Donuts are a classic breakfast treat that everyone loves. But what do you serve with them? If you’re just having donuts for breakfast, then you need some side dishes to round out the meal and provide some balance.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious options that pair perfectly with donuts. Here are 11 tasty side dishes to enjoy alongside your favorite morning treat.
What To Serve With Donuts?
Sugary treats such as donuts are usually best enjoyed with a beverage like coffee, tea, or milk to balance out the sweetness of the dessert. Donuts can also be accompanied by savory foods such as bacon or sausage for an indulgent breakfast meal. Other accompanying dishes may include fresh fruit or yogurt to provide additional nutrients and flavor.
1. Eggs
Eggs and donuts are a great way to start the day. Eating them together is said to give you a boost of energy and can help keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. For those who love their sweet treats, consider scrambling some eggs in with your donut toppings for an added flavor punch.
Not only does this create more depth of flavor, but it also helps balance out any potential sugar rush thanks to the protein content in eggs. This also makes it much easier on your digestion since sugar is harder to process than protein when eaten together.
Another easy way to add a bit of protein alongside your donut breakfast is by having boiled eggs or omelettes as side dishes.
2. Bacon
For those who love their donuts a bit salty, consider serving bacon as a side dish. Bacon is a great addition to any donut breakfast and pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of your favorite pastries.
The crunchy, salty bacon can be served on its own or it can be incorporated directly into the donut. For example, many bakeries offer bacon-filled donuts, which combine a tasty sweet pastry with salty, crunchy bacon for a delicious flavor combo.
If you’re looking for an even more indulgent breakfast, consider making a bacon-wrapped donut. The combination of salty and sweet makes for an unforgettable flavor experience that’s sure to satisfy even the most demanding sugar fiend.
3. Ham
Ham is another great side dish to serve with donuts. The salty, smoky flavor of ham pairs perfectly with the sweet and sugary flavors of donuts.
It’s also a great way to get some extra protein into your diet, as ham has one of the highest amounts of protein per serving. You can also use ham to make creative donut topping combinations, such as adding diced ham to cream cheese icing or using ham slices to create an eye-catching presentation.
If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, consider making a breakfast sandwich with donut buns and ham to decrease your sugar intake while still indulging in the delicious flavors of a classic donut breakfast.
4. Fresh Fruit
If you’re looking for something to balance out the sweetness of donuts, fresh fruit is an excellent choice. Fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, and berries provide natural sweetness without the extra sugar of a traditional donut.
They also contain essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Fresh fruit can be served on its own as a side dish, or it can be diced and added directly to the donut for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, you could make a delicious fruit salad to accompany your donuts.
5. Jam
A classic favorite to serve with donuts is, of course, jam. As a tasty and sweet spread, jam transforms even the most simple donut into something truly special. There are so many types of jams available that everyone can find one that appeals to their individual taste.
Why not mix it up by serving a selection of different flavors? Raspberry and blueberry jams are particularly delightful options for anyone throughout the day. Whether you choose individual jars or a selection, the addition of jam will be a welcome surprise for all donut lovers.
As active ingredients, look out for real fruit instead of too much sugar in your chosen jam – this will ensure your servings are as healthy as possible.
6. Nutella
Nutella is a creamy and delicious chocolate hazelnut spread that complements the taste of donuts perfectly.
As well as being simply delightful, its pleasant nutty flavour makes it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of different types of donuts – from classic glazed or sugared varieties to jelly-filled and more decadent alternatives.
If you want to add a touch of sophistication for adults, pair dark chocolate cake donuts with Nutella for a more robust taste. For those looking for something even richer, try replacing the
Nutella with warm Nutella cream cheese dip and turn the simple donut into an irresistibly indulgent treat.
7. Caramel sauce
Caramel sauce is a thick and sticky topping that can turn an ordinary donut into something truly spectacular. Its sweet, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy texture of a donut.
It can be drizzled over the top of your chosen donut to create a luxurious and indulgent breakfast experience. For an even more decadent treat, consider adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream to the plate and let the caramel sauce bring it all together.
For a healthier option, you could use unsweetened dates blended into a smooth paste and drizzled over the top. This sugar-free alternative will provide a delicious and nutritious start to your day.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is a surprisingly versatile accompaniment to donuts–it can be used in sweet and savory recipes, giving your doughnut-based meal depth and complexity.
Plain yoghurt can be used as a cooling condiment for spicy donuts; mix with chopped cilantro, mint and a bit of cumin for an earthy flavor. For dessert, layer plain or vanilla yogurt with fresh-cut fruit and serve atop cinnamon sugar or chocolate donuts. This provides additional nutrients while contrasting the sweetness of the pastry with the tartness of the yogurt.
Setting up a yogurt parfait station allows guests to customize their treat by picking their favorite accompaniments and toppings–granola clusters, berries, nuts, honey, sugars, jams and more. Allowing guests’ creativity gives them ownership over their own meals: each one is unique and delightful.
9. Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a decadent treat, then serve ice cream with your donuts. Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream are all classic options that pair well with almost any type of donut.
For a more indulgent option, consider adding a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to your chosen donut. You could even sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunchy texture.
If you want to give your donuts a lighter touch, try adding frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. Frozen yogurt is lower in fat and calories than regular ice cream, yet still provides a creamy sweetness that complements donuts perfectly.
10. Nuts
Nuts are a great way to add crunch and texture to your donuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts all work well, either sprinkled on top of the donuts or blended into a crunchy topping.
For added flavor, you can toast the nuts in a pan before adding them to your donuts. Alternatively, blend them with sugar and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an interesting twist on the traditional donut topping.
Nuts can also be used to give your donuts a nutty flavor. Simply add finely ground nuts to the dough before frying, or use them to make a rich glaze.
11. Powdered Sugar
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is an easy way to give your donuts a touch of elegance. This classic topping adds pizzazz and sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the donut.
For an extra-special touch, try using flavored sugars like vanilla or cinnamon to give your donuts a unique flavor. You can also sprinkle on colored sugars for a more vibrant look—perfect for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
Powdered sugar is also an easy way to turn a simple donut into a dessert. Try topping your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Alternatively, you could use the powder to make a glaze that’s thinner and less sweet than traditional icing. Simply mix the sugar with a bit of water or milk until you get the desired consistency, then spread it over the donuts for a subtle finish.
Conclusion
Donuts may be the star of the show, but they’re even better when accompanied by some delicious side dishes. From savory bacon and ham to sweet jams and caramel sauce, there are a variety of options that can help you create an unforgettable breakfast experience for your family or guests.
Whether you opt for something classic like eggs or go wild with ice cream toppings, don’t forget to add in some fresh fruit for balance,
With these 11 tasty side dishes at your disposal, you now have all the tools needed to make any morning special. So get creative and enjoy making memories one bite at a time!
