Portugal is often overlooked when it comes to culinary exploration, but their breakfast dishes are truly something special. From sweet pastries to hearty skillets, Portuguese cuisine offers a diverse array of flavors and combinations that will leave you wanting more.
With its rich history and maritime connections, Portugal’s breakfast recipes are deeply rooted in tradition, yet remain fresh and exciting with the use of high-quality ingredients. As we delve into these 16 easy-to-make Portuguese breakfast recipes, you’ll notice a beautiful balance of sweet and savory notes that will satisfy both your taste buds and your appetite.
Portuguese Sweet Bread
Portuguese sweet bread, also known as ‘pao doce,’ is a delightful breakfast treat that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The process of making this tender and flavorful loaf begins with dissolving yeast in warm water, allowing its natural enzymes to activate.Next, combine sugar, hot milk, butter, and salt in a large bowl, stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Once it’s cooled to a lukewarm temperature, beat in eggs and the yeast mixture until well combined. Gradually add 5 cups of flour to the liquid, mixing until a silky dough forms.Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then transfer it to a buttered bowl to let it rise, doubling in size as it rests. Once it’s reached its peak, shape the dough into desired loaves and place them on a buttered baking sheet. Cover the loaves and allow them to rise once more in a warm environment for about an hour.Finally, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the loaves until they’re golden brown. The result is a sweet and tender Portuguese-inspired breakfast bread that’s sure to please.
Portuguese Tosta Mista (Ham & Cheese Melt)
The Portuguese have perfected the art of ham and cheese melts, calling it tosta mista – a soft, warm bun topped with a crunchy, herby layer that’s simply irresistible. To create this delightful treat, start by cutting your rolls or buns in half and slathering the butter on both inside surfaces. Layer them with sliced ham, melted cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Next, brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with oregano for an added layer of flavor and a beautifully golden color. Pop the sandwiches into the oven until the cheese is melted, then serve hot and indulge in this satisfying snack.
Papas (Portuguese Porridge)
Starting your day off right with a delicious and satisfying bowl of papas – Portuguese porridge that’s as comforting as oatmeal, but with its own unique twist. Unlike traditional oat-based porridges, papas is made with flour, giving it a distinctively sweet and warm flavor profile. To prepare this hearty breakfast treat, combine milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Next, slowly sift in the flour while continuously whisking to prevent clumping – this will help create a smooth and creamy consistency. Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and sprinkle with cinnamon for an added boost of flavor. Serve the papas warm, straight from the stove, for the ultimate morning pick-me-up.
Portuguese French Toast
French toast, a culinary delight that transcends borders, takes on a new dimension when infused with Portuguese flair. To create this scrumptious dish, begin by whisking together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest in a harmonious blend of flavors. Cut the bread into 7-8 slices and arrange them artfully in a large baking dish, allowing some pieces to overlap and others to remain exposed. Next, pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated. Be mindful not to submerge the bread entirely; the higher sections should emerge toasted and crispy, adding textural contrast to the dish. Once the bread is prepped, dot it with butter for an added layer of richness. Finally, bake the French toast in a preheated oven at 35-45 minutes or until the custard has set. Serve warm and indulge in the delightful union of flavors and textures that this Portuguese-inspired treat has to offer.
Portuguese Baked Eggs With Cheese And Toast
The Portuguese-inspired baked eggs, reminiscent of Shakshuka, are surprisingly easy to prepare. The dish begins by sautéing onions and peppers in a skillet until they’re softened and seasoned. Next, add the aromatic trifecta of garlic cloves, crushed red pepper, and chili powder, stirring until the mixture is fragrant. Then, introduce diced tomatoes, their juice, jalapeño peppers, and a hint of freshness from the stems of basil and oregano, pressing them into the sauce with a spoon to create a harmonious blend. Bring the mixture to a simmer before creating six wells in the sauce. Place a dollop of ricotta cheese followed by an egg in each well, then sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly across the top. Finally, pop the pan into the preheated oven, letting it bake until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite bread for a satisfying meal.
Portuguese Sausage Frittata
Kickstart your day with a flavorful Portuguese sausage frittata, a delightful breakfast twist that combines savory sausages with colorful vegetables. Begin by cooking the chourico in a skillet until it’s lightly browned, then set it aside. Next, add more oil to the same skillet and cook the onion, peppers, and potatoes until they’re tender and fragrant, adding garlic for an extra boost of flavor. Once the vegetable mixture is cooked, combine it with the chourico in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and season them to taste. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable mixture, and gently toss everything together until well combined. Heat some vegetable oil in the skillet once more, then pour in the egg mixture and cook until the frittata is set. Use a spatula to loosen any stuck edges before serving the frittata hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Bolo Do Caco (Sweet Potato Bread)
In the world of bread, few treats are as intriguing as bolo do caco, a sweet and savory delight that defies expectations. To begin, start by baking sweet potatoes until they’re cool enough to mash into a puree. Next, activate yeast by combining it with salt and water, allowing the mixture to sit for 10 minutes before proceeding.As you prepare the dough, create a small indentation in a mound of flour, then pour in the sweet potato puree and water. Knead the ingredients together until a cohesive mass forms. Allow the dough to rest until it has doubled in size, before cutting it into five equal pieces and letting each piece sit for an additional 30 minutes.Once the dough is ready, shape each piece into a disc and cook both sides until golden brown. The end result will be a tender, flavorful bolo do caco that’s perfect for serving warm, accompanied by a pat of garlic butter made from a combination of melted butter, coriander, and garlic. This classic Portuguese recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Portuguese Style Mocha
In many cultures, coffee plays a significant role, and once you experience the rich flavors of this Portuguese-style mocha, its importance becomes clear. What’s more, replicating this recipe is remarkably straightforward – no specialized equipment needed! To start, heat milk in the microwave until it reaches a warm temperature. Next, combine the warmed milk with a shot of espresso. Finally, add a pinch of cocoa powder and sugar to the mixture, stirring everything together until well combined. With that, you’re ready to indulge in this delightful Portuguese-inspired coffee treat.
Portuguese Fig Jam
Start your day with a deliciously sweet treat – this Portuguese fig jam is a perfect match for your morning toast or biscuits. To make it, begin by washing and peeling the figs before combining them with sugar and a cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Gently stir the mixture over low heat until it thickens, taking care to stir occasionally as you go. You’ll know when it’s ready if a wooden spoon left in the bottom of the pan forms a clear trail. Once it’s cooked, turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon stick and let the jam cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight glass jar for storage.
Broa De Milho (Portuguese Corn Bread)
Broa de milho, a traditional sourdough cornbread from Portugal, is renowned for its characteristic cracks. The process begins by combining corn flour with boiling water, stirring until well combined, and then allowing the mixture to cool to room temperature. Next, bread flour, salt, and sourdough starter are added, and the dough is kneaded by hand until it takes on a bread-like consistency. The formed boule is gently pressed down to create a smooth surface, ensuring a visually appealing finished product. Before baking, the dough is misted with water and coated in rice flour, a step that helps control the crust’s texture. Preheating the oven to 500°F for the first 20 minutes allows the bread to develop its signature cracks, followed by a temperature drop to 445°F for an additional 25 minutes or so. Finally, serve warm with butter and savor the delightful flavors of this Portuguese classic.
Portuguese Pear Jam
If you’re passionate about pears, you’ll likely adore this Portuguese pear jam, which offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe. To create this indulgent spread, follow a similar process to making traditional pear jam, with the added bonus of a liquor-infused flavor profile.
Begin by thoroughly washing, peeling, and chopping the pears into manageable pieces. In a saucepan, combine these pear components with sugar, a cinnamon stick, and the liquor of your choice. Gently heat the mixture over low heat for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
Once the jam has reached the desired texture, remove the saucepan from the heat source and carefully remove the cinnamon stick. Allow the jam to cool completely before serving.
To fully appreciate this sweet and sticky spread, generously smear butter onto toast or bread and pair with the jam for a truly decadent treat.
Pao De Deus
Pao de Deus, literally ‘bread of God’, is a divine treat that combines soft and fluffy interior with a crispy coconut crust outside. To make this heavenly bread, start by combining milk, sugar, water, and yeast, allowing the mixture to stand for 5 minutes. Then, add eggs, rum, vanilla, sugar, and lemon zest, stirring until well combined. Next, add flour and salt, beating the mixture until a dough forms. Begin kneading, adding butter as you continue, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for 1 hour. Meanwhile, prepare the coconut crust by combining the necessary ingredients. Divide the dough into round buns, placing them in a greased tray and brushing them with beaten egg. Let them stand for 45 minutes before topping each roll with the coconut crust, taking care not to flatten them. Finally, bake the Pao de Deus until it’s golden brown, and indulge in its sweet and savory goodness.
Portuguese Breakfast With Fruit
Starting your day with a burst of freshness is just a bowl away. This straightforward recipe is a perfect solution for those rushed mornings when you need a quick and satisfying breakfast. Begin by preparing the fruit, peeling the pineapple and papaya, then cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Place the colorful mix in a serving bowl and add a generous helping of yogurt to provide creaminess. Next, sprinkle some crunchy cereal on top to add texture, followed by a sprinkle of seeds for added nuttiness. Finish it off with a drizzle of sweet honey to bring everything together. Mix it all up and indulge in the delightful combination – it’s a match made in breakfast heaven!
Portuguese Galao (Latte)
In Portugal, coffee is a beloved staple, which is why a galao – similar to a latte with one part espresso and three parts hot milk – is a popular treat. To create this delightful drink, start by grinding your espresso beans finely and preparing your coffee machine. Pull two shots of espresso to get the perfect balance.Next, heat the milk in a saucepan on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once warm, whisk it or use a milk frother to give it a silky texture. Finally, combine the milk and espresso in your mug, adding sugar or sweetener to taste. As you sip this creamy concoction, you’ll understand why Portuguese coffee culture is so revered.
Portuguese Sausage Breakfast Tacos
Start your day off right with these indulgent Portuguese sausage breakfast tacos. The combination of scrambled eggs, crispy sausage, and spicy habanero peppers will have you craving more. To add some visual flair to your dish, simply freeze the habaneros until they’re solid, then slice them into thin, star-shaped strips. In a separate pan, cook the eggs with butter and season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, grill or warm up some corn tortillas. Assemble the tacos by placing the eggs on the tortilla, topping with sausage, habanero slices, and any additional toppings you desire. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – shredded cheese, hot sauce, and other favorites are sure to hit the spot. This hearty breakfast skillet is perfect for keeping you full until lunchtime.
Portuguese Breakfast Skillet
To begin, cook the sausage, onion, and garlic in a pan until the onion is tender and the sausage is brown. Then, add in the tomatoes, bell pepper, tomato puree, pimento, and ground red pepper, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Next, heat some vegetable oil in a separate skillet over high heat. Add chopped potatoes to the pan and cook for a few minutes before stirring them to ensure even cooking. Once they’re almost done, add the sausage mixture on top of the potatoes, tossing everything together to combine.
Finally, carefully place 2-6 eggs on top of the potato-sausage mixture. Add some peas on top of the eggs for added flavor and nutrition. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake until the eggs are cooked through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Summary
Indulge in the flavors of Portugal with these scrumptious recipes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with family and friends or simply looking to spice up your breakfast routine, these dishes are sure to delight. Share your thoughts and let us know which ones become new favorites!
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.