Mornings are hectic. Between getting yourself ready and wrangling the rest of the household, finding time for a healthy and satisfying breakfast can feel impossible. But whether you are following a vegan diet, have a gluten intolerance, or simply want to explore more plant-based options, there is no need to sacrifice flavour or nutrition.
This article is brimming with delicious and energising gluten-free, vegan breakfast ideas that are perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. From sweet and fruity pancakes and waffles to savoury French toasts and tasty bowls, we have got something for everyone. So, ditch the processed greasy takeout and get ready to jumpstart your day the delicious way.
Why Choose a Gluten-Free, Vegan Breakfast
Choosing gluten-free, vegan breakfasts is a smart move that guarantees you will get the nutrients you need while looking after your body and health.
For instance, many plant-based protein sources, such as beans, peas, nuts, and seeds, can perfectly replace eggs and meat in meals. Other products like non-dairy milk alternatives provide the same vitamins as regular milk does but without any lactose issues.
All of these nutrient-rich soures provide sustained energy to keep you going throughout the morning without the crash often associated with sugary cereals. They also help you feel fuller for longer and are often lower in calories and fat compared to traditional options, thus aiding in weight management.
In the next sections, we are going to explore 10 different recipes to make delicious gluten-free, vegan breakfast.
1. Gluten-Free, Vegan Pancakes
Gluten-free, vegan pancakes offer a delicious twist to the classic breakfast favourite, crafted from a blend of gluten-free flour, accommodating dietary restrictions, such as gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
To make scrumptious gluten-free, vegan pancakes, start by whisking together gluten-free flour, such as a blend of rice flour and tapioca flour, along with baking powder, a little bit of salt, and a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
In a separate bowl, mix together a plant-based milk replacement, like almond milk or oat milk, with a tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal to act as a binder and allow the milk to thicken. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, and be careful not to overmix to maintain a fluffy texture.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with coconut oil or vegan butter. Ladle the pancake batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve the pancakes warm with toppings of your choice, such as fresh fruit, dairy-free yoghurt, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup, for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that is both wholesome and indulgent.
2. Gluten-Free, Vegan Waffles
It is a fact—the twin brother of gluten-free, vegan pancakes is gluten-free, vegan waffles. The alternative flours the latter uses, like almond or coconut flour, impart a nutty taste and ingredients such as mashed bananas or applesauce add sweetness and moisture. Additionally, plant-based milk provides creaminess, and when the batter is combined with cinnamon or vanilla extract, the result is usually an enhanced taste profile.
Interestingly, the world’s biggest waffle was made by Stichting Gouda Oogst, an organisation based in Gouda, the Netherlands and dedicated to promoting local agriculture and cultural heritage. The gigantic waffle measured a whopping 2.48 metres in diameter and weighed around 50 kilogrammes!
Although we are going to make much smaller waffles, they are still filling and super delicious as well. So, begin by combining gluten-free flour, such as a blend of almond flour and coconut flour, with baking powder, a hint of salt, and a touch of coconut sugar in a mixing bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together a mix of almond milk and coconut milk with a bit of melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until combined, ensuring the batter is light and have an airy texture.
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with coconut oil. Ladle the batter onto the iron, spreading it evenly, and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp. Serve the waffles warm with your preferred toppings, such as fresh berries or a drizzle of agave nectar.
3. Gluten-Free, Vegan Muffins
Both pancakes and waffles are cousins with muffins, which make another delicious breakfast option, yet again without a single grain of wheat, eggs, or a drop of dairy milk.
Making tasty gluten-free, vegan muffins is quite pretty straightforward and does not differ much from the previous two recipes. Begin with assembling your dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, including a blend of oat flour and almond flour, along with baking powder, a pinch of salt, and your choice of natural sweetener. This could be maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Use another bowl to combine your wet ingredients, such as coconut milk, flaxseed egg —made by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for a few minutes—and a splash of vanilla extract for flavour. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined, resulting in a tender crumb. Add in any additional mix-ins, such as fresh berries, dairy-free chocolate chips, cinnamon or pumpkin.
Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake in a preheated oven until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the muffins cool slightly before enjoying them as a delightful gluten-free, vegan breakfast treat or snack.
4. Gluten-Free, Vegan Doughnuts
Our fourth delicious gluten-free, vegan breakfast recipe is, of course, gluten-free, vegan doughnuts.
To make them, whisk together in a mixing bowl a blend of rice flour and tapioca flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a hint of xanthan gum for binding. In another bowl, mix almond milk with either agave syrup or coconut sugar and a few drops of vanilla extract to add a bit of elegance and comfort to your doughnuts.
Next, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms. Pipe or spoon the batter into a greased doughnut pan and, again, fill each cavity about three-quarters full. Bake your doughnuts in a preheated oven until they become lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Let the doughnuts cool slightly before removing them from the pan, and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can glaze or coat the doughnuts with your favourite toppings, such as a simple powdered sugar glaze or melted dairy-free chocolate, for a delightful, gluten-free, vegan treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
5. Gluten-Free, Vegan French Toast
To prepare a scrumptious batch of gluten-free, vegan French toast, start by whisking a creamy base using a blend of hazelnut or cashew milk, along with a little bit of pure maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness, then, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for flavour. Dip thick slices of gluten-free bread into the milk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated on both sides.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with coconut oil or vegan butter. Cook the soaked bread slices for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve your gluten-free, vegan French toast warm, topped with sliced fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast or brunch option that is both satisfying and cruelty-free.
6. Gluten-Free, Vegan Bagels
Oh, bagels, those chewy breads with their distinctive ring shape, shiny, firm crust, dense interior, and various delicious toppings, like smoked salmon, cream cheese, or jam. They are just perfect for a filling breakfast or a pick-me-up snack in between meetings on a busy Monday.
Traditionally, bagels are made from wheat flour dough, but today, we are making their gluten-free, vegan alternative. It is quite a simple recipe, so here it is.
First of all, mix a gluten-free flour combination of brown rice flour and tapioca flour with a teaspoon of xanthan gum, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of coconut sugar in a mixing bowl.
In a different bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy. Add the yeast mixture along with a tablespoon of olive oil to the dry ingredients, and knead until a smooth dough forms.
Divide the bagel dough into equal portions and shape each into a bagel shape, forming a ring with a hole in the centre. Boil the bagels briefly in a pot of water with a dash of maple syrup or agave nectar, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the bagels in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and have a crispy exterior.
Enjoy your gluten-free, vegan bagels warm, toasted, or topped with your favourite spreads and toppings.
7. Gluten-Free, Vegan Smoothie
If you are not into a baked breakfast, running too late to make anything, or just happen to hate cooking altogether, you can drink a smoothie for breakfast. In fact, smoothies are an ideal option to consume in the morning, and here is why.
Smoothies are quick and easy to prepare, often packed with a variety of nutritious ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins, which provide a balanced meal to kickstart your day, fuel your body and brain, and sustain energy levels and mental clarity. Plus, the liquid form of smoothies makes it easy for your body to efficiently absorb the essential nutrients.
To make a delicious gluten-free, vegan smoothie, choose a variety of fresh fruits, such as berries, bananas, and mangoes for sweetness, as well as some leafy greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. For creaminess, opt for coconut milk to give a hint of freshness and indulgence.
To thicken your smoothie, include ingredients like avocado or soaked chia seeds. Finally, add a touch of sweetness with a natural sweetener like agave syrup or dates.
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, and adjust the consistency with more liquid, either coconut milk or water, if needed. Pour your gluten-free, vegan smoothie into a glass, garnish with shredded coconut or a sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy.
8. Gluten-Free, Vegan Chia Seed Pudding
Another option for a quick breakfast option is the famously delicious, easy-to-make chia seed pudding, so let’s get right into the recipe.
Start by combining chia seeds with a liquid of your choice, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk, in a ratio of about a quarter cup of chia seeds to one cup of liquid. Add sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup to taste, along with flavourings such as vanilla extract or cocoa powder if desired.
Stir the mixture well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least two to three hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.
Once set, you can enjoy the chia seed pudding as is or customise it with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavour.
9. Gluten-Free, Vegan Mashed Avocado Toast
It feels like the world has all of a sudden discovered avocado, just like how Columbus discovered America by mere coincidence. Such a surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including avocado’s rich, creamy texture and mild flavour, which make it a versatile ingredient used in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and desserts.
There is also the high nutrient content, featuring healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which make avocado a “superfood” brimming with potential 6 Forgotten Health Benefits of Carbs” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-wpil-monitor-id=”846″>health benefits.
So, yes, avocado is good for you, and because it is good for you, we are providing a super easy mashed avocado toast to kickstart your day with. Here is how to make it.
Select a ripe avocado and cut it in half. Remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a bowl, then squeeze a fresh lemon into the avocado to prevent browning and enhance flavour. Use a fork to mash the avocado until smooth or to your desired consistency. Season the mashed avocado with salt and pepper, and maybe add some garlic powder or chilli flakes.
Toast your favourite gluten-free bread until golden brown and crispy. Spread the mashed avocado generously onto the toast. For extra flavour, you can top the avocado toast with sliced tomatoes or cucumbers, radishes, microgreens, vegan feta cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil and enjoy your creamy and satisfying mashed avocado toast immediately.
10. Gluten-Free, Vegan Quinoa Porridge
Last but not least, we have gluten-free, vegan quinoa porridge—porridge is the British equivalent to American oatmeal and for this recipe, we are replacing oats with quinoa.
To make this British equivalent to American oatmeal that uses quinoa instead of oats, start by rinsing quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, for it can impart a bitter taste. Then, combine the quinoa with either almond milk or coconut milk in a saucepan, along with maple syrup or agave and flavourings like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, serve the quinoa porridge hot, topped with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of additional sweetener, if desired.
Store-Bought Gluten-Free, Vegan Breakfast Options
If you do not have time in the morning to make any of the previous breakfast recipes, you can buy them as produts from the store. There are multiple brands that offer different, high-quality, gluten-free and vegan products that are convenient for those with egg and dairy allergies.
Some of these brands include Abe’s Muffins, Enjoy Life Foods, Udi’s Gluten Free, Kinnikinnick Foods, Pamela’s Products, Bruegger’s Bagels, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. All of these brands provide allergen-friendly vegan moist muffins, bagels and many other gluten-free, vegan options that make a quick breakfast on the go.
As for other options we did not mention in the previous sections, cereals, too, make filling, tasty, and quick breakfast options. Here are some gluten-free, vegan cereal products offered by different brands:
- Nature’s Path Organic Gluten-Free Cereal
- Enjoy Life Foods Crunchy Rice Cereal
- Freedom Foods TropicO’s Cereal
- Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
- Three Wishes Cereal
Conclusion
No matter your taste preferences, there is a delicious and nutritious gluten-free, vegan breakfast waiting to be discovered and guaranteed to keep you fuelled and satisfied throughout the morning.
So, ditch the boring routine and embrace the world of plant-based breakfasts. With a little creativity, you can start your day feeling fantastic and ready to conquer anything.