Breakfast is often called the most important meal, but it’s also when you have the least time — especially when school is in session. So consider this your cheat sheet for fast, nourishing and tasty morning meals.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes
Enjoying a delicious better-for-you breakfast on a weekday is easier when you plan ahead. Here are a few palate- and schedule-pleasing favorites.
Easy Granola Bites
Quick homemade snacks like these cranberry, oat and almond granola bites are simple to grab for morning outings or to keep tucked away at work for an energy boost in the afternoon.
Egg White Omelet Bites
These high-protein treats are ideal for on-the-go breakfasts. You can assemble them in the muffin pan the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Everyone loves coffee cake for brunch, especially when it’s stuffed with blueberries and topped with slivered almonds. You can also make this a couple days ahead and store in the refrigerator until ready — just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once cooled.
Overnight Cherry Oats
Make this the night before for a wholesome grab-and-go breakfast. You can use either fresh cherries or frozen unsweetened cherries — no need to thaw them first.
Whole Grain Toaster Waffles
Whip up a big batch of these whole grain waffles, then keep them in the freezer for easy morning meals. Pop them in the toaster to reheat and achieve traditional waffle crispness.
Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is perfect for using up stale bread since its firm texture stands up to overnight soaking. Bake in the morning for a warm and cozy no-fuss breakfast.
Get the recipe: Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Baked Millet and Apple Breakfast Cakes
These tender raisin-stuffed cakes have a delicious toasted millet crust when they’ve finished baking. For a filling breakfast serve them alongside sausage links and fresh fruit.
Quinoa Egg Bake with Thyme and Garlic
The quinoa in this recipe gets baked in the oven, so it doesn’t need to be precooked. Instead, it settles into the bottom of the pan and creates a moist crust. Definitely a reheatable hero for busy school mornings.
Fast and Easy Breakfast Recipes
You can rise and shine without much effort thanks to these morning shortcuts.
Sunrise Breakfast Smoothie
Start your day with a simply delicious smoothie that packs fruit, veggies, yogurt and whole grains all in one sippable package.
Three-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
For variety, stir wholesome additions into the batter: Try flaxseeds, nuts, chia seeds or hempseeds, a spoonful of almond butter, or spices like grated nutmeg or ground ginger. Simply eaten out of hand, these pancakes are an easy portable snack for kids and adults.
Mini Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches
Easy for kids to assemble themselves, these little sandwiches made with chicken sausage and mini waffles use a bit of fruit spread for a perfectly sweet and savory breakfast. Serve with fresh fruit, and a good day is on its way.
A Better Breakfast Pita Pocket
This is a super tasty way to get vegetables into the morning meal. Try substituting broccoli or asparagus for the spinach, add sausage or plant-based sausage, or use warm whole wheat tortillas or naan in place of the pitas.
Open-Faced Apple Tahini Sandwich
Kids never seem to tire of this classic easy-to-make combination. Try Gala or Granny Smith apples, which go well with the nut butter. Try using cinnamon raisin bread.
Homemade Brown Rice Cereal
Ready in minutes, thick and creamy homemade rice cereal is a worthy stand-in for the boxed version. This recipe makes the perfect amount for a few meals, plus you’ll have extra blended rice on hand for subsequent cooking sessions.
Heart-Shaped Egg-in-Hole
Here’s a morning treat that’s super easy to prepare but special enough for breakfast in bed.
