11 Dietitian-Approved, Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas for the Most Important Meal of the Day

There is no shortage of gluten-free options these days—broccoli and kale pizza crust, cauliflower gnocchi, brown rice pasta, and the list goes on. But when it comes to whipping together a gluten-free breakfast, some of your favorite breakfast items might suddenly be off the menu (think pancakes, waffles, English muffins)… or so you may think.

Much like many other popular foods, finding gluten-free breakfast options has become more than doable and accessible like never before. And nowadays, you’ll find that most grocery stores are stocked with a wide array of gluten-free items—from gluten-free sourdough and many other forms of gluten-free bread to an array of gluten-free cereal options that are *actually* delicious. We love to see it.

So, once you’ve secured some delicious gluten-free groceries, what can you eat for breakfast that is gluten free? We’ve got you covered with some of our favorite gluten-free breakfast ideas that’ll take your home-cooking from zero to 100 in mere minutes.

Why is eating breakfast so important?

Although finding the time to make a hearty breakfast can feel nearly impossible on most busy days, dietitians stress the importance of eating a well-balance breakfast first thing in the morning. “Breakfast quite literally breaks the fast we had overnight, it replenishes your supply of glucose, [and it] provides essential nutrients to keep your energy levels up throughout the day,” Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, previously shared with Well+Good. What’s more, research shows that consuming breakfast can potentially help reduced the risk for heart attack and stroke.

So, what everyday foods don’t have gluten and how can you turn ’em into a delicious breakfast? Well, the good news is that there are actually tons of naturally gluten-free foods we’re likely already consuming regularly. And when paired with gluten-free ingredient swaps for some of our favorite traditionally gluten-filled foods, we can easily make a delicious breakfast of champions.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that consuming a gluten-free breakfast isn’t a prerequisite when it comes to checking off the boxes for eating a nourishing first-meal-of-the-day. In fact, going gluten-free isn’t necessarily right for everyone and it’s worthwhile taking note of what happens to your body when you stop eating gluten before giving it up altogether. (That is, of course, unless you have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance like celiac disease.) In which case, these delicious gluten-free, balanced breakfast choices are definitely calling your name. Best part? They’re quick and easy to make, or can even be prepped ahead of time (hi, overnight oats) to make mealtime a breeze come 5 a.m. wake-up call.

11 delicious gluten-free breakfast ideas

1. Avocado toast on gluten-free bread

Is it even breakfast without avocado toast? We think not. Make it with this omega-rich, gluten-free bread recipe, and you’ve got yourself an energizing, filling, and nutritious breakfast.

“Avocados are full of fiber and healthy fats that will help you feel full and also support skin and digestive health,” says Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, a chef, nutritionist, and founder of the method of Culinary Alchemy. “I top my avocado toast with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, which is also full of antioxidants, as well as Himalayan pink salt, and cracked pepper for a bit of flavor,” Poon says. You can also get creative with toppings like fresh radish, broccoli, sprouts, roasted tomatoes, or a poached egg. The options are endless.

2. Assorted veggie hash

Crisper drawer getting a bit packed? Poon suggests using your stash of veggies to whip up a gluten-free veggie hash for breakfast. “I love to make a veggie hash with sweet potato, broccoli, and leafy greens and top it with nuts or hemp seeds for a dose of protein and healthy fats,” she says. “Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chard are some of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Adding an egg or scrambled tofu is another great protein-filled option.” Swoon.

3. Tahini overnight oats

No time to spare in the morning? No problem. With overnight oats, you can prep your brekky the night before and have it ready to go the moment the alarm clock goes off. Keep in mind that although oats are naturally gluten-free, it’s best to purchase them from a brand that produces in a gluten-free factory to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

Then comes the fun part: the toppings for your overnight oats. Poon recommends using almond milk as the base or another milk of your choosing and then topping your oats with walnuts and berries. “Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and heart-healthy fats, and fresh berries offer another high dose of antioxidants and a little bit of sweetness to the meal,” she says. “You can also add a little bit of maple syrup or honey if you like your breakfast on the sweeter side.” Okay, we’re officially drooling. 

4. Chai baked oatmeal

Prefer your oats nice and toasty? Bake it! The warming spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom) in this gluten-free breakfast recipe are packed with anti-inflammatory benefits, while the bananas and goji berries offer immune-system-supporting potassium and antioxidants.

5. Hot breakfast cereal

If you’re not a fan of oatmeal, Steven Gundry, MD, heart surgeon, nutrition expert, and author of The Plant Paradox, recommends swapping oats out with millet and making a hot breakfast cereal. “Millet has a similar mouthfeel as porridge, and you can add coconut milk, cinnamon, and top it with chopped pecans or sesame seeds for a healthy hot breakfast your whole family will love, and that your gut buddies will love, too,” Dr. Gundry says. You can even make it the night before in an Instant Pot, store it in a mason jar, and reheat in the morning.

6. Green smoothie

Smoothies make for a quick breakfast, but not all smoothies are created equal. So, what’s the key to making a well-balanced smoothie? Dr. Gundry recommends kicking off your day gluten-free-style with a green smoothie packed with immune-supporting ingredients and heart-healthy fats. Throw romaine lettuce, spinach, mint, avocado, fresh minced ginger, coconut milk, lemon juice, and the sweetener of your choice (optional) into your blender and voilà. Breakfast is served.

For even more smoothie-making inspo, try making this acacia fiber smoothie recipe for a top-notch gluten-free, fiber-packed drink.

7. Banana bread

Gluten-free eaters need not be left out of the banana bread craze, thanks to this recipe from chefs Jenny Dorsey and Mia Ridgen (who’s also a nutritionist). Plus, it’s one of the easiest ways to make the most of the overripe bananas sitting on your counter for days on end. And for a fun rendition of banana bread, turn them into gluten-free banana bread muffins, which are equally as nutritious and perfect for eating wherever you go.

8. Mexican-style huevos rancheros

In case you were wondering, are scrambled eggs gluten free? Yep! So, what better way to add some flavor (and nature’s multivitamin) to your morning with huevos rancheros, a Mexican-style breakfast egg dish typically consisting of eggs, tortilla, and salsa. So, why is it a perfect gluten-free meal, you may wonder? Well, for starters, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but Poon recommends opting for non-GMO and organic ones whenever possible. (There are also other gluten-free tortilla options you can find made out of coconut flour, cassava flour, or almond flour.)

Than, to add a much-needed protein boost, you’ll top the tortillas with eggs (or for a plant-based approach, scrambled tofu), beans, fresh tomatoes, and avocado. “Beans are full of fiber and protein and are actually a great filling option for breakfast,” Poon says. “Tomatoes also contain antioxidant lycopene and vitamin C, which help protect your body from free radicals, and avocados are a great source of healthy fats and fiber, not to mention delicious.”

9. Gluten-free scones

This gluten- and dairy-free scone recipe creates a crumbly exterior and a doughy interior that has the same taste and texture of a traditional scone, but is much easier to digest. Traditional scones are typically made with refined sugar and flour, but these bad boys are made with almond and quinoa flour, and sweetened with coconut sugar. For some epic, savory scones: Add chopped bits of prosciutto, toasted white sesame seeds, and chives. (Or feel free to switch out the herbs and spices according to your liking or make ’em sweet with some dried fruits instead.)

10. Green goddess breakfast bowl

Quinoa also makes for a mean protein-packed gluten-free (and vegetarian-friendly!) breakfast. This warming green goddess quinoa breakfast bowl recipe, straight from The Well+Good Cookbook, features broccoli florets, zucchini, Swiss chard, and eggs, paired with a delicious dressing made up with avocado, flaxseed, and lemon. Pro tip: To make your morning more efficient, you can batch-cook the quinoa ahead of time.

11. Morning glory muffins

Looking for an easy grab-and-go breakfast? Say no more. These morning glory muffin recipes feature almond and cassava flour and fibrous veggies like spinach, zucchini, and carrots. Convenience, meet scrumptious. We’re sold.