I love lazy Saturday mornings with my family, but I don’t love spending them stuck in the kitchen! That’s why I’m all about meal prepping breakfast. It lets me enjoy those precious weekend moments while still serving up delicious and healthy meals.
Here are 15 of my favorite easy breakfast ideas perfect for the whole family, with all the meal prep tips you need to make your Saturdays stress-free.
Contents
- 1. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- 2. Breakfast Sandwiches with Spinach and Feta
- 3. Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with Berry Compote
- 4. Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- 5. Whole Wheat Waffles with Cinnamon Apple Topping
- 6. Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos
- 7. Tropical Yogurt Parfaits
- 8. Green Power Smoothie
- 9. Breakfast Pizza
- 10. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- 11. Breakfast Quesadillas with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
- 12. Breakfast Bowls
- 13. Baked French Toast Casserole with Apples and Cinnamon
- 14. Spinach and Mushroom Frittata
- 15. Granola Parfaits
- Conclusion
1. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
This decadent pudding is a healthy and satisfying way to start your day. The chia seeds provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, while the cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a jar or container, combine all ingredients.
- Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and no clumps form.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the pudding has thickened.
- Top with your favorite toppings before serving, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or shredded coconut.
Meal Prep Tips
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make enough for the whole week.
- Prepare individual servings in jars or small containers for grab-and-go breakfasts.
2. Breakfast Sandwiches with Spinach and Feta
These breakfast sandwiches are packed with protein and flavor. The combination of spinach, feta, and egg is a classic, and the whole wheat English muffins provide a healthy base.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat English muffins
- Eggs
- Baby spinach
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast English muffins.
- While muffins are toasting, cook eggs to your liking (scrambled, fried, or poached).
- In a pan, sauté spinach with a little olive oil until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the sandwiches: layer spinach, egg, and feta cheese on the toasted English muffins.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook a batch of eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- Wash and dry spinach in advance.
- Assemble the sandwiches (without toasting the muffins) and wrap them individually in foil. Freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven until heated through.
3. Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with Berry Compote
These pancakes are light and fluffy, thanks to the buttermilk. The berry compote adds a touch of sweetness and can be made ahead of time for easy meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Berry Compote:
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the compote: Combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the berries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Serve with the berry compote and your favorite toppings.
Meal Prep Tips
- The berry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cook a double batch of pancakes and freeze them for later. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
- Freeze pancakes individually or in stacks separated by parchment paper for easy portioning.
4. Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie in a healthy and convenient breakfast.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats
- Milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Apples (diced)
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Walnuts or pecans (chopped)
- Maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Combine oats, milk, diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts or pecans, and maple syrup or honey in a jar or container.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate overnight.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare individual servings in jars for the week.
- Make a large batch of the cinnamon-nutmeg spice blend and store it in an airtight container for future use.
5. Whole Wheat Waffles with Cinnamon Apple Topping
These waffles are made with whole wheat flour for a nutritious boost. The cinnamon apple topping adds warmth and flavor, and it can be prepped ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Apple Topping:
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the topping: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples are softened, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Heat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with the cinnamon apple topping and a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.
Meal Prep Tips
- Peel and dice the apples ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The cinnamon apple topping can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Waffles freeze well. Separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos
These hearty burritos are filled with protein-packed black beans, scrambled tofu, and your favorite veggies. They’re a great option for a satisfying and meat-free breakfast.
Ingredients
- Large tortillas
- Tofu, crumbled
- Black beans, cooked or canned
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Onions, chopped
- Salsa
- Avocado, sliced
- Your favorite spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in a pan with a little olive oil until softened.
- Add crumbled tofu and spices to the pan and cook until browned.
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Assemble the burritos: spread black beans on the tortillas, top with the tofu and veggie mixture, salsa, and avocado slices.
Meal Prep Tips
- Chop veggies and crumble tofu in advance.
- Cook the tofu and veggie filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Assemble burritos and wrap them tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven or a pan.
7. Tropical Yogurt Parfaits
These parfaits are a refreshing and healthy breakfast option, perfect for warm mornings. The combination of creamy yogurt, granola, and tropical fruits is a delicious way to start your day.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Mango, diced
- Pineapple, diced
- Kiwi, sliced
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
- Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass or jar.
- Top with shredded coconut.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare parfaits in individual jars for the week.
- Cut fruit ahead of time and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
8. Green Power Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, thanks to the spinach, kale, and fruit. It’s a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of greens.
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup kale
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
- Optional: protein powder, chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare individual smoothie packs with pre-portioned frozen fruit and greens.
- Store smoothie packs in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- In the morning, simply add your liquid of choice to a smoothie pack and blend.
9. Breakfast Pizza
This is a fun and unexpected way to start the day.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (eggs, bacon, sausage, veggies)
Instructions
- Roll out pizza dough.
- Spread with pizza sauce and top with cheese and desired toppings.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 15-20 minutes.
Meal Prep Tips
- Prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time.
- Assemble and bake the pizza fresh in the morning.
10. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
These muffins are a classic combination of banana and chocolate chips. They are perfect for grabbing on the go and are freezer-friendly for easy meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Fill muffin liners about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Meal Prep Tips
- Let muffins cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen muffins in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.
- For a freshly baked taste, warm muffins in the microwave or oven for a few seconds.
11. Breakfast Quesadillas with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
These quesadillas offer a savory and sophisticated twist on a classic breakfast dish. The smoked salmon and cream cheese provide a delicious combination of flavors.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Smoked salmon
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Capers
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese on one side of each tortilla.
- Top with smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
- Fold the tortillas in half.
- Cook in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, flipping once.
Meal Prep Tips
- Assemble the quesadillas (without cooking) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- These quesadillas cook quickly, making them a great option for busy mornings.
12. Breakfast Bowls
These are a great way to get a balanced and nutritious breakfast.
Ingredients
- Base (quinoa, rice, or oats)
- Protein (eggs, tofu, or beans)
- Vegetables
- Toppings (avocado, nuts, seeds)
Instructions
- Cook your base according to package directions.
- Top with your desired protein, vegetables, and toppings.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook grains ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
- Prepare individual bowls with all the components for a quick and healthy breakfast.
13. Baked French Toast Casserole with Apples and Cinnamon
This casserole is a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd. The bread soaks up the custard overnight, resulting in a tender and flavorful French toast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of challah bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Top the casserole with diced apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Meal Prep Tips
- This casserole is best when assembled the night before, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake the entire casserole and reheat individual portions throughout the week.
14. Spinach and Mushroom Frittata
This frittata is a versatile and healthy breakfast option. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a great way to start your day.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, sauté mushrooms and onions until softened.
- Add spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown.
Meal Prep Tips
- Frittatas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Slice the frittata and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
15. Granola Parfaits
A simple and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- Granola
- Yogurt
- Fruit
Instructions
- Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit in a glass or parfait dish.
Meal Prep Tips
- Make your own granola ahead of time for a healthier and more budget-friendly option.
- Store granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
There you have it! 15 easy and delicious breakfast ideas that are perfect for meal prepping. With a little planning, you can enjoy stress-free Saturday mornings with your family while still serving up satisfying and nutritious meals. So go ahead, reclaim your weekends, and enjoy those precious moments with the people you love. Happy prepping!
Richmond Howard started Meal Prepify in 2019 and has helped over a million people learn how to meal prep, get better at meal planning, and create a kitchen they love to use. He’s an avid home chef and loves to bbq, grill out, and make awesome food for family and friends. He’s been featured on MSN, Renaissance Periodization, and Good Financial Cents.