During the week, breakfast is often a brisk affair. But on the weekend, brunch can emerge as the highlight of the day—especially on holidays and other special occasions. In this collection, you'll find some of our favorite brunch-worthy recipes. From colorful hashes to vegan omelets, baked goods, festive salads, and bountiful bakes, there’s something for every season and taste. We hope to take the guesswork out of making a healthy spread for your family and friends. Bonus: Each of these recipes is oil-free!
For more morning inspiration, check out our collection of Easy Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes to Fuel You Up.
Chocolaty Black Bean Pancakes
There’s nothing like starting the day with pancakes, but so many traditional recipes feature refined flour, and lots of butter or margarine, that leave you feeling less than energized. These healthy pancakes do just the opposite, fueling you up for the day with protein and fiber thanks to the black beans and whole wheat flour while still tasting decadent and delicious. A little maple syrup lends just the right amount of sweetness.
Tamales-Inspired Waffles with Black Bean Hash
These wholesome corn-based waffles are the perfect vehicle for all manner of tasty toppings! Made with cornmeal, masa harina, and almond flour, they’re also gluten-free. In this recipe, a corn and black bean hash, pairs well with the natural sweetness of the waffles, but feel free to get creative and look in the fridge for any leftover veggies and/or beans that might work well as a topping, too.
“This recipe is absolutely amazing! What a clever idea to make tamale waffles!”
“This recipe is absolutely amazing! What a clever idea to make tamale waffles!”
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
These must-try muffins from Julieanna Hever are perfect for a special brunch while still being healthy enough to enjoy without guilt. Mashed banana and pumpkin puree provide enough natural sweetness so that all you need is a little maple syrup to sweeten them up. While the chocolate chips are optional, they add a decadent touch that’s simply irresistible. Note: To make these gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free chocolate chips.
“We make these every couple weeks at my house and always devour them quickly…My daughter made up a song about these muffins when she was three she loves them so much!” —Nikki
“We make these every couple weeks at my house and always devour them quickly…My daughter made up a song about these muffins when she was three she loves them so much!” —Nikki
Spicy Cajun Hash on Grits
Bring the flavors of the bayou to your brunch table with this colorful vegetable hash. Savory grits cooked in vegetable broth and garlic create the perfect foundation. Tender vegetables seasoned with a bold Cajun spice blend get extra flavor from lemon juice and fresh parsley.
“We love this dish - easy to make and so delicious!” —Summer
“We love this dish - easy to make and so delicious!” —Summer
Dreamy Zucchini Breakfast Cookies
Chewy, perfectly sweet, and deliciously chunky, these toothsome oatmeal cookies from Carleigh Bodrug are the perfect morning treat. Forget the butter found in most cookies and instead use almond butter (or another nut butter) for richness. Kid-friendly and ready in 25 minutes or less, these will be on your regular rotation before you know it!
“The best WFPB cookies, hands down outrageously delicious.” —B
“The best WFPB cookies, hands down outrageously delicious.” —B
Healthy Breakfast Nachos with Vegan Sour Cream
Get ready for a brunch hit! These baked breakfast nachos feature crispy homebaked corn chips loaded with a flavorful mix of beans, brown rice, corn, bell pepper, poblano chili, and onion. Once they’re out of the oven, drizzle with a delicious vegan sour cream. Top with pico de gallo and avocado for a festive touch.
Pumpkin Spice Bread
Readers love this warmly spiced loaf from Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Moist, dense, and naturally sweetened with pumpkin puree and maple syrup, every bite melts in your mouth. Ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves yield a classic pumpkin pie flavor, while walnuts and raisins are tasty optional extras. This delicious loaf requires 30 minutes or less of active prep time.
“I love this pumpkin bread. It's delicious, easy to make, and a fun treat for the holidays!” —Ann
“I love this pumpkin bread. It's delicious, easy to make, and a fun treat for the holidays!” —Ann
Good Morning Bangkok Salad
A lime-infused ginger dressing packs a tasty punch and is the secret sauce in this hearty Thai-inspired breakfast salad. Chewy brown rice and crunchy raw veggies, including cabbage, carrots, and cucumber, create an enticing array of textures and flavors. Garnish with chopped peanuts and shallots for a brunch to remember.
“One of the best healthiest Thai salads. I also add avocado in it just for a kick.” —Thida
“One of the best healthiest Thai salads. I also add avocado in it just for a kick.” —Thida
Black Bean Polenta Cakes with Pepper-Cilantro Salsa
For a cafe-quality breakfast that'll delight even the pickiest of eaters, these chili-spiced black bean polenta cakes—which get topped with a mouthwatering mix of lime-infused oven-roasted bell pepper, poblano chiles, and onion—do the trick every time. Note: Be sure to make the polenta cakes ahead of time as they need a couple of hours to set. The day before works well.
Gluten-Free Crepes
Whether you’re gluten-free or not, it’s easy to appreciate the simplicity of these plant-based crepes. Chickpea and tapioca flours combine with plant-based milk to create a pliable, mild-flavored crepe that works well with sweet and savory toppings. For special occasions, you can’t beat vegan chocolate chips and fresh strawberries.
“There is nothing like melted chocolate and fresh strawberries. And these crêpes are a great vehicle for that. Very satisfying.” —F
“There is nothing like melted chocolate and fresh strawberries. And these crêpes are a great vehicle for that. Very satisfying.” —F
10-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad
This stunning salad goes well with a vegan quiche, omelet, or anything else you’ve got cooked up. Tangy strawberries and cherry tomatoes offer bright color and pair well with cool cucumber. Finely chopped mint leaves yield a burst of freshness, and walnuts add crunch. Drizzle with an orange-infused dressing to finish.
Banana-Fig Bread
Packed with bananas, dried figs, and a handful of walnuts for crunch, this scrumptious vegan banana bread is sweet, light, slightly nutty, and perfectly moist. It takes just 10 minutes to get into the oven and is great for special-occasion brunches, served as an after-meal sweet treat. Writes a reviewer: "Love this recipe! Easy to make and tastes delicious. Great grab and go breakfast or snack."
Oatmeal Breakfast Bake with Berries and Almonds
One of our most popular breakfast recipes, this easy oatmeal bake uses minimal ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to prepare as you mix everything together right in the baking dish. The berry and almond topping adds a delightful tang and contrasts nicely with earthy oats. This sweet, oaty bake thickens as it cooks, so you can cut it with a knife and serve it like a piece of pie with a drizzle of plant-based milk. Store leftovers in the fridge for tomorrow's breakfast or a snack later in the day.
“So good, and it's extremely flavorful! I prepared it the night before, covered it and put it in the fridge, then baked it the next morning.” —JBH
“So good, and it's extremely flavorful! I prepared it the night before, covered it and put it in the fridge, then baked it the next morning.” —JBH
Mexican Breakfast Hash with Lime Crema
Butternut squash adds sweetness to a mix of corn, black beans, and green bell peppers in this Mexican-inspired hash, while jalapeno pumps up the heat. You’ll love the blend-and-pour lime sauce made with silken tofu; it’s so light and creamy! Serve this vibrant hash with warmed corn tortillas for a feast worth sharing.
“It was so good!” —Jen
“It was so good!” —Jen
Vegan Potato Bread
There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and this fabulous vegan potato bread also delivers big on flavor! The high starch content of steamed potatoes gives the bread a soft and moist texture. Easy to slice and with a tender crumb, every bite of this whole-food, plant-based bread is worth savoring. Serve on the side or with your favorite toast topper, such as White Bean Toast with Veggies or Potato-Edamame Hash on Toast.
“OMG. I’ve made it three times. I promise you it’s foolproof. I’m not a baker.” —Donna
“OMG. I’ve made it three times. I promise you it’s foolproof. I’m not a baker.” —Donna
Confetti Cornmeal Muffins
These speckled gluten-free muffins are an excellent alternative to bread. Creamy white beans are blended into the batter while chipotle chili powder lends a smoky flavor, and corn kernels and jarred roasted red peppers give them a colorful appearance. For best results, serve warm with a spoonful of jalapeño jelly!
Polenta Cake with Apples and Cherry Compote
This longtime reader favorite features apple slices covered in a buttery-tasting polenta batter. Naturally sweetened with apple puree and maple syrup, this only takes a few minutes to get into the oven. Never used polenta? No problem. This is a great recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The cherry compote offers a tangy contrast, but many readers also enjoy this cake without the compote or with a dollop of Vanilla Nice Cream.
“This is so fabulous I make it once a week.” —Lynnde
“This is so fabulous I make it once a week.” —Lynnde
Crispy French Toast Cups with Bananas Foster Topping
Ready in less than an hour, this healthy mashup of Bananas Foster and French toast is ideal for a special occasion breakfast that’s not too taxing to prepare. Bread slices are dipped in a dairy-free batter made with plant-based milk and chickpea flour. Once wet, coat the bread with crispy brown rice cereal, press into muffin cups, and bake until crisp. Fill with warmed bananas dripping in an orange-infused maple syrup sauce, and watch your guests swoon!
“I use this recipe to impress my guests, and it is delicious!!” —Connie
“I use this recipe to impress my guests, and it is delicious!!” —Connie
Chocolate-Strawberry Vegan Whoopie Pies
Imagine pulling out a plate of these colorful chocolate treats filled with strawberry cream for a fun end to the meal. Freeze-dried strawberries give the cream an extra tang and are also used to create a snowy pink decoration for the creamy edges. For a no-fuss morning, make them ahead of time; they last up to seven days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
“These taste delicious!” —Lyn
“These taste delicious!” —Lyn
Quiche Florentine with Artichoke Hearts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Nothing screams festive brunch like a stunning quiche, and this vegan beauty, packed with colorful veggies, is a standout. Almond flour gives the flaky crust a rich, buttery flavor. You’ll use silken tofu to make an egg-like filling, with fresh thyme and nutritional yeast adding a satisfying savory flavor.
“The filling was awesome--we both loved it!” —Leda Beth
“The filling was awesome--we both loved it!” —Leda Beth
Herbed Breakfast Hash
Veggie-load your morning with this satisfying hash, featuring red potatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, corn, and fresh herbs. Note: This recipe is marvellously malleable; feel free to use whatever veggies/herbs are lurking in your fridge, leftover from the week.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Buckwheat Flour
Light and fluffy, and with a subtle coconut flavor, these chocolate chip pancakes impress, whether you’re gluten-free or not. This recipe uses a base of gluten-free rolled oats and buckwheat flour, while flaxseed and applesauce are used to bind, and banana and maple syrup lend delectable natural sweetness.
Gājjar No Halvo Baked Oatmeal
Gājjar no halvo, also known as gājjar kā halwā, is a creamy Indian dessert that's also perfect for brunch. This scrumptious vegan version by Sheil Shukla, DO, is naturally sweetened with banana and dates and features a treasure trove of healthy ingredients such as oats, grated carrot, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and nuts. Serve with warmed plant milk and a drizzle of maple syrup. One commenter shares, "Very tasty and satisfying."
Waffled Hash Browns with Spicy White Beans
These innovative waffles consist of coarsely shredded potato, carrot, turnip, and onion. When they’re good and golden brown, spoon a finger-licking-good thyme-infused tomato, kale, and white bean sauce over the top for a brunch to remember.
Rainbow Sweet Potato Hash
In this vibrant plant-powered breakfast, different-colored sweet potatoes combined with onion and red bell pepper for a tender, sweet hash. Kale adds an earthy bulk while a tangy lime crema lends just the right amount of pep.
Tofu and Veggie Frittata
This fabulous frittata is perfect for a vegan brunch with family and friends. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can get it in the oven reasonably quickly and then savor your morning tea while it bakes.
Oatmeal-Lemon Pancakes with Raspberry-Date Syrup
Fragrant with lemon zest and packed with whole grain goodness, these fluffy pancakes are a great start to any day. The date-sweetened syrup is made with fresh berries or kiwi, but frozen fruit works, too.
Vegan Galette with Caramelized Onion and Vegetables
Galettes are like easy, free-form French tarts that look charmingly rustic. In this recipe, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering filling of mushrooms, butternut squash, cauliflower, and sweet caramelized onions. A touch of tahini in the crust adds a rich flavor. Don't worry about making them perfect – just fold the edges of the dough over the filling and bake. Make this a fun kitchen project to share with family or make them before your guests arrive!
/br> “Although this recipe was time-consuming, the results were worth it.” —Becki
/br> “Although this recipe was time-consuming, the results were worth it.” —Becki
Leftover Veggie Chickpea Omelette
This hearty recipe uses chickpea flour to transform leftover veggies into an impressive egg-free omelette.
Breakfast Tostadas
Sink your teeth into these crunchy Mexican-inspired tostadas. The whole family will enjoy the combination of the “eggy” chickpea-veggie mix topped with salad greens, homemade pico de gallo, and avocado.
Big Breakfast Burrito
These hearty veggie- and tofu-filled burritos are perfect for a slow morning brunch. The recipe calls for the mixture to be dried out in the oven for 35 minutes. It’s worth the wait!
Sweet Moroccan Pancakes with Chocolate Banana Sauce
Active dry yeast gives these Moroccan-style crepes their light and airy texture. Serve with a no-cook banana-chocolate sauce and fresh fruit for a sensational start to the day!
Garlic Hash Browns with Kale
These no-fry garlic hash browns are a real crowd-pleaser. The steamed kale served atop these tasty delights elevates the dish to a meal in itself.
Blueberry-Banana Wraps
Banish boring breakfasts forever with these incredible wraps. With ripe banana slices, juicy blueberries, and fresh greens, each bite is a satisfying blend of soft, sweet, fresh, and crunchy.
Apple-Walnut Breakfast Bread
For a treat, round out a long lazy brunch with a slice of this delectably moist loaf and a hot or cold cup of tea.
Easy Oat Waffles
Earthy, satisfying, and just a bit sweet, this is a great basic waffle recipe. Rolled oats are ground with cinnamon, flaxseed meal, and lemon zest then mixed with plant milk and mashed banana.
Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal
You’ve got to hand it to strawberries: They have a knack for turning an everyday dish into an exceptional one. Here, the juicy berries team up with tart rhubarb and sweet dates for a creamy oatmeal that’s fancy enough to serve at any festive brunch.
Breakfast Scramble
This tasty, nourishing scramble features cauliflower and turmeric instead of eggs or tofu—and it's versatile enough to make with just about any vegetables you have on hand.
Vanilla Pancakes with Strawberry-Cherry Ice Cream and Warm Chocolate Sauce
These impressive pancakes are great for special occasions and are actually pretty simple. The chocolate sauce is amazing, and if you don't want to make Strawberry-Cherry Ice Cream, use fresh fruit instead: It all works.
Potato-Edamame Hash on Toast
Keep a bag of frozen edamame in the freezer and you're halfway to turning a pound of potatoes into this colorful and nourishing hash.
Cinnamon-Oat Waffles with Sweet Potato “Butter”
Aquafaba, the thick liquid found in a can of chickpeas, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity among vegan bakers. It keeps these waffles light and crunchy. Top the waffles with creamy sweet potato butter for a surefire brunch highlight.
Summer’s Best Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is an oldie but a goodie. The combination of creamy avocado with salt, pepper, and lemon juice always makes the taste buds dance. For extra pizazz, top with salad ingredients.
Chocolate Chip Coconut Pancakes
Coconut flakes and chocolate chips add delicious texture and flavor to these mouthwatering pancakes. Flaxseed is used in vegan baking to replicate the added structure and moisture of eggs. In this recipe, flaxseed meal is cooked in water for a few minutes until the liquid gets sticky and a little stretchy, just like egg.
This article was originally published on May 1, 2020, and has been updated.
By Lisa Esile, MS ,
Love your recipes I have your cookbook and I love to pin your recipes online! They are great and I love that they are wholesome and delicious!! Please keep the recipes coming.