6 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for Busy School Mornings

Mornings can be hectic, especially when you’re trying to get everyone out the door for school. But skipping breakfast is not an option! A nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the day, providing energy and focus for learning and play. These six make-ahead breakfast ideas are packed with fiber and nutrients, and they’re ready in a flash, so you can grab and go even on the busiest mornings.

1. Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds and Berries

Overnight oats are a breakfast champion: quick, easy, and packed with fiber to keep you feeling full and energized all morning. Assemble them the night before, and they’ll be ready to grab and enjoy in the morning, no cooking required.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup mixed berries
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mason jar or container, combine oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Top with mixed berries and drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare several jars at once for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. You can also add different toppings like nuts, seeds, or chopped fruit for variety.

2. Mini Frittatas

These protein-packed frittatas are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. Customize them with your favorite veggies and cheese.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (any kind you prefer)
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (suggestions: spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a muffin tin.
4. Pour egg mixture into muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.
6. Let cool slightly before removing from muffin tin.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a batch of mini frittatas on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave or enjoy them cold.

3. Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are the ultimate freezer-friendly breakfast. Make a big batch on the weekend, freeze them individually, and grab one on your way out the door. These freezer-friendly burritos are a hearty and satisfying way to start the day. Customize them with your favorite fillings.

Ingredients

• 6 large tortillas
• 6 scrambled eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon crumbles (optional)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped avocado

Instructions

1. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
2. Divide scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage/bacon, salsa, and avocado among tortillas.
3. Roll up tightly.
4. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap.
5. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Meal Prep Tip: To reheat, remove foil or plastic wrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

4. Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a quick and easy breakfast option that’s packed with protein and calcium. Layer your favorite yogurt with granola, fruit, and nuts for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 6 individual containers of yogurt (any flavor you prefer)
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

1. In each yogurt container, layer yogurt, granola, berries, and nuts.
2. Repeat layers until container is full.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare parfaits the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning.

5. Banana Bread Muffins

Banana bread muffins are a grab-and-go breakfast that’s both delicious and nutritious. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in nuts, if desired.
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool slightly before removing from muffin tin.

Meal Prep Tip: Bake a batch of muffins on the weekend and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Smoothie Packs

Make-ahead smoothie packs are a great way to make smoothies in a flash. Simply combine your favorite fruits, vegetables, and protein powder in a freezer bag, and freeze until ready to use.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen fruit (suggestions: berries, mango, pineapple)
• 1/2 cup leafy greens (suggestions: spinach, kale)
• 1/4 cup protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup liquid (suggestions: milk, almond milk, coconut water)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a freezer bag.
2. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
3. Freeze until ready to use.

Meal Prep Tip: To make a smoothie, simply add the contents of the freezer bag to a blender with your desired liquid and blend until smooth.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning, you can easily prepare healthy and delicious breakfasts that will fuel your family’s busy mornings. These six make-ahead breakfast ideas are all packed with fiber and nutrients, and they’re ready in a flash, so you can grab and go even on the busiest days. So ditch the sugary cereals and start your day off right with one of these nutritious and satisfying breakfasts.