabbiata sauce – sign me up
Roasted Hazelnut Granola – Food Network (Recipe) | Of all of Ina’s granola recipes, this is my favorite. It might be because I’m partial to hazelnuts!
Buckwheat Crêpes “Complète” – Modern Comfort Food, page 233 (Recipe not online) | I wasn’t super excited about this one (see: repetitive cooking above) And buckwheat crepes?! After one bite I knew I’d make these again in a heartbeat. Perfection.
Chocolate Banana Crumb Cake – Make It Ahead, page 261 (Recipe) | Banana bread topped with a chocolate almond streusel? Yes, please
Truffled Scrambled Eggs – Cook Like A Pro, page 251 (Recipe) | Ina’s scrambled eggs topped with shaved truffles were a very expensive disappointment. This soft scrambled made with the infinitely more affordable truffle butter – my ideal breakfast.
English Cream Scones/Irish Scones – Go-To Dinners, page 63 (Recipe) | These scones are delicious on their own but other-worldly with a healthy amount of jam and clotted cream.
Southfield Store Holiday French Toast – Food Network – courtesy of Amanda Perreault (Recipe) | So I’ll break my repetitive cooking ban for special occasions and this dish worth the effort!
Potato Galettes with Smoked Salmon – Modern Comfort Food, page 39 (Recipe) | Ina loves her smoked salmon so it’d be a shame if that didn’t make an appearance on the list. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it!
Tri-Berry Oven Pancakes – Back to Basics, page 237 (Recipe) | Ina’s sweet Dutch baby is one dish I still can’t believe I made at home. Believe me, your guests will be impressed with this one.
Morning Glory Muffins – Cook Like A Pro, page 242 (Recipe) | So many breakfast items are just an excuse to eat dessert in the morning. These muffins border on carrot cake (my favorite) san frosting and I can’t get enough.
Eggs Benedict with Easy Hollandaise
Food Network (Recipe)
A restaurant brunch staple simplified to make at home. Whip up a batch of mimosas and pretend you’re at an epic all-you-can-drink NYC brunch.
Smoked Salmon Tartines – Cook Like A Pro, page 247 (Recipe) | Love avocado toast but looking to turn up the volume? Ina’s got you covered.
Blueberry Bran Muffins – Make It Ahead, page 256 (Recipe) | As a kid, I wouldn’t touch anything with bran. These babies turned me into a bran lover!
More Best of Ina here.
