True or false: Quick and easy school morning breakfast options exist. While we know your head is screaming, “Yeah, right!” the answer is “true” — and as proof, we offer 12 of the best. You won’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare any of them, and after a few days of these, your kids will wonder if you have a breakfast-making clone hiding in the house somewhere.
1. Breakfast oatmeal cupcakes to go
Chocolate Covered Katie brings us this recipe for breakfast oatmeal cupcakes to go, They sound delicious, you might say, but are they nutritious? Yes. Can they be eaten on the run? Yes. Can they even be packed in lunchboxes? Again, yes. They are nutritious, protein-packed, on-the-go fuel you can grab on your way out the door that will get you, and your scholars, through the morning.
With ingredients such as rolled oats, bananas, all-natural maple syrup, healthy coconut or vegetable oil, and add-ins such as coconut, flaxseed and chopped walnuts, they’ll help your kids begin their day with the brain food that ensures they won’t conk out in the middle of math class.
For an additional injection of protein, top these with a spoonful of natural peanut butter, or add a bit of protein powder to the mix. Change up the recipe by using applesauce in place of the bananas and even some of the oil, and choosing different add-ins such as raisins or chocolate chips as an extra treat. Make a whole batch (or double it), and freeze the extra for future hectic mornings.
2. Blueberry pancake bites
There are rumors of parents who actually make pancakes on school mornings. For most of us, though, even toast and fruit can take too much time and effort to serve on a hectic morning. With the help of Honey & Lime, though, you can offer your kids the delicious, nutritious breakfast they deserve with these blueberry pancake bites.
You can use packaged pancake mix for extra convenience; however, if you prefer to know exactly what’s going into the food you make, put together your own pancake mix, using whole grains and natural ingredients. Just some blueberries and a few ingredients you likely already have on hand are all you need to make this kid-pleasing breakfast happen.
What’s a pancake without syrup, though? Put a bit in a small container for dipping, heat up the muffins in the microwave, and your kiddos can grab these on their way out the door for a breakfast sure to get their day started right.
Tip: Prepare these on a Sunday afternoon, store what you need for the week, and freeze the rest.
3. Ham and cheese breakfast quesadillas
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “breakfast”? Cereal? Oatmeal? Frozen waffles? All acceptable answers, but not when you’re running late and the kids need to get out the door. Instead, think ham and cheese breakfast quesadillas from Little Dairy On The Prairie. Give them a try, and they’ll quickly become a regular part of your hectic mornings.
As with so many things, the more “night before” prep you can do, the easier your morning can be. You’ll need just a few minutes to dice some ham, hard-boil and chop some eggs, and get that shredded cheese out of the freezer and ready to go. In the morning, these quesadillas will be a cinch to put together and hand to your kids as they dash out the door.
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Most parents of school-age kids have mastered the basic quesadilla. The only difference with this recipe is the addition of ham and egg. Simply layer the ingredients on a tortilla, top with a second tortilla, and flip halfway through cooking. Top with a bit of sour cream, avocado, and salsa, if desired, and you have a breakfast that provides the carbs, healthy fats and protein kids need to start their mornings off right.
For a bit of variety, replace the ham with bacon or sausage. Or, opt for veggies such as peppers, mushrooms and spinach for a breakfast full of brain-powering ingredients.
4. Orange sweet rolls
Once in a while, we all need a treat. These orange sweet rolls from Sally’s Baking Addiction will earn you a gaggle of happy faces staring at you from the breakfast table. These might be on the decadent side, but at least you know exactly what’s in them.
It’s important to know that you can’t whip these up 15 minutes before the bus arrives. You’ll need to be up a couple hours before your kids leave for school, but honestly, this special breakfast is worth it. You can make the dough the night before, so that helps — but you still need to take it out of the fridge and allow it to rise for an hour.
The irresistible scent of these rolls baking will draw your kids out of their beds to the breakfast table — no nagging required. Be prepared for the inevitable requests to make them again.
5. Mini French toast sausage roll-ups
A finger-food breakfast is a sure hit with kids, whether they eat them at the table or racing out the door. These mini French toast sausage roll-ups, dreamed up by Wishes N Dishes, combine French toast with a side of sausage. Sweet and salty all in one bite? The kids are going to love these.
You can make these a bit healthier in a few ways. For instance, use high-fiber bread. For the milk, substitute low-fat milk with a touch of butter and cornstarch for thickness; other options are Greek yogurt and milk, or coconut milk with the cream that forms on the top as it sits out for a bit. Turkey sausage is another alternative that cuts fat. You can also make sure your sausage is nitrate-free.
Don’t save these just for weekdays. They’ll work well at holiday brunches and sleepovers when you have several hungry mouths to feed.
If the kids are eating on the go, put a bit of syrup in a small, plastic container for dipping, or sprinkle the roll-ups with powdered sugar. (Include a wipe for sticky fingers.) Be sure to make enough: These breakfast treats will disappear right before your eyes.
