Portuguese food doesn’t get as much press as many of the other great world cuisines, but trust us when we say that Portuguese food is just as delicious as French, Italian, and Mexican food (some of our favorites!). But it’s not just about Portuguese dinner options. Portuguese breakfast foods are just as good.
Diving into the world of Portuguese cuisine, you might be amazed by the diversity of flavors and unique combinations found in their breakfast recipes. Rooted in a rich history and embracing its maritime connections, Portugal’s breakfast dishes offer a scrumptious start to your day, satisfying both your taste buds and your appetite.
As you explore these traditional recipes, you will notice the prominence of fresh ingredients and a beautiful blend of sweet and savory elements. This culinary journey will not only introduce you to Portugal’s cultural heritage but also provide you with delightful meal ideas for your own morning ritual.
So, gather your cooking tools and get ready to embark on an appetizing adventure through the treasure trove of Portuguese breakfasts. From pastries to hearty fare, these mouth-watering dishes are sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation, impressing both your family and yourself.
In this article, I will cover 16 easy Portuguese breakfast recipes. So, next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, you have a few recipes to choose from.
Portuguese sweet bread is light and sweet, and is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix sugar, hot milk, butter, and salt together in a large bowl, stirring until butter melts. When cooled to lukewarm, beat in eggs and yeast mixture. Beat 5 cups of flour into liquid to make a smooth dough.
Knead the dough until smooth, and place in a buttered bowl until it has doubled in size.
Form dough into desired loaves. Place your formed loaves on a buttered baking sheet. Cover loaves and set in a warm place to rise again for about an hour.
You’re likely familiar with ham and cheese melts, and the Portuguese have their own version called tosta mista that is a super soft, warm bun that has a crunchy, herby top!
Cut the rolls or buns in halves and spread the butter on both inside parts of the bread.
Layer them with ham, cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle it with the oregano. This will give your rolls a beautifully golden color.
Place the sandwiches in the oven until the cheese is melted.
These Portuguese baked eggs are super simple and taste very similar to the Middle Eastern dish, Shakshuka.
Saute onions and peppers in a skillet until softened and season.
Add the garlic cloves, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and paprika and stir, cooking until fragrant. Add the jalapeno peppers, diced tomatoes, and the juice from the whole tomatoes.
Add in the stems of fresh basil and oregano, press them into the sauce with a spoon, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Make 6 holes in the sauce, and place ricotta cheese followed by an egg in each hole.
Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top and pop the pan into the preheated oven. Bake and serve with bread!
Coffee is hugely important in many cultures, and once you try this Portuguese style mocha, it’s not hard to see why! This is a super easy recipe to replicate, as there are no fancy frothers required.
Simply heat milk in the microwave. Once the milk is warm, combine with the espresso.
Add a dash of cocoa powder and sugar. Stir everything until it is well combined.
This Portuguese jam is perfect to pair with your morning toast or biscuits.
Wash and peel the figs. Combine the figs, sugar and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Stir with a spoon and simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
You will know when it is ready if you pass a wooden spoon in the bottom of the saucepan and it leaves a trail.
Turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick and let cool to room temperature.
If you’re a big fan of pears, then you’re sure to love this Portuguese pear jam. To make this pear jam, you will follow pretty much the same process with the addition of liquor.
Simply start off by washing, peeling, and cutting the pears into small pieces.
In a saucepan, combine the pear pieces, sugar, a cinnamon stick, and the liquor. Heat over low heat about 30 to 35 minutes until thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick and let cool completely.
Smother a generous amount of butter on some toast or bread and pair with this deliciously sweet, sticky jam.
It doesn’t get much more refreshing than fruit and yogurt for breakfast! This super simple recipe couldn’t be more quick and convenient to make on those days when you don’t have a lot of time to spare.
Place the fruit in a serving bowl. Add a generous dollop of yogurt, and add cereal to add a crunchy texture into the mix. Sprinkle with seeds and drizzle with honey.
A Portuguese galao is very similar to a latte, with one part espresso and three parts hot milk. Portugal is a nation of coffee lovers, so it makes sense that it offers super yummy coffee drinks.
Begin by grinding your espresso beans finely and preparing your coffee machine.
Pull two shots of espresso.
Heat the milk in a saucepan on the stove. Use medium-low heat and stir frequently to keep it from burning! Once warm, whisk it or place it in a milk frother.
Pour the milk and espresso into your coffee mug. Sweeten your coffee to taste.
Saute the sausage, onion, and garlic until the onion is tender, and the sausage is brown.
Stir in tomatoes, bell pepper, tomato puree, pimento and ground red pepper. Bring to boil, then simmer uncovered until the liquid has almost evaporated.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add chopped potatoes, turn heat to high and allow to cook.
Stir the potatoes. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add sausage mixture on top of potatoes and toss.
Carefully break 2-6 eggs on top of the mixture, garnish with peas and bake in a 375 degree oven until the eggs are set.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
