American breakfast: 20 must-try breakfast foods in the USA

Everything is bigger and wilder in the USA.

It’s a description the USA has always had, and it’s not any different when it comes to their breakfasts.

But what kind of breakfast foods should you eat on your tour?

We’ve put together 20 dishes that will give you an insight into American breakfast variations.

Eggs

Americans love eggs for breakfast. So much so in fact that eggs top the list of what Americans like to eat for breakfast.

Eggs can be served in many different ways – for example as boiled eggs, fried eggs, scrambled eggs and eggs Benedict.

Eggs are often served with bacon and coffee. You’ll find that eggs are served on their own, in your breakfast burrito, in sandwiches or together with waffles and pancakes!

Cereal

Cereal in the USA is just the same as at home, there is just much more choice.

Cereal covers breakfast cereals from e.g. Nestlé and Kellogg’s, which are typically eaten with milk. In the USA, there are more than 1,000 different breakfast brands, with numerous varieties under each. Historically, cereal is a big part of Americans’ breakfast culture, and today it is still eaten by many people for breakfast.

You can eat cereal with milk and sometimes with sugar, although the products themselves can be quite sugary.

Pancakes

When it comes to the classic American breakfast, pancakes are a key player.

While pancakes at home are usually served as a dessert, they make a fantastic breakfast dish in America.

And Americans are also very passionate about their pancakes. If you’ve seen their IHOP pancakes, then you know it’s serious stuff! In IHOP restaurants, you can order a large stack of pancakes with classic toppings like butter, syrup and whipped cream, but also e.g. cereal, fruit and chocolate.

French toast

French toast is another American classic.

And while the name may suggest otherwise, French toast is very American. This toast bread is dipped in egg, milk, flour and vanilla before it is fried and served with butter, jam or sugar.

Although French toast is the most common way to have your toast served for breakfast, there are also many places where you can order a slice of toast with butter and possibly cold cuts.

Fruit smoothie

If you prefer a fresher breakfast that’s easy to take with you on the go, we highly recommend an American fruit smoothie.

They are usually made fresh at smoothie bars and cafés in the larger towns and cities, and they can consist of berries, bananas and other fruit.

One of the most popular is the banana smoothie, which is typically made with bananas, apples, peanut butter and milk.

Cinnamon rolls

This cinnamon roll is on the menu in the vast majority of diners in the USA.

It is another dish that you might consider a dessert or a snack, but Americans enjoy eating a cinnamon roll with their coffee for breakfast.

A cinnamon roll will typically be topped with a delicious icing that adorns the delicious, oven-baked bun.

Avocado toast

Compared to many American breakfast classics, an avocado toast is considered to be one of the healthier breakfast dishes served in the USA, and it’s absolutely amazing!

The avocado toast consists of a toasted piece of bread topped with a mashed avocado, salt and pepper.

If you want an avocado toast, you usually need to visit one of the hip neighbourhoods in the larger towns and cities, as it rarely appears on traditional diner menus.

Fast food breakfast

Fast food breakfasts have revolutionised Americans’ breakfast habits, offering a quick and convenient solution on a busy morning.

Large chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s offer breakfast menus that include everything from sandwiches with eggs, cheese and meat to more innovative dishes such as breakfast burritos and spicy chicken biscuits, which is basically a chicken steak and some cheese pressed into a white bun.

These meals are designed to be both tasty and transport-friendly, making them ideal for Americans on the go.

Coffee

Americans love their coffee.

Whether it’s fast filter coffee served at diners or the fine espressos you can buy in the smarter city neighbourhoods, a lot of coffee is consumed in the USA.

In fact, it is estimated that 400 million cups are drunk a day in the USA alone!

Much of the coffee is imported from the USA’s southern neighbour Mexico, which is one of the world’s largest coffee producers.

Bagels

Bagels are an indispensable part of American breakfast culture and are widely enjoyed across the country.

Bagels are typically served with a wide variety of toppings such as cream cheese, salmon and various types of cold cuts.

They come in many variations such as plain, sesame, poppy seed and cinnamon raisin.

Bagels can be enjoyed at everything from quick coffee shops to brunch restaurants and provide a filling start to the day.

Food trucks

Although food trucks are not a dish in themselves, they deserve a place here. Because food trucks have revolutionised the dining experience in the USA, and also play an important role in the breakfast scene, especially in urban areas.

These mobile kitchens often offer unique and creative breakfast options, ranging from egg sandwiches and different kinds of pancakes to international favourites such as shakshuka or baozi (bao) with a twist of breakfast.

Food trucks combine the convenience of fast food without compromising on quality, and appeal to busy commuters and those wanting a culinary adventure first thing in the day.

Hash browns

Hash browns rarely stand on their own, but are often served together with either eggs and bacon or pancakes.

Hash browns are made from shredded potatoes which are fried in clumps in a pan, where they are pressed into patties.

This breakfast favourite is often dipped in ketchup, and enjoyed by young and old alike.

Doughnuts

A doughnut is a classic American breakfast favourite that is loved for both its sweet taste and versatility.

Doughnuts come in many different varieties, from the classic glazed pastries to those filled with jam, whipped cream or custard. They can also be sprinkled with sugar, chocolate or colourful sprinkles.

Doughnuts are often eaten with coffee, making them a popular breakfast option for those on the go. While a doughnut might not be the most nutritious start to the day, it’s an iconic part of American breakfast culture.

Milkshake

A milkshake is an American breakfast and dessert classic that combines ice cream and milk in a thick, creamy beverage.

Traditional milkshakes are typically made with vanilla, chocolate or strawberries, but they can be customised with almost any flavour such as cookies, caramel sauce or fruit.

Although milkshakes are most commonly associated with fast-food restaurants and diners, many Americans drink them as a sweet, refreshing breakfast drink – often served alongside other breakfast treats like doughnuts or pancakes.

Smoothie bowls

Smoothie bowls have gained in popularity in the USA as a healthier and Instagrammable breakfast choice.

These colourful bowls typically consist of a thickly blended base of frozen fruit and vegetables, often mixed with nut butter or yoghurt for added creaminess.

The bowl is then garnished with a variety of toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, granola and even superfood powder for extra nutrition and texture.

Smoothie bowls offer a nutritious start to the day, and can be customised to suit all tastes, making them a popular choice in the USA for the health-conscious and those who love exciting flavours.

American waffles

American waffles are a big hit with children in the USA!

And they can be topped with just about anything. Whether it’s a healthier variant with nuts, berries and fruit, or a waffle with syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and sugar, is entirely up to you. But these waffles are a true American classic.

Breakfast burritos

Looking for a breakfast dish that really sates your appetite? Then look for a breakfast burrito!

The burrito contains all the classic American breakfast ingredients: bacon, sausages, eggs, ham, cheese and more. All this is then rolled into a tortilla wrap that keeps you going well into the day.

Breakfast sausage

The American breakfast sausage is a staple item on the menu in a classic diner.

The sausage can usually be served with eggs, bacon and even pancakes, and it has a delicious smoky flavour.

English muffin

A traditional English muffin is a small bun that is easy to eat on the go. And even though the name may be deceiving, the muffin is actually more common in the USA than in England.

This muffin is a very versatile bun that can be topped or filled with either butter, icing or jam. Some Americans even make them themselves, and use them as mini pizzas.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a kind of porridge, and is a timeless and nutritious part of breakfast in the USA as it is prized for its heart-healthy properties and versatility.

This simple porridge, made from oatmeal and water or milk, can be adapted to individual taste preferences with toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, honey or a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Many Americans eat oatmeal because it makes them feel sated for a long time, so it is a popular choice for those wanting a healthy start to the day.

From kitchens at home to cafés and even in fast food versions, oatmeal enjoys a firm place as a mainstay of the American breakfast diet.

Feeling hungry?

Ready to eat your way through all these American breakfast foods?

Whether you are into classic pancakes with syrup, the heartier oatmeal or one of the more modern options such as smoothie bowls, a tour to the USA can also offer a culinary adventure through the many different breakfast dishes.

Enjoy your breakfast!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller