Grandpa's Favorite Breakfast Recipes

Brighten your morning with cheesy casseroles, quick breads, and the best-ever biscuits.

Southern Living Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits on a serving board
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Breakfast is the best way to start the day, no matter if it's a hectic Monday or a lazy Saturday. Our favorite part about the morning meal is all of the delicious options, from hearty casseroles and easy eggs to flavorful quick breads and grab-and-go muffins. We have tasty, time-saving ideas for those who have 30 minutes to prepare something special or simply ten minutes to get the entire family fed and out the door. And while we've enjoyed plenty of breakfasts over the years, some of the most memorable are the the ones we've prepared and shared with our grandparents in their kitchens. Those were the days when we made our very first batch of biscuits and learned the true beauty of the Southern casserole. So if you're looking to make something sweet or extra savory, this list will provide recipes that are sure to brighten your morning.

01 of 15

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Cinnamon rolls will never ever go out of style. Rise and shine to something ooey, gooey, and extra sweet.

02 of 15

Pancake Casserole

Pancake Casserole
Caitlin Bensel

And just like that the whole family will enjoy a special twist on the typical stack of buttermilk pancakes. Top this recipe with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream for a real celebration.

03 of 15

Hashbrown Casserole

Hahsbrown Casserole

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

There are so many reasons to love this dish – let us count the ways. For starters, who can resist an easy, cheesy, potato casserole? Exactly our point. It's also a cinch to make (only 20 minutes of hands-on time), and has a short ingredient list.

04 of 15

Pumpkin Banana Bread

Southern Living Banana Pumpkin Bread after baking

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Pumpkin meets banana in this extra flavorful quick bread. While we can't resist a slice with coffee in the morning, this recipe hits the spot anytime of day.

05 of 15

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole in the dish with a serving scooped out to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Something extra sweet for a house filled with hungry guests. Turn French toast into a crowd-pleasing casserole in this easy to make casserole that even the kids can help prepare.

06 of 15

Millionaire Bacon

Millionaire Bacon

Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Bacon makes everything – especially a hectic morning – better. Introduce the entire family to this recipe, which is crispy, smoky, and just the right touch of sweet.

07 of 15

2-Ingredient Biscuits

Southern Living 2 Ingredient Biscuits on a cooling rack to serve

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside is exactly how we like this Southern breakfast staple. Plus, it only requires 2 ingredients so mornings just got a whole lot brighter.

08 of 15

Loaded Chilaquiles

Southern Living Loaded Chilaquiles in the pan ready to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Grab your skillet and prepare to serve up a little spice. This Mexican-style skillet dish starts with homemade tortilla chips and is layered with the freshest ingredients, including chorizo, avocado, onion, tomato, and more.

09 of 15

Caramel Rolls

Southern Living Caramel Rolls baked and ready to serve

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Sticky bun fans, you're in for a true delight. These rolls feature a cinnamon-spiced filling and are finished off with a caramel sauce for the ultimate breakfast treat. We dare you to eat just one.

10 of 15

Cranberry-Orange Bread

cranberry-orange bread with glaze

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

We can never turn down a new flavorful bread, and this one features the delightful combination of cranberry and zesty orange. A match made in breakfast heaven.

11 of 15

Stuffed Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole

Stuffed Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Missie Neville Crawford

Everyone's go-to grab-and-go breakfast sandwich shines as a casserole. Not only is this ham and cheese goodness great for weekends but it's ideal for making ahead and pulling out when you have a crowded house.

12 of 15

Sausage Balls

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls
Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

While you will often see these sausage and cheese bites served at other times of day (afternoon snack, cocktail party appetizer), we believe they're quite delicious for starting the day.

13 of 15

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Antonis Achilleos

There's nothing that can really top a slice of classic cinnamon coffee cake to begin the day. Best served with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

14 of 15

Cinnamon-Raisin Biscuits

Southern Living Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits on a serving board

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Hardee's biscuit lovers, this recipe was made with you in mind. Nothing kick starts the day quite like a biscuit with a cinnamon swirl and plump, juicy raisins.

15 of 15

Egg In A Hole

Southern Living Egg in a Hole on a plate with a fork, fruit, and juice beside

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What exactly is an egg in a hole? Good question. It's basically what it sounds like, an over easy egg cooked inside a slice of bread. Since it allows you to make it in one pan, it's a great go-to on busy weekday mornings.

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