Florida is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich diversity of culinary influences that have shaped its food scene. When it comes to breakfast, the Sunshine State is no different. From the Southern classics that bring warmth and comfort to your morning to the Cuban-inspired dishes that are bursting with flavor, Florida offers a wide array of breakfast dishes that are as diverse as the state itself.
Let’s dive into the best breakfast dishes that Florida has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are some truly iconic breakfast dishes that every Floridian (or Florida lover) should experience. From the hearty grits to the crispy Cuban toast, let’s take a closer look at the state’s favorite breakfast dishes.
The Classic Southern Grits: A Florida Breakfast Staple
What Are Grits?
When you think of breakfast in the South, one dish that immediately comes to mind is grits. These ground corn kernels, often served as a side dish, are beloved in Florida and the Southern United States. The beauty of grits lies in their versatility—whether they’re served sweet or savory, grits can be enjoyed in many ways and are a must-try for anyone visiting Florida.
Traditionally, grits are made from stone-ground corn that is boiled until soft and creamy. The texture is key—grits should be smooth, but with just the right amount of bite. In Florida, you’ll find grits on the breakfast menu in many Southern-style restaurants, often as part of a breakfast plate featuring eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Savory Grits: The Southern Classic
In Florida, grits are often served savory, topped with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cheese, and sometimes a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick. Shrimp and grits is another popular combination, where plump shrimp are sautéed with garlic and spices and served on a bed of creamy grits. This dish is a coastal favorite in Florida, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami.
Sweet Grits: A Florida Twist
On the flip side, grits can also be served sweet, especially when paired with sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup. This makes them a delightful addition to any breakfast spread. Some Floridian chefs also like to get creative by adding fruits such as berries or bananas to sweeten up the dish. The warmth of sweet grits provides a comforting start to the day, and it pairs well with other breakfast favorites like biscuits and sausage.
Cuban Toast: The Iconic Florida Breakfast Favorite
The History of Cuban Toast in Florida
Florida has a long-standing connection to Cuba, and as a result, Cuban cuisine has left a lasting impact on Florida’s food scene. One of the most popular breakfast items among Cuban-Americans in Florida is Cuban toast, or tostada cubana. This simple yet satisfying dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Florida.
Cuban toast is typically made using Cuban bread, which is a type of white bread that’s similar to a French baguette. The bread is buttered, then toasted until golden and crispy. Cuban toast is often served with a side of coffee (most notably Café Cubano, a strong and sweet Cuban coffee) or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
The Role of Cuban Toast in Florida’s Breakfast Scene
You’ll find Cuban toast served at many Cuban bakeries and cafes across Florida, particularly in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale—cities with a vibrant Cuban influence. Cuban toast is often paired with a variety of traditional breakfast items like eggs, cheese, ham, and bacon. The dish can also be enjoyed as a light snack with a cup of coffee, making it the perfect choice for a quick breakfast on the go.
A Step Up: The Cuban Sandwich
While Cuban toast is delightful on its own, it also forms the foundation for one of Florida’s most famous dishes—the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban sandwich, a blend of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, is the ultimate comfort food for many Floridians. If you’re craving a heartier breakfast, a Cuban sandwich makes for a delicious, satisfying meal to start your day.
Key Lime Pie Pancakes: A Sweet Florida Twist on Breakfast
The Famous Florida Key Lime Pie
Florida’s Key West is world-renowned for its key lime pie—a dessert made with tart lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust. The dish has become a Florida staple, and it’s not just for dessert anymore. In recent years, key lime pie pancakes have become a beloved breakfast dish that combines the iconic dessert flavors with the heartiness of breakfast pancakes.
Key Lime Pie Pancakes: A Sweet Breakfast Treat
Key lime pie pancakes are fluffy pancakes infused with lime zest and served with a tart lime syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes, graham cracker crumbs are sprinkled on top to mimic the classic crust of a traditional key lime pie. These pancakes are often served with a side of crispy bacon or sausage to balance out the sweetness, making it a perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Where to Find Key Lime Pie Pancakes in Florida
If you’re visiting Florida’s Keys or Miami, you’ll find key lime pie pancakes at many local diners and brunch spots. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing breakfast by the beach or dining at a trendy café, these pancakes will give you a taste of Florida’s vibrant food culture. The zesty, tangy flavor of the key lime brings a refreshing twist to a classic breakfast favorite.
Breakfast Tacos: Florida’s Take on a Mexican Classic
A Fusion of Cultures
In Florida, Mexican and Cuban influences have blended over time, and breakfast tacos are the perfect example of this fusion. With an abundance of fresh ingredients like avocados, cilantro, tomatoes, and lime, breakfast tacos have become a popular way to start the day in Florida. They combine the savory richness of eggs, chorizo, and cheese, all wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla.
Popular Breakfast Taco Options
Some of the best breakfast tacos in Florida feature a combination of ingredients such as scrambled eggs, avocado slices, bacon, and salsa. For a more traditional Mexican twist, you might find tacos filled with chorizo or barbacoa beef, along with pickled onions and cilantro. These tacos are often served with a side of hot sauce or sour cream, allowing you to adjust the heat and flavor to your liking.
Breakfast Taco Locations in Florida
You’ll find these delicious breakfast tacos served at many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Florida, particularly in areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. Whether you’re looking for something quick and casual or want to sit down and enjoy your breakfast, Florida’s vibrant food scene has something for everyone when it comes to breakfast tacos.
Florida’s Unique Breakfast Dishes: The Influence of Local Ingredients
Florida is known for its local ingredients that make breakfast dishes even more delicious. From fresh citrus to seafood, the state offers a bounty of natural flavors that find their way into breakfast dishes in unique ways.
The Influence of Citrus
Florida is famous for its citrus groves, and orange juice is a Florida breakfast staple. Whether you prefer it freshly squeezed or from a carton, OJ is synonymous with breakfast in the Sunshine State. Additionally, grapefruit—another Florida favorite—often appears in breakfast dishes, from fruit salads to slices served alongside pancakes and waffles.
Seafood for Breakfast
Being a coastal state, Florida offers access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. In coastal cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, seafood omelets and breakfast burritos with shrimp and crab are becoming more popular. Fresh seafood paired with eggs creates a wonderful breakfast that showcases the best of what Florida has to offer.
Conclusion: A Taste of Florida’s Breakfast Culture
Florida’s breakfast dishes are as diverse as the state itself. From the comforting Southern grits to the crispy Cuban toast, there’s no shortage of flavors that reflect the state’s rich cultural influences. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast of grits and eggs, a light Cuban-inspired toast, or something more indulgent like key lime pie pancakes, Florida has it all.
When visiting Florida, don’t miss out on experiencing these unique and delicious breakfast dishes. Whether you’re enjoying them at a local café or indulging in brunch at the beach, Florida’s breakfast offerings are a delicious way to start your day in the Sunshine State.
