Friday: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Oct 14, 2021
- 9 min read
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes
4 servings
Ingredients
6 large egg whites
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 turkey bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients.
In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and bacon; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; top with spinach.
Pour in egg mixture. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath; cook until eggs are nearly thickened. Remove from heat; sprinkle with basil, then cheese.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
TEST KITCHEN TIPWant to make this recipe super healthy? Substitute 6 egg whites for the 3 whole eggs listed in the ingredients. You'll be using a total of 12 egg whites to complete the recipe. Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
This cheesy, full-of-flavor omelet is modeled after one I tasted and loved in a local restaurant. Mine is so hearty and rich-tasting that no one will guess it's lower in fat. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
French Omelet
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
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Directions
Whisk together first 5 ingredients.
Place a 10-in. skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at edges. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath. When eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains, top 1 half with remaining ingredients. Fold omelet in half. Cut in half to serve.
Nutrition Facts 1/2 omelet: 186 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee
Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min. Makes 1 dozen
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (about 1 pound), thawed
7 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms and shallots until tender. Add garlic and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and basil.
Press about 1/4 cup potatoes onto bottom and up sides of each of 12 greased muffin cups. Fill each with about 2 tablespoons beaten egg. Top with mushroom mixture, cheese and bacon.
Bake until eggs are set, 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 tablespoon prepared pesto
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons water
4 large eggs
8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham
4 fresh basil leaves
4 slices mushroom
4 slices Italian bread (1 inch thick), toasted
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Directions
In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in pesto. In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk egg yolks, water and lemon juice until blended; cook until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 160°, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Very slowly drizzle in warm melted butter mixture, whisking constantly.
Transfer to a small bowl if necessary. Place bowl in a larger bowl of warm water. Keep warm, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve. Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides; add vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, 1 at a time, into a small bowl; holding the bowl close to the surface of the water, slip each egg into water.
Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water.
To serve, layer prosciutto, basil, tomato and eggs over toast. Top with hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 525 calories, 39g fat (19g saturated fat), 457mg cholesterol, 1092mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Almond-Chai Granola
Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1-1/4 hours + cooling. Makes 8 cups
Ingredients
2 chai tea bags
1/4 cup boiling water
3 cups quick-cooking oats
2 cups almonds, coarsely chopped
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
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Directions
Preheat oven to 250°. Steep tea bags in boiling water 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine oats, almonds and coconut. Discard tea bags; stir remaining ingredients into tea. Pour tea mixture over oat mixture; mix well to coat.
Spread evenly in a greased 15x10-in. rimmed pan. Bake until golden brown, stirring every 20 minutes, about 1-1/4 hours. Cool completely without stirring; store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts 1/2 cup: 272 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped it with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 5 min. Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes
Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, chia seeds, fresh pumpkin seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut and sliced almonds
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Directions
Place the milk, berries and sugar in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Divide mixture between 2 serving bowls. Add optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
This frittata is filled with the classic ingredients of a Denver omelet—peppers, onion and ham—along with potatoes to make it hearty. It’s the perfect brunch dish to serve company after church or another early outing. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Total Time Prep: 25 min. Cook: 3 hours Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
12 large eggs
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound deli ham, chopped
1/2 cup chopped sweet green pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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Directions
Layer two 24-in. pieces of aluminum foil; starting with a long side, fold foil to create a 1-in.-wide strip. Shape strip into a coil to make a rack for bottom of a 6-qt. oval slow cooker. Add water to slow cooker; set foil rack in water.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add potato and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until potato is lightly browned. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish (dish must fit in slow cooker).
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pepper sauce, salt and pepper; stir in ham, green pepper and 1/2 cup cheese. Pour over potato mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Place dish on foil rack.
Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 314 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 407mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
Our family loves Sunday brunch. Each season I try to bring a little different flavor to the table. This French toast bake reminds us of fall. Whole or 2% milk works best, but I use regular almond milk because I can't have dairy and it works, too! —Peggie Brott, Milford, Kansas
Total Time Prep: 35 min. + chilling Bake: 50 min.
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
8 cups cubed bread
8 large eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
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Directions
Place bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, syrup and cinnamon. Pour over bread. Sprinkle with bacon. Refrigerate, covered, 4 hours or overnight.
Remove casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 256 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this a party go-to with any fruits that are in season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fruit and Cheese Board
Total Time Takes: 25 minutes Makes 14 servings
Ingredients
10 fresh strawberries, halved
8 fresh or dried figs, halved
2 small navel oranges, thinly sliced
12 ounces seedless red grapes (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium mango, halved and scored
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/2 cup dried banana chips
2 large kiwifruit, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
12 ounces seedless watermelon (about 6 slices)
1/2 cup unblanched almonds
8 ounces Brie cheese
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup honey
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Directions
On a large platter or cutting board, arrange fruit, almonds and cheeses. Place honey in a small jar; tuck jar among fruit.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 304 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
I'm not joking when I say I make pancakes every weekend. I love them in any form and variation. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 5 min./batch Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Mixed fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup and butter
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Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk remaining ingredients; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Preheat griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease griddle. Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto griddle; cook until bubbles on top begin to pop and bottoms are golden brown. Turn; cook until second side is golden brown. Serve with toppings as desired.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSTo make these pancakes lactose free, replace the buttermilk and butter with lactose-free 2% milk and lactose-free butter or dairy-free margarine. If you want to make them completely dairy free, replace buttermilk with any plant-based milk, like soy or almond, and use melted shortening in place of the butter.
Nutrition Facts 3 pancakes: 360 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
My frittata makes a marvelous light meal. especially during the summer. When I prepare the frittata for guests, I also serve rice and bread to make a hearty meal—quick and easy, but it always wins compliments! —Gwen Clemon, Soldier, Iowa
Ingredients
12 ounces bacon
2 cups sliced fresh asparagus (cut in 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
10 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup minced parsley
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Directions
In a 9- or 10-in. ovenproof skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings. Heat reserved drippings on medium-high. Add asparagus, onion and garlic; saute until onion is tender. Crumble bacon; set aside a third. In a large bowl, combine remaining bacon, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper.
Pour egg mixture into skillet; stir. Top with tomato, cheese and reserved bacon. Cover and cook over medium-low until eggs are nearly set, 10-15 minutes. Preheat broiler; place skillet 6 in. from heat. Broil until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
TEST KITCHEN TIPLooking to feed a larger crowd? You can make this in a 12-in. skillet by increasing each ingredient by 50% and baking it for 20-25 minutes. Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 344 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 351mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
Potato pancakes, or latkes, are really versatile. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
Country Potato Pancakes
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes about 24 pancakes
Ingredients
3 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon grated onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil for frying
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Directions
Finely grate potatoes. Drain any liquid. Add eggs, onion, flour, salt and baking powder. In a frying pan, add oil to the depth of 1/8 in.; heat over medium-high (375°).
Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls in hot oil. Flatten into patties. Fry until golden brown, turning once. Serve immediately.
Watch the Video TEST KITCHEN TIPSWarm leftover pancakes in the oven and have them with breakfast. Serve as a snack with smoked salmon or applesauce. Have these latkes as part of your Hanukkah celebration—along with these other traditional recipes. Nutrition Facts 2 pancakes: 257 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
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