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If you are looking for easy High Calorie Breakfast Ideas, this blog post is for you. From oatmeals to wraps, here you will find the 25 best bulking breakfast recipes for weight gain. They’re all quick, easy, and so delicious that you won’t have any problem hitting your macros.
Table of Contents
- What to eat for breakfast if you struggle to gain weight?
- The best high calorie breakfast foods to gain weight
- 25 high calorie breakfast recipes
- The famous 1000 calorie breakfast for weight gain
- High calorie breakfast meal prep
- My favorite – best breakfast for bulking
- 25 high calorie snacks
- 35 high protein breakfast recipes
- 25 High Calorie Breakfasts to Gain Weight Recipe
What to eat for breakfast if you struggle to gain weight?
When you are trying to build muscle or gain weight in general, it is essential that you eat more calorie than you burn. With consistency, day after day and week after week. If for some people this may sound like a dream, for others it can be a real struggle. Especially when you want to eat clean to nourish your body, fuel your trainings and perform better at the gym.
I was there too, my friend. As a skinny guy, at the beginning of my fitness journey the goal was to gain some weight. But not just gain weight; I wanted to build lean muscle while minimizing fat gain. For this reason, instead of wolfing down McDonald’s burgers all day long, during my lean bulk I followed a meal plan with high calorie meals that are tasty and nutritious at the same time. This means plenty of oats, rice, pasta chicken, salmon and nutrient-dense foods that make me feel good in life and energized for my workouts.
The best high calorie breakfast foods to gain weight
- Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fats, eggs are versatile and can be cooked in various ways like scrambled, fried, or boiled. One whole egg has about 70 calories.
- Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter spread on toast or mixed into oatmeal provide a good dose of healthy fats, protein and calories. One tablespoon of nut butter has about 100 calories.
- Whole Milk and Greek Yogurt: Full-fat dairy products like whole milk or Greek yogurt are rich in calories, protein and calcium, making them excellent choices for a high calorie breakfasts. One cup of full fat Greek yogurt has about 280 calories.
- Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats and fiber, avocado slices on toast or in a breakfast burrito recipe add creaminess and extra calories. One medium avocado provides about 240 calories.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds are calorie-dense and nutrient-rich additions to bowls, smoothies, or yogurt. A handful of nuts can add up to 400 calories to your daily count.
- Bananas: Naturally sweet and calorie-dense, bananas are a convenient and nutritious fruit, whether sliced on toast or blended into smoothies. One large banana has about 130 calories.
25 high calorie breakfast recipes
- 920 Calorie Oatmeal
With over 920 calories, make this easy high calorie oatmeal recipe if you are on a bulk or struggle to gain weight. Quick, healthy and so delicious that you will eat it everyday!
- Egg and Cheese Bagel
Scramble three whole eggs with shredded cheese, then sandwich them between a bagel for a simple yet satisfying morning meal that is packed with protein and carbs. For more calories and nutrients, add some slices of avocado.
- High Calorie Smoothie
If you are struggling to build muscle, try this high calorie smoothie to gain weight. With over 800 calories, it will help you bulk faster. Quick and easy, so delicious!
- Breakfast Burrito
This simple Breakfast Burrito Recipe is healthy and high protein. Filled with beef, beans and spicy rice, it can also be made vegetarian or vegan. Meal prep friendly!
- Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Toast four slices of whole wheat bread, spread each slice with plenty of peanut butter, and top with sliced bananas. You can serve it with Greek yogurt or with a protein shake, for more protein.
- Protein Granola Bowl
Fill a large breakfast bowl with Greek yogurt, add one large sliced banana, a couple tablespoons of peanut butter and plenty of homemade protein granola.
- Banana Breakfast Wrap
Spread almond butter on a whole wheat wrap, add sliced bananas, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, and drizzle with honey before rolling it up for a tasty and filling breakfast.
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Sauté diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until tender, then top with fried eggs and avocado slices for a hearty and nutritious breakfast that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Banana Bread French Toast
Dip slices of protein banana bread in an egg and milk mixture, then cook until golden brown and serve with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Cottage Cheese Pizza
This healthy Cottage Cheese Pizza comes together in under 20 minutes! Instead of half, eat the entire pizza. It has more than 600 calories and 40 grams of protein!
- Berry Nut Breakfast Bowl
Mix Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract, then layer with fresh berries, protein granola, and chopped mixed nuts.
- Protein Pancakes
The only Protein Pancake Recipe you need: no banana, healthy, fluffy and so easy to make. With just 5 ingredients and over 37 g of protein!
- Veggie Wrap
Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions until tender, then scramble with eggs and wrap in a whole wheat tortilla with shredded cheese and homemade salsa.
- Loaded Sweet Potato
Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then stuff with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, avocado and diced tomatoes.
- Baked Pancakes
Bake your pancakes and make Healthy Sheet Pan Pancakes from scratch. They are so soft and fluffy that you’ll now bake pancakes every time!
- Mediterranean Breakfast Wrap
Fill a wrap with scrambled eggs, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Apple Protein Pancakes
Soft and so fluffy, these Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes come together in just 15 minutes. Made with Greek yogurt!
- Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast, these are Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Soft and fluffy, they are also healthy and simple to make.
- Raisin oats overnight
Mix rolled oats with protein powder, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and raisins in a jar, then refrigerate overnight and top with a drizzle of honey and nut butter. Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in a jar!
- English Muffin Sandwich
Layer scrambled eggs, cooked turkey sausage patties, sliced avocado, and baby spinach on a whole grain English muffin.
- Protein Burrito Bowl
With chicken, black beans and rice, this easy Protein Burrito Bowl combines taste and nutrition into a dish. Quick & easy, with over 57 g of protein!
- Macro-friendly Overnight Oats
Quick and easy, make these Protein Oats ahead for a grab-and-go breakfast without cooking. You will eat protein powder oats everyday now!
- Fruity Nut Butter Toast
Spread almond or cashew butter on whole grain toast, then top with sliced strawberries, bananas, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. Pair with Greek yogurt or a protein smoothie for more protein.
- Hummus Wrap
Spread creamy hummus on a whole wheat wrap, then top with sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, bell pepper strips, spinach leaves, and feta cheese.
- Breakfast Chicken Sandwich
Layer sliced chicken breast, crispy bacon, avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, and sauce stacked between toasted whole wheat bread.
The famous 1000 calorie breakfast for weight gain
If you are skinny and want to bulk up, a good strategy is starting your day with a good breakfast. And when I say “good breakfast”, I mean it. Besides charging you up for your workouts, consuming most of your calories in the morning ensures that you already get some macros in, regardless of what unfolds throughout the rest of the day.
That’s where the famous 1000 calorie breakfast comes into play. Down here you can find two versions, a sweet and a savory recipe. Choose the one you like the most, or alternate between the two during the week.
- 1000 Calorie Sweet Breakfast. Combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, 1/4 cup of dried fruit, 1 mashed banana, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan. Cook until it reaches the desired texture, then serve with sliced banana, honey and peanut butter.
- 1000 Calorie Savory Breakfast. Cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté 2 large diced potatoes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté 1 diced bell pepper and 1 diced onion, crack in 4 large eggs and cook to your liking. Assemble your breakfast bowl and serve with cheddar cheese on top.
High calorie breakfast meal prep
Making a high calorie breakfast meal prep friendly is all about strategic planning. First, focus on recipes that can be easily batch-cooked and portioned out for the week ahead. Choose calorie dense ingredients, such as whole grains, lean proteins, peanut butter, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Prepare large batches of foods like scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, or breakfast burrito fillings in advance, then place them into individual containers or meal prep trays.
Combine your pre-cooked foods with extras like nuts, seeds, avocado slices, or cheese for added calories, nutrients and flavor. By planning ahead and prepping your weight gain meals in advance, you’ll save time and effort each morning while ensuring you start the day with energy.
My favorite – best breakfast for bulking
I’ve been on a bulk for quite some time now. I’m relatively skinny and I want to build lean muscle mass. From salmon pasta for lunch to protein pizza for dinner, my weekly menu is quite varied. But there is one constant in my weight gain diet, breakfast. I’ve been eating the exact same breakfast for months now. Day after day, nonstop.
My beloved bulking oatmeal packs all the good things into a bowl. It’s an incredible source of protein, complex carbs and healthy fats, plus it’s easy to make and so delicious. This high calorie oatmeal recipe ensures that I hit my macros for the day, feeling satisfied and energized. Honestly, it’s the best bulking breakfast ever.
- Recipe Ingredients. You’ll need rolled oats, cocoa powder, milk, egg whites (optional), maple syrup or honey, and nut butter. Protein powder can also be added.
- Recipe Details. Place all ingredients into a pot and cook on medium heat until the oatmeal reaches the desired texture. When ready, transfer to a bowl and top with banana, nut butter and maple syrup for more calories and taste.
6 high calorie breakfast ideas
Another thing I love about my weight gain breakfast is that it’s incredibly customizable. Follow the base recipe, then customize to match your own tastes and preferences. I like the chocolate and banana, but you can try it with blueberries, apple or jelly. Here are 6 ideas for you.
- Chocolate Oats. Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder plus some chocolate chips or cocoa nibs if you desire.
- Banana Bread Oats. Mash in a ripe banana and include more of your favorite nut butter, a hint of cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- PB&J Oatmeal. Add more peanut butter a couple tablespoons of your favorite jam, such as strawberry or blueberry jam.
- Apple Bulking Oats. Mix in a handful of apple chunks, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a hint of vanilla extract.
- Banana and Peanut Butter Porridge. Mix in a mashed banana, more peanut butter and serve with extra banana slices on top.
- Blueberry Lemon Oats. Stir in a handful of fresh blueberries plus a teaspoon and a half of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
25 high calorie snacks
Breakfast is covered, but what about snacks? Check out my other blog post with the best 25 high calorie snacks for bulking!
35 high protein breakfast recipes
Looking for breakfasts that are both high in calories and protein? Check out this post with 35 best high protein breakfast ideas.
25 High Calorie Breakfasts to Gain Weight
Ingredients
- 100 grams (1 cup) rolled oats
- 15 grams (1 ½ tbsp) cocoa powder
- 15 grams (1 tbsp) peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, or honey, to taste
- pinch of salt
- 320 ml (1 ⅓ cup) milk of choice
- 160 grams (¾ cup) liquid egg whites, or more milk
Topping
- 1 banana
- 15 grams (1 tbsp) peanut butter
Protein Powder Option
- 1 scoop protein powder
Instructions
- In a pot combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey) and a pinch of salt.
- Pour into the pot the milk, liquid egg whites (or more milk) and turn on heat. Simmer over medium heat for around 5 minutes, or until the oatmeal reaches the desired texture. Make sure you stir your oats so that they do not stick to the pan.
- Once high calorie oatmeal is ready, transfer to a bowl and top with sliced banana and peanut butter.
Protein Powder Option
- In a small bowl dissolve protein powder in little water or milk (around 1 tbsp) and whisk until the protein mixture is smoothly combined. Stir protein mixture into your cooked oats before topping.
Notes
- Nutritional values:
- Oatmeal without protein powder: 922 kcal 52 g protein 101 g carbohydrates 32 g fats
- Oatmeal with protein powder: 1029 kcal 78 g protein 101 g carbohydrates 32 g fats
Excellent collection of all your recipes (high calories) and all are amazing and done with a special touch????.
Love your story of each one.??
Hey dear Liza,
what a great pleasure reading your comment. Thanks a lot for telling me, I’m glad to hear that you like this collection of breakfast recipes that are high in calories and good for weight gain 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo