20 Diabetes-Friendly Breakfast Recipes for Better Blood Sugar
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Start your mornings with these healthy breakfast recipes that are appropriate for a diabetes-friendly diet. These recipes are low in saturated fat, sodium and calories while also prioritizing complex carbs like whole grains and legumes to make managing your blood sugar easy and delicious. Recipes like our Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl and Chocolate-Strawberry Baked Oats are the filling and nutritious breakfasts you’ve been looking for.
01 of 20
Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Perfect

This quick and easy raspberry and yogurt parfait combines creamy Greek-style yogurt with fiber-rich fruit and crunchy toasted pecans for a gut-friendly start to your day. Layering the ingredients in a jar makes for a portable, pretty and protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.
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02 of 20
Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl

Savory oats are an underrated way to enjoy the whole grain—the toppings are endless! Cooking oats in soy milk is an easy way to add protein to this hearty grain bowl. Here, we top the oats with a bright roasted red pepper-olive mixture and a poached egg for richness.
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03 of 20
Chocolate-Strawberry Baked Oats

These chocolate-strawberry baked oats are a delicious breakfast that uses the classic pairing of sweet, ripe strawberries with chocolate. This dish gets its protein boost from cottage cheese, which blends beautifully into the oats while adding a subtle tang. For an extra protein punch, a scoop of protein powder works seamlessly into the mixture, making the oats an even more satisfying way to start the day.
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04 of 20
High-Protein Blueberry & Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

This high-protein blueberry and peanut butter chia pudding is a perfect make-ahead breakfast packed with fiber and protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Chia seeds soak up the blended almond milk and blueberries overnight, creating a creamy pudding that’s layered for a peanut butter-and-jelly effect.
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05 of 20
Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes

These fiber-packed passion fruit oatmeal cakes are bursting with tropical passion fruit flavor—a delightful balance of tangy, sweet and slightly floral notes that will instantly brighten your morning. Look for passion fruit in the frozen section of your grocery store. It’s great to have on hand to use here and in smoothies.
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06 of 20
Avocado Toast with Jammy Eggs

On those days when you truly cannot be bothered to cook or are short on time, here’s avocado toast with jammy eggs to the rescue. This quick, filling dish can easily slide into breakfast, lunch or even dinner, paired with a side of dressed greens. The “jammy” in jammy eggs refers to yolks that are not runny, but still opaque in the center, yielding a creamy, spreadable texture. If you prefer your yolks fully cooked, simply cook the eggs longer, about 10 minutes total.
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07 of 20
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl

This cottage cheese bowl with capers, dill and a soft-cooked egg is the ultimate high-protein meal. This bowl will keep you going strong throughout the morning, while an egg adds richness and even more staying power. Pulled together in only 20 minutes, this breakfast is the perfect choice for starting your day off right.
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08 of 20
Slow-Cooker Oatmeal

Here’s an easy way to serve a crowd a hearty breakfast. You can assemble it in the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a bowl of hot, nourishing oatmeal. The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and ensures an exceptionally creamy consistency.
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09 of 20
BLT Breakfast Sandwich

This open-face sandwich is a delicious way to start your day. Turkey bacon provides savory flavor and crunch while keeping fat and calories in check. Country-style whole-wheat bread (or sourdough) often has no added sugars, making it the best choice here.
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10 of 20
Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

This banana–peanut butter yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a creamy, flavorful base. The combination of banana and peanut butter is a classic pairing that provides healthy fats and a boost of protein. This easy parfait is a great way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up.
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11 of 20
Egg, Tomato & Feta Breakfast Pita

This breakfast pita is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious start to their day! This easy breakfast combines fresh veggies and feta cheese with za’atar, a fragrant spice blend that enhances the taste without adding sodium or sweeteners.
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12 of 20
Copycat Dunkin’ Avocado Toast

This copycat Dunkin’ avocado toast is inspired by the popular menu item. We love the flavors of creamy mashed avocado spread over a slice of toasted sourdough bread, topped with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the original without having to leave your house!
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13 of 20
High-Protein Strawberry & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

These overnight oats get a protein boost from Greek-style yogurt, peanut butter and soy milk, combining for 17 grams of protein per serving. We mix it up with chopped strawberries, but any berry or chopped fruit will pair nicely with this easy grab-and-go breakfast.
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14 of 20
The Last Cottage Cheese Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Had your fill of toast that barely takes the edge off your hunger? Say hello to our delicious and nutritious cottage cheese toast! This toast, made with whole-grain bread and topped with creamy cottage cheese, is just the beginning. We’ve added six variations, both sweet and savory, perfect for kick-starting your morning or powering through the afternoon. Savory toasts are packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats and plenty of plant-based fiber, while sweeter versions feature fruits like antioxidant-rich blueberries and raspberries. No matter which version you choose, satisfaction is guaranteed.
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15 of 20
“Egg in a Hole” Peppers with Avocado Salsa

Colorful bell pepper rings stand in for bread in this healthy version of egg in a hole. Cook an egg inside the peppers and top with a vibrant avocado salsa for a cheerful breakfast.
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16 of 20
Breakfast Beans with Microwave-Poached Egg

In Costa Rica, this popular breakfast bean dish is called gallo pinto, which means spotted rooster, referring to the dark beans amid the pale rice. We call for cooked barley here, but you can use whatever leftover cooked grain you may have on hand.
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17 of 20
Savory Oatmeal with Tomato & Sausage

Oats get a new life in this savory dish, serving as the backbone for a satisfying combo of sausage, greens, tomatoes and herbs.
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18 of 20
Strawberry-Orange Breakfast Cakes

Yes, you can pull off baked goods on busy mornings! With a make-ahead batter and filling, these breakfast muffins go from fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
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19 of 20
Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies

Kefir is similar to yogurt, full of gut-friendly probiotics. But it has fewer carbs and a more drinkable consistency—perfect for smoothies.
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20 of 20
Pistachio & Peach Toast

This breakfast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese–plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.
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