Breakfast for dinner is a fun and comforting way to shake up your meal routine. It’s a treat that combines the best of both worlds, offering a mix of sweet and savory dishes.
Why do we love breakfast for dinner so much? It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly and perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it can bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
The comfort of home
Sometimes breakfast foods are often associated with comfort. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and waffles are warm, familiar and satisfying, providing a sense of coziness. Breakfast foods can evoke childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia. Eating breakfast for dinner can bring back the simplicity and joy of morning meals from the past.
“Sometimes breakfast foods are often associated with comfort. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and waffles are warm, familiar and satisfying, providing a sense of coziness. Breakfast foods can evoke childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia. Eating breakfast for dinner can bring back the simplicity and joy of morning meals from the past.”
—Shelby, Fit As a Mama Bear
Time is of the essence
Quick and easy is the name of the game. Many breakfast dishes are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for a fast dinner option. Scrambled eggs, omelets and toast can be made in minutes. Even biscuits can be a quick fix.
Because breakfast time in the morning can often be rushed, making breakfast for dinner can give us more time. In the evening, there’s often more time to enjoy the cooking and eating process. Plus, things like waffles, bread puddings and pancakes can take more time than mornings allow.
“Breakfast for dinner is the best because it is cheap and easy to make, and my whole family loves it. We can make it healthy and full of protein or make it fun and focus on the sweet stuff like pancakes and waffles.”
—Heidi Bruaw, Real Life of Lulu
The budget-friendliness of it all
Eggs, bread and potatoes are generally inexpensive ingredients for breakfast, making breakfast for dinner a cost-effective meal choice. Buy them on sale and freeze them for later, and you’ll save even more money.
Breakfast for dinner is a great way to use up leftovers. Vegetables, meats and cheeses can be repurposed into omelets, frittatas or breakfast burritos. For a side, add all those odd bits of fruit or berries together and make a simple fruit bowl to go with dinner, and you’ve got a budget-friendly dinner everyone loves.
How to mix it up
Breakfast offers a wide variety of dishes that can be mixed and matched for dinner. Sweet options like pancakes or French toast can be paired with savory items like bacon or sausage. There’s a certain novelty and fun associated with eating breakfast foods at night. It breaks the routine and adds a playful twist to the usual dinner lineup.
Breakfast for dinner can also include healthy options. Many breakfast foods like yogurt, fruit and whole grains are nutritious and can make for a balanced meal.
Overall, breakfast for dinner is an easy, budget-friendly option that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. It’s a practical choice that can be prepared quickly with ingredients that are often on hand. Whether you’re short on groceries or just want to enjoy a cozy, familiar meal, breakfast for dinner is a great go-to.
Incorporating breakfast foods into your dinner routine adds variety and a sense of playfulness to mealtime. It offers a mix of sweet and savory dishes that can cater to different tastes and dietary needs. With its ease of preparation and versatility, breakfast for dinner remains a beloved tradition for many families.
Laura Sampson of Little House Big Alaska is on a mission to teach modern family-oriented home cooks how to make old-fashioned foods new again. She shares her passion for home cooking, backyard gardening and homesteading on her website and blog.