Jump to ratings and reviews

The Big Book of Breakfast: Serious Comfort Food for Any Time of the Day

The latest in the best-selling Big Book series, The Big Book of Breakfasts starts the day right with over 280 recipes for every kind of breakfast food imaginable. It s classic Maryana every delicious dish is so easy to make you can hit the snooze button again and again. From classic blue-plate specials of Corned Beef Hash and Eggs to an innovative brunch of Spicy Orange Pancakes, here are frittatas and omelets, quiches and stratas, casseroles and skillet entrees, sandwiches and wraps, French toast and pancakes, waffles and cereals, meats and potatoes, breads and fruits plus a bevy of beverages and the basic how-to. Breakfast-it s not just for breakfast anymore.

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2002

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Maryana Vollstedt

37 books6 followers
Maryana Bollinger Vollstedt was a creative, fun-loving woman whose life blended entrepreneurship, culinary talent, and community service. After graduating from Oregon State College in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics, she married Reed Vollstedt and co-founded Reed and Cross, a beloved garden center in Eugene, Oregon. Maryana brought a unique flair to the business, traveling to gift shows and shaping product selections with her signature taste. A prolific cookbook author, she published over 20 titles, including nine with Chronicle Books, and wrote the “What’s for Dinner” column for the Eugene Register-Guard for thirteen years. She cherished family, food, and hosting, and prioritized togetherness. Maryana and Reed were also consultants for Garden Centers of America and traveled internationally as flower industry representatives. In retirement, she mentored students at Cal Young Middle School for over 18 years. A dedicated member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Maryana left a lasting mark on her community.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
45 (36%)
4 stars
33 (26%)
3 stars
37 (29%)
2 stars
6 (4%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Amy.
110 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
Not only have I read this cookbook, I have cooked EVERY recipe! My daughters made me a trophy and everything. ;) A colleague gave it to me 20 years ago, and since I make at least a quarter of the recipes fairly regularly, I decided to try them all. It was lots of fun. I only wish we'd rated the results as I made each dish...

This book covers a wide range of breakfast/brunch options, and I've made some for dinner also: drinks, egg dishes (omelets, quiches, stratas, casseroles, etc.), pancakes/waffles/crepes, breads, muffins, meats, potatoes, grains, fruit. There are several excellent options for larger, pre-prepped dishes/casseroles that you can bake off in the morning when you have company. I was also thrilled to discover that scones are very quick and easy to make.
140 reviews
September 11, 2026
The Big Book of Breakfast is a fantastic choice for anyone who believes breakfast can be enjoyed at any time of day. I loved the comforting, satisfying approach to the recipes and the wide variety of ideas throughout the book.

What makes this cookbook especially enjoyable is the selection. There are plenty of familiar breakfast favorites, along with enough different options to keep things interesting. Whether you are planning a relaxed weekend meal or simply want something hearty and comforting, this book offers plenty of inspiration.

I also enjoyed browsing through the recipes because the book feels like more than just a collection of breakfast dishes. It celebrates the fun and comfort associated with breakfast food and makes you want to experiment in the kitchen.

Overall, this is a wonderful cookbook for breakfast lovers. The variety, comforting recipes, and flexible approach make it a book I would happily return to whenever I need a deliciou
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,304 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2022
This is literally my favorite cookbook of all time! About 15 years ago, I stayed overnight at a friend's house, and she made the sour cream pancakes recipe from this cookbook. They were (and still are) the best pancakes I have ever eaten. I asked for the recipe and tracked down this cookbook years later. My family and I have loved every recipe we've ever tried from this book. Vollstedt makes super easy to follow recipes that taste amazing. Best. Cookbook. Ever.
115 reviews
September 16, 2026
This cookbook is a fantastic breakfast companion, packed with delicious recipes and plenty of comforting choices. The variety is impressive, from pancakes and waffles to eggs, casseroles, breads, and more. The recipes are easy to follow and perfect for everyday cooking.
62 reviews
September 16, 2026
This cookbook is absolutely wonderful! The recipes are delicious, easy to follow, beautifully presented, and perfect for anyone who loves creating memorable meals at home.
Profile Image for Josephine.
596 reviews10 followers
December 26, 2011
The recipes are a bit heavy on eggs and dairy, and not Food Network Adventurous; overall, the cookbook isn't good for those with allergies or cholesterol restrictions, much less the Haute Gourmet Snooty Diners...but for the rest of us this is ideal. Most recipes' preparation is straightforward, and the ingredient lists simple enough that they can be found in the majority of communities.
Profile Image for Jen.
111 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2008
This book is chock-full of breakfast/brunch recipes. My husband really likes pancakes and waffles, but I gravitate more toward omelets, frittatas, and quiches. This book covers all of those and more. I can't wait to try out some new recipes.
Profile Image for Ariel.
412 reviews30 followers
March 19, 2013
As my library e-copy was about to expire, I sat down with a notebook and pen to write down the recipes that really interested me so I could keep them.

There were far too many to even begin, so I just bought the book. It's brimming with breakfast love, and I need more.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
23 reviews
April 8, 2010
I have yet to make a recipe from this book that does not get devoured- love the coffee crumb cake on page 296.
Profile Image for Genine Franklin-Clark.
642 reviews22 followers
July 2, 2014
It's fine for a more conventional breakfast cookbook. I was hoping for more of an around-the-world breakfast book. My mistake; I should read synopses and reviews more closely.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,361 reviews
May 16, 2016
Big fan of Maryana Vollstedt's. Love the frittata recipes. Great cinnamon rolls. Our family loves the Chile Egg Puff. We make it for special occasions and have cut the recipe in half.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews