46 Comments
Who here eats breakfast every morning? I do! It’s really not an option for me. I’ll turn into a shaking, starving, mumbling mess a few hours into the day if I skip it. Since my breakfast is mandatory (and I don’t like cereal, I know I know), I’ve found quite a few staple grab-and-go breakfasts over the years.
I’ve learned that breakfast “sweets” are not all created equally. Simple carbohydrates like all-purpose flour pancakes and pastries give me the shakes. Whole grains like oats keep me going for hours, especially when combined with nuts (or nut butter), yogurt and/or eggs.
You’ll find a variety of healthy options below, and you can view all of my breakfast recipes here. What are your favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes? Please let me know in the comments!
Food Storage & Reheating Tips
- Muffins, quick breads, pancakes, waffles and granola all freeze well. Just let them cool and transfer them to freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as reasonably possible before sealing them up.
- How to reheat muffins and pancakes: I warm them up in the microwave (don’t overdo it, or they’ll get tough). If you have the foresight to let them defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator, you can warm them in a low temperature oven.
- How to reheat quick breads, like banana bread: Slice them before freezing. To defrost one at a time, gently warm in your toaster until heated through. They can be tricky to get out of the toaster, so I like these toast tongs (affiliate link) for that. Or, you can microwave or warm your slices in the oven.
- How to reheat waffles: Waffles are best reheated in the toaster (again, don’t overdo it or you’ll burn your waffles).
- Homemade granola: Granola stays fresh in the freezer a lot longer than it will in your pantry. It doesn’t require any defrosting, but you might let it rest for a few minutes before eating because sometimes dried fruit freezes rock-hard.
1) Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Gluten free and easily vegan
These steel-cut oats are so simple and so delicious. They taste like apple pie for breakfast.
2) Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Gluten free
This baked oatmeal is hearty and individual servings reheat beautifully. Make one and you’ll have breakfast ready for the whole week!
3) Healthy Banana Bread
See notes for dietary substitutions
This super popular banana bread recipe is made with 100% whole grains and naturally sweetened. Spread almond butter on a slice and it’ll keep you full for a while!
4) Breakfast Burritos
Vegetarian
These irresistible breakfast burritos freeze and defrost beautifully for busy mornings.
5) My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
Gluten free and vegan
This chia seed pudding is flavored with fresh orange zest and it tastes like a treat!
6) Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles
Gluten free and freezer friendly
The waffles are my favorite of all waffle recipes and they’re gluten free! Oat flour is the only flour you’ll need for these, and it’s easy to make in the food processor if you have oats on hand. These waffles freeze great, as do all of my other waffles. Just pop them in the toaster and keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
7) Maple-Sweetened Pumpkin Muffins with Oats
Freezer friendly
These fluffy, whole grain muffins have been a hit since day one! I like to serve mine with a swipe of almond butter on top. They freeze great for later.
8) Perfect Steel-Cut Oats
Gluten free and vegan
These are the creamiest steel-cut oats you’ll ever have. Make a big batch and you can change up the toppings every morning to suit your cravings.
9) Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
Gluten free and vegan
Quinoa for breakfast? This really tastes like cinnamon toast, so you can’t go wrong.
10) Honey-Sweetened Almond Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Gluten free, easily vegan and freezer friendly
These no-bake granola bars are the perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast. Store them individually wrapped in the freezer so they’re always ready to go.
11) Banana Coconut Muffins
Freezer friendly
I love these hearty, honey-sweetened, whole grain muffins. You can add any mix-ins you’d like, such as toasted nuts or dried cranberries.
12) Overnight Oats
Gluten free and vegan
Overnight oats are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, especially when it’s warm outside!
13) Frittatas (Stovetop or Baked)
Gluten free
These frittatas are just as suitable for weekend brunch as they are for quick weekday breakfasts. They reheat quickly.
14) The Very Best Granola
Gluten free and vegan
I don’t casually throw around terms like “best.” This granola really is the best!
15) Homemade Bircher Muesli
Gluten free and vegan
Bircher muesli is a Swiss take on overnight oats. Make this in the fall!
16) Pancake Mix
Whole wheat
This pancake mix makes it easier to whip up pancakes from scratch on busy mornings. The dry blend is ready, so you whisk together the liquid portion and stir it in.
17)
Gluten free and easily vegan
I’m completely smitten with this granola. The natural orange flavor really shines and plays so nicely with the almonds.
18) Cherry Pecan Muesli
Gluten free and vegan
Muesli is like lightened-up granola (less sweetener and oil). Think of it like nutritious homemade cereal.
19) Banana Oat Pancakes
Gluten free and freezer friendly
These popular banana pancakes freeze marvelously! I just reheat them in the microwave, wrapped in a paper towel, turning halfway through cooking. They’re great with peanut butter or almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.
20) Freezer Breakfast Burritos with Sweet Potato Hash and Black Beans
Freezer friendly
These burritos are so good that it’s hard to save them for later, but they do freeze well! Just reheat in the microwave and add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa. Your savory breakfast is served.
21) Megan’s Morning Glory Oatmeal
Gluten free and vegan
Creamy, steel-cut oatmeal is a fantastic make-ahead option. Just make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for later. Gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk (almond milk is great). I like to serve mine with a dollop of plain yogurt to up the creamy factor and protein content.
22) The Easiest Berry Chia Jam
Gluten free and vegan
Turn frozen berries into chia jam! Dollop it generously—it’s almost all fruit, after all.
23) Homemade Almond Butter
Gluten free and vegan
Homemade almond butter is so luxurious and rich, you won’t believe it’s good for you. But it is!
Bonus! Cold Brew Coffee
Gluten free and vegan (well, unless you add dairy)
Here’s one extra way to simplify your morning routine—make cold brew coffee on the weekend, and your coffee is ready to go for the rest of the week.
More resources you might appreciate: 16 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You might also like my monthly seasonal produce guides and essential kitchen tools. View all roundups and resource posts here.
Share This Post
pPinfSharetTweeteEmail