As the old adage reminds us, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And while six in 10 Canadians report eating breakfast every day, it tends to be quick and easy go-to meals, leaving little time for variety and creativity. If you’re looking to up your culinary game in the coming months, why not start with breakfast classics? Think: French toast, oven-baked bacon and waffle platters that would put any charcuterie board to shame. Master the art of big breakfast recipes that’ll become household favourites in no time. You can thank us later!
How to Make French Toast
There’s nothing better than the sweet scent of French toast cooking on the stovetop first thing in the morning. If you’ve never tried your hand at the breakfast staple, consider sticking with this tried-and-true classic recipe.
1. In a small bowl combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg and two Tbsp of sugar.
2. In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt 4 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk together cinnamon mixture, 4 eggs, ¼ cup milk and ½ tsp vanilla extract and pour into a shallow container such as a pie plate. Dip bread in egg mixture. Fry slices until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup.
Related: Overnight French Toast, Plus More Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipes
What to try something a little more challenging? How about an overnight gingerbread French toast bake (pictured below) for the perfect winter morning dish? Combine the egg mixture with gingerbread spices and cranberries for a hint of tartness.
Get the recipe for Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Bake
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Is there anything better than the smell of bacon in the morning? Spoiler alert: the answer is no. Even better: this crispy and delicious one-ingredient recipe is ready in a snap.
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.
2. Lay the bacon on a sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is really crispy. Dry on paper towels and serve. Voila!
Get the recipe for Ina Garten’s Roast Bacon
How to Make a Waffle Platter
Feeling ambitious? Impress your family with your culinary skills by whipping up a waffle platter for a hearty breakfast.
1. Plug in your waffle iron and mix dry ingredients (1 cup buckwheat flour, 1 Tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tsp baking powder and a pinch sea salt) into a bowl.
2. Mix the wet ingredients (1 egg, ¼ cup melted coconut oil
and 1 cup dairy-free milk) in a separate bowl.
3. Pour the dry into the wet and whisk until a batter comes together.
4. Once the waffle iron is hot, scoop about ⅓ cup batter onto the iron, close it and let it cook for about 3 minutes.
The beauty of this waffle platter is the plethora of toppings you have to work with. Think: fresh fruits, proteins (hard-boiled eggs, cheese, smoked salmon), pantry staples (dried fruits, seeds, nuts) and syrups or spreads (maple syrup, honey, peanut butter, tahini, yogurt).
Get the recipe for Gluten-Free Buckwheat Power Waffles
Want more how-tos? We give you the lowdown on how to make apple juice and the perfect hard-boiled eggs.