They say the first meal of the day is the most important, so make it count by whipping up nutritious whole grain foods for breakfast that the whole family will love. Whether you crave pancakes, parfaits, oatmeal, or cereal (hot or cold!), you'll love these delicious whole grain breakfast ideas brimming with oats, quinoa, barley, millet, and more whole grains.
Bacon-Teff Pancakes with Sweet Potato and Pear Hash
Power Grain: Teff
Never heard of teff? There's no better time to add this whole grain to your pantry. It lends a molasses-like flavor to these unique pancakes, which combine sweet and savory flavors for breakfast.
Tropical Fruit Breakfast Parfaits
Power Grain: Rolled Oats
Oats are one of the most versatile whole grain foods for breakfast that can easily be incorporated into an early-morning parfait. For a tropical take, pair them with shredded coconut, sunflower kernels, and mango on tangy lime yogurt.
Two-Way Nutty Granola Cereal
Power Grains: Rolled Oats; Barley
Take your bowl of cereal beyond the box with a fiber-rich blend of oats, nuts, barley, and wheat cereal. Apple cider and cinnamon flavor the granola, which can also be served as a hot cereal.
Hot Grains Power Bowl
Power Grain: Multigrain Hot Cereal
Carrot cake for breakfast? Why not! You can get all the flavor of this delectable dessert without the sugar in this power bowl, made with shredded carrots and warming spices.
Slow-Toasted Granola
Power Grains: Rolled Oats; Flaxseeds
Slow-cooked to perfection, this crunchy granola satisfies grumbling stomachs with rolled oats and ground flaxseeds. The grab-and-go morning meal gets smooth flavor from honey and peanut butter, plus a sweet kick from dates and golden raisins.
Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa
Power Grain: Quinoa
Cook up a steamy bowl of quinoa in just 20 minutes, then swirl with creamy nut butter, fresh fruit, and jam. Add crunch to the gluten-free whole grain breakfast with a sprinkle of peanuts.
Good Morning Cereal Blend
Power Grains: Barley; Oats; Bran
With plenty of fiber per serving, this simple cereal is guaranteed to keep you full all morning. Store the cereal in single-serve plastic bags for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
Air-Fried Flaxseed French Toast Sticks with Berries
Power Grains: Whole Grain Bread; Flaxseed Meal
These easy French toast sticks rely on high-quality whole grain bread to help hold their shape, while flaxseed meal adds a nutty flavor and extra boost of nutrition.
Spiced Apple Berry Oatmeal
Power Grain: Steel-Cut Oats
Simmer oats in apple juice for tender hot cereal with crisp fruit flavor. Mix in fresh berries and pecans for a big-batch whole grain breakfast recipe your entire family will love.
Toasted Oat Muesli
Power Grain: Rolled Oats
Crunchy oat muesli gets a quick toast in the oven before joining banana chips and a sprinkle of allspice. Serve the cereal with milk for a low-calorie breakfast.
Breakfast Fruit and Nut Cookies
Power Grains: Oat Bran; Flaxseeds
Cookies aren't just for dessert anymore. These grab-and-go whole wheat treats—one of the best whole grain breakfast ideas—feature crisp nuts and dates, plus a comforting cinnamon flavor.
Quinoa-Pumpkin Seed Granola
Power Grain: Quinoa
Granola tastes great over baked apples, yogurt, applesauce, or milk, and this cinnamon-spiced mix of quinoa, almonds, and pepitas is no exception. Store the healthy breakfast treat in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
Power Grain: Whole Grain Bread
Add brightness to your morning meal with fresh strawberries. Stuffed inside whole grain bread, the antioxidant-packed fruit joins sticky-sweet honey, gooey cream cheese, and low-fat granola.
Toasty Whole Grain Orange Muffins
Power Grains: Rolled Oats; Quinoa
Freshly squeezed orange juice lends bright flavor to these healthy muffins, one of the best whole grain foods for breakfast. Sour cream and buttermilk make the low-calorie muffins taste indulgent.
Crunchy Oat Squares
Power Grains: Rolled Oats; Oat Bran
Mimic the flavors of your favorite breakfast cereal without all the added sugar by using almond butter, honey, and brown sugar. Three types of whole grains fill the crunchy clusters to help delay hunger's return.
Six-Grain Slow Cooker Porridge
Power Grains: Steel-Cut Oats; Barley; Brown Rice, Cracked Wheat, Millet
It's no surprise this sweet slow cooker porridge recipe provides 10% of your daily fiber intake. The easy breakfast staple is stuffed with six types of grains plus heart-healthy toasted pecans.