Veggie Breakfast: The Go To’s

I was never a breakfast eater growing up because a “healthy” breakfast included eggs, which I wasn’t a fan of. I ended up always eating cereal, a muffin, a bagel…pretty much anything starchy. When I became vegan, breakfast was the hardest adjustment for me because yes, there are vegan muffins, bagels, cereals & all that, but I wanted something that was filled with nutrition. As time went on, I became more open minded and willing to try new foods. Now let’s fast forward to almost 5 years later where I have developed a wide range of unhealthy (yes I am not ALWAYS the healthiest veggie head) to healthy/nutritious vegan breakfast meals. The question I get asked the most is how do I make being vegan easy, quick, and simple. Truthfully, I don’t think any cooking is that “easy,” but I do my best to be practical! With that being said, I am sharing with everyone 4 of my go to breakfast dishes!

*Disclaimer: I am not a chef! I just find things I like & make them. I will be linking any brands or Pinterest recipes I used as well.

Go to Breakfast: Number One

Avocado toast at this point is a trend in the world! We all rave about it and crave it. There is nothing wrong with it too! I love avocado toast because this is quick to make in the mornings, but recently I’ve gotten creative and I like to switch it up. Take your avocado toast to the next level by topping it with lettuce, tomato, and my personal favorite tempeh “bacon“. I ran out of lettuce for the pic BUT you get the point. This is by far my favorite combo, but of course there are other options. Here is what I used for my Avo BLT…minus the “L”:

• Dave’s Killer Bread 21 whole grains & seeds
  • you can find this bread pretty much anywhere, but the cheapest place is a 2 pack for $6.99 @ Costco & I freeze the second loaf until I need it.
• Avocado Mash by Good Foods
  • I get the 16 pack from Costco. This is easier than buying avocados and waiting for them to ripen, but that is an option, but like I said…I like practical!!
• Smoky Tempeh “Bacon”
  • Tempeh has seed/oat like texture, but I don’t mind it. This does not taste like bacon (I don’t want it too), but it has this smokey flavor which to me, compliments the toast. I even put it in burgers!
• Tomato
• Lettuce

Another way to spice up your toast is by adding some Sriracha sauce, chia seeds, arugula, mushrooms…etc. (not all on one toast, just some options to play with).

Go to Breakfast: Number Two

Good ol' Oatmeal

My poor sweet instant oatmeal has been put on the back burner for overnight oats!!! I am not mad or judging, but I personally don’t like overnight oats, so for me instant will do. You’ll notice that practical is my favorite word when it comes to cooking. I did some research and please feel free to do your own because I am not a nutritionist, but it seems that steel cut oats is the better option health wise, therefore, I purchase instant steel cut oatmeal. There are many brands and yes, quaker has one, but theirs isn’t the best brand in my opinion! Again, when it comes to oatmeal…I am no expert, but I like it! I always add fruit to my oatmeal because if not I’ll be hungry in 5 minutes. Here is what I used to make my instant steel cut oats:

• Steel Cut Oats
  • I get this brand at Target and they have 3 flavors of steel cut! I like the original and maple & brown sugar the most. Original flavor is less calories!
• Almond Milk
  • Water can be used instead, but I like to switch it up sometimes. Any unsweetened almond milk or plant-based milk is fine.
• Fruits
  • My favorite with oatmeal is either banana or any berry!

Okay…great…after writing this now I want to give overnight oats another chance. I dislike you FOMO…very much!

Go to Breakfast: Number Three

Tofu Scramble

Earlier in my post I mentioned eggs not being my thing and that’s true. I did not try making a vegan scramble until about 2 years later. The first time I tried tofu scramble was when my mom wanted to get creative for a Sunday breakfast & I couldn’t say no! Honestly, I don’t think it tastes like eggs (which is fine by me), but I think it’s the variety factor that gets us veggie heads going. Having options is nice and the fact that we can turn tofu into a breakfast item is amazing! Tofu is a great source of protein and I know what you’re thinking, “but isn’t soy bad for you?”….no soy is not bad for you. Everything in moderation is the key to any food. Obviously if you’re not a fan of tofu then, I apologize in advanced because this recipe wouldn’t be good for you! But for all my tofu lovers or open minded peeps out there, you must try this! I chose to make breakfast potatoes & have tempeh “bacon” on the side, but its optional of course. In the past, I have even made breakfast burritos or meal-prepped it. Here is the tofu scramble recipe I use as a guide:

• Tofu Scramble
  • This has been my favorite scramble recipe and I have made it with and without vegetable broth…I find it to be the same, so I don’t think it’s totally necessary. Other add nutritional yeast or hemp seeds, but I guess that’s up to you!
• Add veggies!
  • I added diced onions, peppers, and tomatoes. You can also do spinach, mushrooms, or any other veggies you enjoy with “eggs”.
• A little extra!
  • Top with some vegan “cheddar cheese”! My favorite brands are Follow your heart, Daiya, and Violife.

Don’t be scared of trying it! At first I was picky, but then as time went on my palette changed & now I like pretty much everything 🙂

Go To Breakfast: Number Four

Protein Waffles

When it comes to starchy foods, I try my best to balance and make it nutritious. I am most definitely not a eat only veggies kinda gal and I am okay with eating foods I enjoy! Like I said before…everything in moderation. I have been purchasing Birch Benders pancake & waffle mix for a few years now and they finally came out with a plant-based protein mix!! YAY! Not all of their mixes are vegan, but the original and now this one is. These do require either a waffle maker or pan for pancakes. If you want frozen waffles, I recommend Vans Power Grains. Here are the details:

• Waffle Mix
  • Original or my new fav, the plant protein ones! I always find it at Target, but I do believe Whole Foods has it.
• Water or Milk Alternative
  • I have made the waffles with water and almond milk…its truthfully a preference, but either way is fine!
• Toppings
  • I love chocolate, so I make mine with chocolate chips. Enjoy Life is my favorite because they are allergen free as well. You can make the waffles with other toppings as well!
• Maple Syrup
  • Most natural maple syrup is vegan just read the ingredients. My favorite brands are Wholesome and Lakanto.

If this doesn’t qualify as healthy, I am sorry!!!! I am sure there are healthier ways for waffles, but for now this will do!

I hope these four meals will help all my veggie heads out there & anyone looking for more plant-based options!! I most definitely will be back with a “go to’s” Part 2!

Check out these meals being made on IGTV (click the image below):

XO, Cassie the Veggie