You’ve heard the phrase that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but did you know it’s also the easiest way to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your home menu? In fact, there are so many simple ways to swap out ingredients in your current rotation without sacrificing an ounce of flavour. Whether you’re making a hearty oatmeal or a veggie-packed scramble, here are five plant-based breakfast substitutes that will have even beginner chefs looking forward to their morning meals.
Swap out scrambled eggs for a tofu scramble
One of the easiest ways to make a plant-based breakfast is to use tofu instead of eggs in a scrumptious scramble. In a skillet, combine cubes of firm tofu along with your favourite vegetables and spices for a scramble that’s low in calories yet high in fibre and packed with protein. You can even add in shredded vegan cheese! Serve it alongside breakfast potatoes like hash browns or home fries, or opt for slices of dairy and egg-free toast for a complete plant-based breakfast feast.
Get the recipe for Vegan Tofu and Spinach Scramble
Skip the dairy with plant-based yogurt
With all of the delicious dairy alternatives available at your local grocery store, smoothies are a simple way to ease yourself and your family into plant-based breakfasts that even beginner cooks can easily tackle. Take any of your favourite smoothie recipes and effortlessly trade the milk and yogurt for non-dairy options – such as coconut, almond, soy, oat, rice or cashew – which still give you that enjoyable creaminess. This Cherry-Almond Smoothie already includes almond beverage, but you can skip the dairy entirely (while adding a touch of delicious coconut flavour) by substituting the yogurt with Silk Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Style.
Get the recipe for Cherry-Almond Smoothie
Experiment with egg alternatives in pancakes and waffles
Waffles and pancakes often have hidden dairy and eggs, so you probably wouldn’t notice if they’re swapped out for plant-based alternatives. Eggs can be replaced with silken tofu, a store-bought egg replacer, or something known as a “flax egg,” made with flaxseed meal and water. In this recipe for wild blueberry and peach-topped pancakes, use your preferred egg substitute, and seamlessly swap the two cups of Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt of your choice.
Get the recipe for Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Use beans to make mouthwatering meatless sausage
If you’re new to meatless eating, you may be hesitant to give up delicious breakfast staples like bacon or sausage. Don’t let that hold you back! There are flavour-packed, protein-rich recipes that will satisfy your stomach and your taste buds, like sausage made with pinto beans. Beans are rich in fibre and absorb all of the savoury spices, so they’re yummy and filling, and they’re inexpensive so you can go plant-based on a budget. There’s even a hint of maple syrup in this recipe, making them perfect for pairing with pancakes.
Get the recipe for Vegan Pinto Bean Breakfast Sausage
Enhance your oatmeal with dairy-free yogurt and toppings
Say goodbye to boring oats by dressing them up with fixings like nuts, sliced fresh fruits, or even berries. In this recipe, the oats are finished with a dollop of creamy matcha and maple-infused yogurt, which can be easily transformed into a plant-based topper using Silk Vanilla Coconut Yogurt Style. Hearty and packed with antioxidants from green tea, this breakfast will have you ready to tackle the busiest days.
Get the recipe for Healthy Oatmeal with Matcha Yogurt, Pistachios and Apples