15 Whole Grain Breakfasts That Will Keep You Full Until Lunch

Posted by Allison Day on January 9, 2017

In contrast to refined grains that only contain endosperm, whole grains retain the bran, germ and endosperm — the nutrients that make them so nutritious and filling. Set the tone for a healthy day of noshing with these sweet and savoury whole grain breakfast recipes.

1 of 15

Alton Brown's Granola

This basic granola recipe can be dressed up or down with the ingredients you have on hand. Oats deliver blood sugar-stabilizing fibre, enhanced further with the addition of protein-packed nuts. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-granola/16341/" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Granola</a>
2 of 15

Golden Quinoa and Butternut Breakfast Bowl

If savoury is more your style, trendy complete-meal bowls like this one packed with protein, fibre and mineral-loaded quinoa is worth bouncing out of bed for. Butternut squash contributes beta-carotene, and an egg on top offers a hit of extra protein for a morning meal to crush those 10 AM doughnut cravings. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/golden-quinoa-and-butternut-breakfast-bowl/15796/" target="_blank">Golden Quinoa and Butternut Breakfast Bowl</a>
3 of 15

Slow-Cooker Whole-Grain Breakfast Porridge

An ancient grain with modern appeal, barley's chewy texture, nutty taste and impressive fibre content will keep you satisfied until noon. And, barley is packed with vitamins and minerals, enhanced further with a topping of dried cranberries and pistachios. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-whole-grain-breakfast-porridge/19058/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Whole-Grain Breakfast Porridge</a>
4 of 15

Strawberry Coconut Amaranth Porridge

Amaranth, a tiny ancient grain containing antioxidants, fibre, protein and minerals, cooks into a creamy porridge in about 20 minutes. This play on strawberries and cream tastes like dessert, but won’t give you a sugar crash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-coconut-amaranth-porridge-with-cardamom/14202/" target="_blank">Strawberry Coconut Amaranth Porridge</a>
5 of 15

Banana Bread

Instead of refined white flour, this quick bread capitalizes on vitamin B-rich whole wheat flour. Speedy to prepare and easy to pack, this breakfast bread can be boosted with natural almond butter or peanut butter for added protein and flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/banana-bread/5918/" target="_blank">Banana Bread</a>
6 of 15

Quinoa Pancakes with Berry Compote

Think outside the bowl and enjoy these gluten-free pancakes made with versatile quinoa flour. Unlike refined white flour, quinoa flour’s slow-digesting complex carbohydrates won’t leave you with a mid-morning sugar crash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gluten-free-pancakes-with-berry-compote/13650/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Quinoa Pancakes with Berry Compote</a>
7 of 15

Tropical Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Steel-cut oats are the darling of the whole grain breakfast crew, blending into a creamy, stick-to-your-ribs porridge in about 30 minutes. The steel-cut oats can be made ahead and reheated all week long if you don’t have time to cook them fresh in the morning. Vitamin C-packed tropical fruit makes this feel special-occasion, even on a weekday. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tropical-steel-cut-oatmeal/15204/" target="_blank">Tropical Steel-Cut Oatmeal</a>
8 of 15

Poppy Seed Buckwheat Crêpes

Contrary to its name, buckwheat is a gluten-free breakfast option that can be enjoyed whole as a porridge or ground into a flour for making simple crêpes or pancakes. High in manganese, magnesium and fibre, buckwheat has also been shown to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar for diabetes management. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/poppy-seed-buckwheat-crepes/14321/" target="_blank">Poppy Seed Buckwheat Crêpes</a>
9 of 15

Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Adding rolled oats to your morning smoothie boosts the fibre and protein content for a filling, blood sugar-stabilizing meal. Blended with sweet banana and creamy peanut butter, the oats add a pleasing chew to this healthy quick-fix option. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peanut-butter-and-banana-oatmeal-smoothie/16749/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Smoothie</a>
10 of 15

Maple Granola To-Go Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast can be a healthy option, especially when they’re boosted with the ultimate filling combo of egg whites, nut and seeds (protein) and oats (fibre). With wheat germ for healthy fats and vegetable protein, this is a morning treat you can feel good about. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-granola-to-go-breakfast-cookies/19171/" target="_blank">Maple Granola To-Go Breakfast Cookies</a>
11 of 15

Wafflet

Waffles get lean and go gluten-free with craving-crusher eggs, and protein-filled ham and cheese. Make them ahead, freeze and pop in the microwave on busy weekdays. Include your favourite veggies and herbs for a flavour-packed, nutritous morning meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/wafflet/18313/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Wafflet</a>
12 of 15

Healthy Blueberry Mini Muffins

Coffee shop muffins are full of refined sugar, white flour and potential trans fats, giving little more than empty calories. A cinch to prepare at home, muffins get a wholesome makeover with fibre-rich whole wheat flour and antioxidant-packed blueberries. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/healthy-blueberry-mini-muffins/14280/" target="_blank">Healthy Blueberry Mini Muffins</a>
ricardocuisine.com

13 of 15

Buckwheat Crêpe Burritos

Instead of the usual flour tortilla, nutty, nutrient-dense whole grain buckwheat flour is used as a homemade wrap for this classic breakfast burrito. Make this gluten-free whole grain breakfast suitable for vegetarians (and lower in fat) by using crumbled tempeh in place of sausage. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buckwheat-crepe-burritos/8388/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Buckwheat Crêpe Burritos</a>.
14 of 15

Quinoa Berry Bowl

Quinoa can be more than just a dinner side. It’s a complete plant-based protein containing all essential amino acids, as well as fibre and iron, making it a healthy breakfast option, too. The protein-fibre combination in this versatile oatmeal alternative will power you through even the busiest mornings. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quinoa-berry-bowl/15313/" target="_blank">Quinoa Berry Bowl</a>
15 of 15

Breakfast Polenta Bake

Cornmeal, a naturally gluten-free whole grain, is high in slow-digesting fibre and the eye health-promoting antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. This golden grain can go beyond dinner, employed as a hearty, filling one-dish breakfast casserole that will satisfy a crowd. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/polenta-breakfast-bake-from-the-hot-plate-2731/" target="_blank">Breakfast Polenta Bake</a> Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.
Start Over

Next Gallery
17 Low-Sugar Dessert Recipes to Get You Through the Holiday Season
More Galleries