Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich cultural heritage, and nowhere is this more evident than in the island’s breakfast traditions.
From the iconic ackee and saltfish to hearty porridges and crispy fritters, Jamaican breakfasts offer a delicious variety of dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re craving savory, spicy, sweet, or a bit of everything, Jamaican breakfasts deliver an exciting start to the day.
In this collection of 24+ Jamaican breakfast recipes, you’ll discover a range of authentic dishes—from time-honored classics to lesser-known gems—that bring the warmth and spirit of Jamaica right into your kitchen.
Get ready to explore the flavors, textures, and aromas that make Jamaican breakfast truly unforgettable.
24+ Authentic Jamaican Breakfast Recipes to Brighten Your Morning
Exploring these 24+ Jamaican breakfast recipes is like taking a flavorful journey through the heart of Jamaica’s culinary heritage.
Each recipe reflects the island’s vibrant culture and the resourcefulness of its people, blending fresh local ingredients with bold spices and traditional cooking techniques.
Whether you’re making a quick saltfish fritter or indulging in a slow-simmered rundown, these breakfasts are sure to satisfy your appetite and transport your taste buds.
Embrace the rich flavors and wholesome ingredients of Jamaica’s morning meals and bring a little island sunshine to your breakfast table every day.
Ackee and Saltfish
Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish and a beloved breakfast staple that combines salted codfish with ackee, a fruit with a creamy, scrambled-egg-like texture. This dish is bursting with bold flavors and aromatic spices, making it a hearty and satisfying way to start the day.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish (saltfish)
- Ackee (canned or fresh)
- Onions, sliced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
Soak the salted codfish overnight to remove excess salt, then boil and flake it. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and thyme until fragrant. Add the flaked saltfish and cook for a few minutes. Gently fold in the ackee, being careful not to mash it. Season with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet for heat. Cook until heated through and serve hot.
This iconic Jamaican breakfast is both flavorful and nutritious, combining the saltiness of the fish with the delicate texture of ackee. It’s a dish that brings a taste of Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage to your table.
Jamaican Callaloo and Saltfish
Jamaican callaloo and saltfish is a nutritious and traditional breakfast dish featuring leafy callaloo greens sautéed with salted codfish and aromatic seasonings. The vibrant greens provide a fresh, earthy balance to the savory saltfish, making it a wholesome start to the morning.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish
- Callaloo or spinach
- Onions, sliced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
Prepare salted codfish by soaking, boiling, and flaking. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and thyme until soft. Add saltfish and cook for a few minutes. Stir in callaloo or spinach and cook until wilted. Season with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet. Serve warm.
This dish is a perfect combination of savory flavors and nutritious greens, reflecting the vibrant and resourceful spirit of Jamaican cuisine.
Jamaican Bammy and Fried Fish
Jamaican bammy and fried fish is a traditional breakfast that pairs crispy fried fish with bammy, a flatbread made from cassava. Bammy is slightly chewy with a mild flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savory, crispy fish.
Ingredients:
- Bammy (cassava flatbread)
- Saltfish or fresh fish fillets
- Flour (for coating fish)
- Oil for frying
- Scotch bonnet pepper and dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Soak bammy in coconut milk to soften, then pan-fry until golden brown. For the fish, season and coat with flour, then fry until crispy and cooked through. Serve bammy alongside the fried fish with optional scotch bonnet pepper and dipping sauce for added spice.
This breakfast celebrates simple, hearty ingredients with textures and flavors that highlight Jamaican culinary traditions. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Jamaican Festival and Fried Fish
Jamaican festival and fried fish is a beloved breakfast combo featuring sweet, fried cornmeal dumplings called festival, paired with crispy fried fish. The festival’s slightly sweet flavor and crunchy exterior perfectly complement the savory, crunchy fish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Milk or water
- Salt
- Fresh fish fillets
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk or water to form a sticky dough. Shape dough into small logs or ovals. Deep fry festival dough in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Season fish fillets and fry until crispy. Serve festival alongside the fried fish with your favorite dipping sauce or spicy pepper sauce.
This dish is a classic Jamaican breakfast that pairs sweet and savory perfectly, offering a delicious and filling start to your day.
Jamaican Saltfish Fritters
Jamaican saltfish fritters are crispy, golden-brown patties made from salted cod mixed with spices and herbs, then fried to perfection. These fritters are flavorful, portable, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish (saltfish), soaked and flaked
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- Green onions, chopped
- Thyme
- Eggs
- Water or milk
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Soak and boil saltfish to remove excess salt, then flake it finely. Mix flour, baking powder, scotch bonnet, green onions, thyme, eggs, and water or milk to form a batter. Fold in the saltfish. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter, frying until golden and crisp on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
These fritters are packed with bold flavors and make for a hearty, delicious breakfast that showcases authentic Jamaican seasoning.
Jamaican Rundown and Boiled Dumplings
Jamaican rundown and boiled dumplings is a traditional breakfast where salted fish is simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce (rundown) and served with soft, chewy boiled dumplings. The creamy sauce complements the dumplings perfectly, making for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish
- Coconut milk
- Scotch bonnet pepper
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Flour (for dumplings)
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
Soak and boil saltfish, then flake it. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and thyme, then add coconut milk and scotch bonnet. Add saltfish and simmer until sauce thickens. For dumplings, mix flour, salt, and water to form dough, shape into small balls, and boil until they float. Serve dumplings alongside the rundown.
This breakfast is a soulful dish that highlights the use of coconut milk and spices in Jamaican cooking, offering a rich and satisfying start to the day.
Jamaican Plantain and Saltfish
Jamaican plantain and saltfish is a delicious breakfast pairing that combines sweet, fried ripe plantains with savory saltfish sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. This combination balances sweetness and saltiness for a flavorful and satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
- Ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- Salted codfish (saltfish), soaked and flaked
- Onion, sliced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Thyme
- Oil for frying and sautéing
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and fry the sliced plantains until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside. In another pan, sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and thyme until fragrant. Add the flaked saltfish and cook for a few minutes, seasoning with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet. Serve fried plantains alongside the saltfish mixture.
This dish offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that highlights the essence of Jamaican breakfast cuisine—sweet, savory, and satisfying.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
Jamaican cornmeal porridge is a creamy, comforting breakfast drink made from fine cornmeal cooked with spices, milk, and sweetened to taste. It’s a traditional dish that warms you up and provides a nourishing start to the day.
Ingredients:
- Fine cornmeal
- Water and/or milk (or coconut milk)
- Cinnamon stick
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar or condensed milk
Instructions:
Mix cornmeal with water or milk to make a smooth slurry. In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil with cinnamon and nutmeg. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened to your liking. Remove cinnamon stick, stir in vanilla and sweetener, then serve warm.
This porridge is a classic Jamaican breakfast staple, loved for its creamy texture and comforting spices that provide both energy and warmth.
Jamaican Johnny Cakes
Jamaican Johnny cakes are small, fried bread cakes with a soft inside and slightly crispy outside. They are a popular breakfast and street food in Jamaica, often enjoyed with butter, jam, or alongside savory dishes like saltfish.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead to form a soft dough. Divide into small balls and flatten into discs. Heat oil in a pan and fry the dough discs until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Johnny cakes are a beloved Jamaican breakfast treat that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory accompaniments, making them a versatile and satisfying morning choice.
Jamaican Rundown with Boiled Green Bananas
Jamaican rundown with boiled green bananas is a traditional breakfast combining saltfish simmered in rich coconut milk sauce, served alongside tender boiled green bananas. This dish offers a hearty and flavorful start to the day, balancing creamy and earthy textures.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Coconut milk
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Thyme
- Green bananas, peeled and boiled
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and thyme in oil until fragrant. Add flaked saltfish and coconut milk, simmering until sauce thickens. Season with optional scotch bonnet for heat. Meanwhile, boil peeled green bananas until tender. Serve the rich rundown alongside the mild, starchy bananas for a balanced meal.
This breakfast reflects Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage, combining creamy, spicy, and hearty elements in one satisfying plate.
Jamaican Peas and Rice with Fried Plantains
Jamaican peas and rice with fried plantains is a flavorful and filling breakfast option featuring traditional rice and peas paired with sweet fried plantains. The dish offers a wonderful mix of savory and sweet, making it a favorite morning meal.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Kidney beans or pigeon peas
- Coconut milk
- Garlic and scallions
- Thyme
- Ripe plantains, sliced
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Cook rice with soaked beans or peas, coconut milk, garlic, scallions, and thyme until tender. In a separate pan, fry sliced ripe plantains until golden and caramelized. Serve the creamy, savory rice and peas alongside the sweet, crispy plantains.
This breakfast balances hearty grains with natural sweetness, providing energy and flavor to start your day the Jamaican way.
Jamaican Callaloo and Saltfish Fritters
Jamaican callaloo and saltfish fritters are crispy, flavorful patties made by combining flaked saltfish with sautéed callaloo and spices, then fried to golden perfection. These fritters are a delicious and portable breakfast option packed with authentic island flavors.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Callaloo or spinach, sautéed and chopped
- Flour
- Eggs
- Scotch bonnet pepper, minced
- Green onions, chopped
- Thyme
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix flaked saltfish, sautéed callaloo, flour, eggs, scotch bonnet, green onions, and thyme to form a batter. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter, frying until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
These fritters are a tasty way to enjoy Jamaican flavors in a handheld breakfast, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Jamaican Festival and Escovitch Fish
Jamaican festival and escovitch fish is a vibrant breakfast combination featuring sweet, fried cornmeal dumplings known as festival paired with spicy, tangy escovitch-style fried fish. The crispy festival balances the sharp, flavorful fish for a delightful morning meal.
Ingredients:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Water or milk
- Fresh fish fillets
- Vinegar
- Onions, carrots, and peppers
- Scotch bonnet pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and water or milk to form a dough. Shape into small logs and deep-fry until golden. For escovitch fish, fry fish fillets until crispy. In a separate pan, sauté onions, carrots, peppers, and scotch bonnet in vinegar to make the escovitch sauce. Pour sauce over fried fish and serve with festival.
This breakfast is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, showcasing classic Jamaican cooking styles.
Jamaican Boiled Dumplings and Stew Peas
Jamaican boiled dumplings and stew peas is a comforting breakfast featuring chewy, soft dumplings served alongside a rich and savory stew made with red kidney beans and salted meat. This hearty dish fuels your day with authentic island flavors.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Red kidney beans
- Salted beef or pork
- Coconut milk
- Garlic, thyme, scallions
- Scotch bonnet pepper
Instructions:
Prepare dumplings by mixing flour, salt, and water to form dough; shape into small balls and boil until they float. For stew peas, cook beans with salted meat, garlic, thyme, scallions, scotch bonnet, and coconut milk until tender and flavorful. Serve dumplings with the stew.
This meal is a soul-warming start to the day, rich in texture and deeply satisfying.
Jamaican Fried Dumplings and Saltfish Rundown
Jamaican fried dumplings and saltfish rundown is a breakfast that pairs crispy, golden fried dumplings with saltfish simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce. The dumplings provide a crunchy contrast to the rich, flavorful rundown.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Water
- Salt
- Salted codfish
- Coconut milk
- Onion, garlic, thyme
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Oil for frying and cooking
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and water to form a dough. Shape into small balls and deep fry until golden. For rundown, sauté onions, garlic, and thyme, add saltfish and coconut milk, simmering until thickened. Serve fried dumplings with the saltfish rundown.
This breakfast celebrates Jamaican culinary traditions with a mix of crispy textures and rich, spicy flavors perfect for starting your day.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
Jamaican cornmeal porridge is a warm and comforting breakfast drink made by cooking fine cornmeal with milk, spices, and sweeteners until creamy and smooth. This traditional dish is perfect for chilly mornings or when you need a nourishing start to your day.
Ingredients:
- Fine cornmeal
- Water and/or milk (or coconut milk)
- Cinnamon stick
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar or condensed milk
Instructions:
In a pot, bring water or milk to a boil with a cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Remove cinnamon stick, stir in vanilla extract and sweetener of choice. Serve warm.
This porridge offers a comforting blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a beloved staple in Jamaican breakfasts that provides energy and warmth.
Jamaican Fried Dumplings
Jamaican fried dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a popular breakfast item often paired with saltfish or enjoyed on their own with butter and jam. Their simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a staple for any morning meal.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Water
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead to form a soft dough. Divide into small balls and flatten slightly. Heat oil in a pan and fry dumplings until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These dumplings add a satisfying crunch and tender bite to your breakfast, offering a taste of classic Jamaican comfort food.
Jamaican Plantain Fritters
Jamaican plantain fritters are sweet, fried treats made from mashed ripe plantains mixed with a simple batter and fried until golden. They are a delicious breakfast or snack that highlights the natural sweetness of plantains.
Ingredients:
- Ripe plantains, peeled and mashed
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Combine mashed plantains with flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon if using. Mix to form a batter. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter, frying until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These fritters are a delightful way to enjoy the tropical flavor of plantains, making your breakfast sweet and satisfying.
Jamaican Saltfish and Dumplings
Jamaican saltfish and dumplings is a traditional breakfast dish featuring flaky salted cod cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, paired with soft, chewy boiled dumplings. The combination offers a perfect balance of savory and comforting flavors, making it a staple in Jamaican mornings.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and thyme in a pan, then add flaked saltfish and cook until heated through. Season with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet for a spicy kick. For dumplings, mix flour, salt, and water to form dough; shape into small balls and boil until they float. Serve saltfish alongside the dumplings.
This hearty breakfast highlights the rich flavors of saltfish paired with the satisfying texture of traditional Jamaican dumplings, perfect for fueling your day.
Jamaican Callaloo and Dumpling Stir-fry
Jamaican callaloo and dumpling stir-fry is a savory breakfast dish where tender callaloo greens are sautéed with boiled dumplings and spices, creating a flavorful and nutritious morning meal. The dumplings add a delightful chewiness that complements the earthy greens.
Ingredients:
- Callaloo or spinach, washed and chopped
- Boiled dumplings, sliced
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet until fragrant. Add callaloo and cook until wilted. Stir in sliced boiled dumplings and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the dumplings.
This stir-fry is a creative and tasty way to enjoy Jamaican greens and dumplings together, offering a nourishing and satisfying breakfast.
Jamaican Fried Plantain and Saltfish Fritters
Jamaican fried plantain and saltfish fritters combine sweet ripe plantains with salty, flaked saltfish in a crispy fried batter. These fritters are a flavorful and portable breakfast option that’s both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- Ripe plantains, peeled and mashed
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Flour
- Eggs
- Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- Green onions, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Mix mashed plantains, flaked saltfish, flour, eggs, scotch bonnet, and green onions to form a thick batter. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of batter, frying until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
These fritters offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them an exciting breakfast treat full of Jamaican character.
Jamaican Breadfruit and Saltfish
Jamaican breadfruit and saltfish is a classic breakfast that features roasted or boiled breadfruit served alongside flavorful saltfish sautéed with herbs and spices. The creamy, starchy breadfruit pairs perfectly with the savory saltfish, creating a hearty and authentic island meal.
Ingredients:
- Breadfruit, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
Roast or boil the breadfruit chunks until tender. In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and thyme, then add flaked saltfish and cook until heated through. Season with black pepper and optional scotch bonnet. Serve the saltfish alongside the breadfruit.
This breakfast celebrates the versatility of breadfruit and the bold flavors of saltfish, offering a satisfying start to the day rooted in Jamaican tradition.
Jamaican Rundown with Boiled Dumplings
Jamaican rundown with boiled dumplings combines salted fish cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce with soft boiled dumplings. The creamy rundown sauce soaks into the dumplings, making each bite deeply flavorful and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Salted codfish, soaked and flaked
- Coconut milk
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Thyme
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
Instructions:
Simmer flaked saltfish with coconut milk, onions, garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet until the sauce thickens. For dumplings, mix flour, water, and salt to form dough; shape into balls and boil until they float. Serve the boiled dumplings with the flavorful rundown.
This dish is a beloved Jamaican breakfast that combines creamy, spicy, and hearty elements in one satisfying meal.
Jamaican Plantain Porridge
Jamaican plantain porridge is a nutritious and warming breakfast made by cooking ripe plantains with spices, coconut milk, and sweeteners until creamy. It’s a flavorful alternative to traditional porridges, rich in tropical flavors.
Ingredients:
- Ripe plantains, peeled and chopped
- Coconut milk
- Cinnamon stick
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Brown sugar or condensed milk
Instructions:
In a pot, combine plantains, coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are soft and the mixture is creamy. Remove cinnamon stick, add vanilla and sweetener, and stir well. Serve warm.
This plantain porridge offers a comforting, naturally sweet start to your day with a distinct Jamaican twist.
Conclusion
Jamaican breakfasts are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community. The diversity in these 24+ recipes showcases the island’s ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes that warm both body and soul. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or spicy starts to your day, Jamaican breakfasts offer something for everyone. Incorporate these recipes into your routine and enjoy a delicious way to connect with Jamaica’s rich food culture while nourishing yourself with wholesome, satisfying meals.
