7 of our favourite breakfast recipes

In the US, a big stack of pancakes is a common sight at the breakfast table, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t enjoy the same treat in the morning either. This recipe incorporates bananas into the mix along with milk and eggs, which makes them perfect for topping with other fruits, cream and honey for a sweet start to the day. Once you’ve whisked everything together for the batter, they’re very quick to cook – just a couple of minutes each side will produce a pancake fit for any American diner.

Porridge is one of those things that might not look incredible, but when cooked right it’s one of the most satisfying bowls of food you can get. This recipe uses pinhead oatmeal as the simple base, and once you’ve soaked the oats overnight it’s just a case of cooking them with plenty of milk and butter, a little sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon, then finishing with a splash of double cream. Simple.

French toast is the best kind of toast – mostly because it’s dredged in milk, cream, sugar and eggs before being fried for an incredibly indulgent and delicious finish. Topping them with plums roast with a little brown sugar, cinnamon and star anise to bring out their inherent sweetness makes it even better.

If your run-of-the-mill omelette just won’t cut it, then give this very rich and famous version a try. Combining smoked haddock, cheese and a béchamel sauce, this favourite of the English writer is perhaps a bit over-the-top for an average breakfast, but if you need to celebrate at the weekend it’s an ideal start to the day.

Muffins are good at any time of the day, but in the morning they’re particularly good – especially if you need to eat on the move. These apple muffins are lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, and can be baked the night before if you’re short on time. Just warm them up for a few minutes in the oven and you’re good to go.

Everybody loves a croissant, but to actually make one yourself instead of relying on your nearest shop or bakery is an entirely different matter. All you need is milk, yeast, flour, salt, sugar, butter and water, plus a little time to roll and fold the dough to create that beautiful laminated effect, and they’re ready for baking. Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise and rest in the morning, before placing them in the oven and filling the kitchen with some of the most hypnotic aromas imaginable.

If you’re after something a little different to add to your full English and are avoiding gluten, these potato pancakes are the perfect solution. Make the batter the night before, giving it plenty of time to rest in the fridge, then heat up your frying pan and create a miniature stack to go alongside your bacon and eggs. They’re equally delicious served alongside smoked salmon or avocado as well, if you want to change things up a bit.