20 Best Cold Breakfast Ideas for a Chill Start to the Day
Don't break a sweat over overnight oats!
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If your idea of breakfast includes crispy bacon and pancakes hot off the griddle, you're not alone! But not everyone has the time to enjoy a warm, indulgent meal first thing in the morning, especially during the busy holiday season or back-to-school days. That's where these cold breakfast ideas come in. Like the best cold dinner ideas, these refreshing recipes are perfect for those mornings when you simply don't have the time to turn on the stove or oven. So go ahead and hit the snooze button because these cold breakfast recipes will wake you up when you're feeling groggy.
For those who want to start the day by knocking off a serving of fruit, there are plenty of juicy and refreshing fruit salads and berry-topped overnight oats ahead. Or perhaps you prefer to drink your breakfast. In that case, you'll love the on-the-go smoothie recipes and Ree Drummond's signature iced coffee to cool you down during your morning commute. And for those who lean towards the savory side in the a.m., there are even cold breakfast ideas, like the breakfast salad and avocado toast, that have you covered! Best of all, many of these recipes are perfect for making the night before, so you won't break a sweat in the kitchen no matter how busy your morning is.
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
If you're anything like Ree, you'll take any excuse to have dessert for breakfast! This oat-filled take on the Italian dessert features a typical overnight oats base infused with coffee, plus a creamy, tiramisu-inspired yogurt topping.
Get the Tiramisu Overnight Oats recipe.
Rainbow Fruit Breakfast Skewers
These colorful fruit kebabs make for a bright start to your day! In addition to mixed fruit, each skewer is topped with a sprinkle-studded donut hole for a sweet surprise.
Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast are always a good idea, but especially when they're loaded with feel-good ingredients like oats, dried cherries, pepitas, and puffed rice. Dip them in a cold glass of milk for the ultimate morning treat!
Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.
Yogurt Parfait
As for as cold breakfasts go, a simple yogurt parfait is a no brainer! Layer it with plain or flavored yogurt, granola, and berries for a flavorful and textured treat.
Get the Yogurt Parfait recipe.
Breakfast Salad
Salad isn't just for lunch and dinner! Chock full of typical morning-time ingredients, like eggs, tomatoes, and avocado, this nourishing salad is a satisfying superfood that'll keep you full til lunch.
Get the Breakfast Salad recipe.
Homemade Dole Whip
You don't have to travel to Disney to get this frozen pineapple treat! This copycat recipe features pineapple juice, frozen pineapples, vanilla ice cream, and lime juice and will cool you off from morning through night.
Get the Homemade Dole Whip recipe.
Sunrise Fruit Salad
Mix up your morning serving of fruit with this simple fruit salad. It's so easy to make with chopped pineapple, oranges, mango, watermelon, and a crunchy secret ingredient: toasted shredded coconut!
Get Ree's Sunrise Fruit Salad recipe.
Pumpkin Smoothie
A refreshing breakfast is a good idea any time of the year—including during pumpkin spice season! Whip up this cooling pumpkin smoothie with pumpkin pie filling, vanilla yogurt, and whole milk, then top it with granola for a bit of crunch.
Get the Pumpkin Smoothie recipe.
Caprese Frittata
Other than the delightful pesto topping, the best part about this frittata is that it can be made the night before and served chilled for an easy and protein-packed breakfast! Like your typical Caprese salad, it's chock full of tomatoes and mozzarella pearls for a burst of fresh flavor.
Get Ree's Caprese Frittata recipe.
Iced Coffee
Let's face it: sometimes, the only thing you have time for in the morning is a tall glass of iced coffee! If so, make it count with Ree's signature iced coffee recipe, a cooling caffeinated beverage made with sweetened condensed milk and half-and-half.
Get Ree's Perfect Iced Coffee recipe.
Watermelon Smoothie
Why eat fruit when you could drink it as a cooling, refreshing beverage? This tasty and nutritious smoothie is made of watermelon, frozen strawberries, bananas, ice cubes, and yogurt for a drinkable wake-up call.
Get the Watermelon Smoothie recipe.
Overnight Oats
If you're a fan of oatmeal, you'll love this make-ahead version consisting of milk, yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, and oats. Top the chilled concoction with berries, chopped nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, or granola for added crunch.
Get the Overnight Oats recipe.
Red-and-Green Fruit Salad with Mint Syrup
As if this colorful assortment of fruit couldn't get any better, it's topped with homemade mint syrup for an extra-cooling effect. Chop strawberries, honeydew, grapes, and kiwis the night before and serve it chilled the next morning for the easiest morning treat.
Get Ree's Red-and-Green Fruit Salad recipe.
Avocado Toast with Roasted Tomatoes and Bacon
Crunchy toast topped with creamy avocado makes for the perfect light breakfast! This elevated take on the cold breakfast features tomatoes, bacon, and radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
Get Ree's Avocado Toast with Roasted Tomatoes and Bacon recipe.
Tropical Fruit Galette
Wake up to a slice of paradise with this tropical fruit-filled galette! It's bursting with juicy pineapple, mango, and coconut goodness and can be served chilled for a refreshing breakfast that feels indulgent yet light.
Get the Tropical Fruit Galette recipe.
Granola Bars
Instead of grabbing your typical prepackaged bar before heading out the door, whip up these homemade granola bars for the ultimate on-the-go breakfast! They're packed with all the best mix-ins, like pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, for crunch and flavor in every bite.
Get the Granola Bars recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Out of all the egg-based breakfast ideas, deviled eggs may not be at the top of the list. But with their cooling texture and flavorful filling, they sure should be!
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
These overnight oats are perfect for when you're craving pumpkin spice flavor without the heat of a latte. Just mix it up the night before, let it chill in the fridge, and wake up to a deliciously creamy treat that’s ready to go!
Air Fryer Doughnuts
These doughnuts made in the air fryer are a game-changer for your breakfast routine. Light and fluffy, they’re super easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Pair them with your favorite iced coffee or a cold glass of milk, and you’re all set for a delightful start to your day!
Get Ree's Air Fryer Doughnuts recipe.
Sourdough Pecan Granola
Yogurt is great on its own for a cold breakfast, but it's even better when topped with granola! This homemade one combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the rich nuttiness of pecans for a unique twist on a breakfast classic.
Get the Sourdough Pecan Granola recipe.
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