10 Healthy Grab-and-Go Breakfast Recipes

Finding it hard to eat breakfast before school or work? These recipes offer healthy grab-and-go breakfast ideas meant to make mornings easier!  

If there’s one thing that stresses me out about the whole “back to school” time of year, it’s getting out the door with kids. I don’t know how parents get their kids up, fed, and out the door for school. When we have a 9:00am appointment, I feel like I need to be up at 6:00am just to have enough time to finish my coffee!

In all seriousness though, some mornings likely don’t go as planned for the school drop-off, and you may find yourself rushing the kids out the door without having enough time for breakfast. Skip breakfast before school? Eh, I’d suggest avoiding that whenever possible. Their brains and bodies need the fuel! Inevitably though, you’ll have a morning where there’s not enough time for breakfast. That’s where I’ve got you covered….

What I love about these 10 healthy grab and go breakfasts is that all of them can be prepped ahead of time, some can even be frozen and reheated in seconds. Who doesn’t love a no-fuss meal when you haven’t even had time for a cup of coffee or brushing your teeth?! Sorry, that’s just how I envision our school mornings going when the time comes.

While there are many recipes that could have made the list, these are a few I’ve tried and enjoyed! Because let’s face it: mornings with toddlers are almost as chaotic as getting the kids to school on time! Or so I’m told.

Egg and Toast Cups

[i.e. egg muffins, scrambled egg muffins, eggs baked in muffin tins].

As the only egg-loving person in my house, I like to make egg and toast cups when we have company I know loves eggs too! While there are many versions on the internet you can search for, my variation has whole grain bread— making it a little heartier and filling! You could skip the bread all together, add vegetables, and call them mini frittatas!

Pancake Sandwich

Here are a few of my favorite pancake recipes- both of which can be used for this idea: whole wheat oatmeal pancakes and 5 ingredient blender pancakes. Once you’ve made your pancakes [preferably on the weekend], store all pancakes in the fridge or freezer until morning, then reheat in the microwave or toaster. To assemble the sandwich, take one of the pancakes and spread any kind of nut butter on top, place the other pancake on top to make a sandwich. Voila! A lot easier than cutting a syrup-dipped pancake in the car if you ask me. 

Banana Breakfast Bars

While I can’t say this recipe is ideal for a car ride, banana breakfast bars have done well making the trip from our house to the park [all while in the hands of little toddlers in the stroller], so I’d like to think it would work just fine for your school-aged kiddo!

Yogurt Parfaits

A simple, no-recipe breakfast idea that’s completely customizable based on the flavor of yogurt and mix-ins you have at home! Simple layer favorite yogurt and fruit in a mason jar the night before. In the morning sprinkle some granola or oats on top, grab a spoon and you’re ready to head out the door. No mason jars? No worries man! Just use any small resealable plastic or glass container.

No-Bake Granola Bars

Another family favorite! No-Bake Granola Bars are chewy, delicious, and oh-so-portable! Just don’t forget to bring along some water or milk for the car ride!

Smoothies

This one does require a little execution in the morning. But the night before, you can add fruits and other favorite smoothie add-ins to a freezer-friendly plastic bag. In the morning, throw everything in a blender, along with milk or water. Here’s how we make smoothies in our house—with the kid-friendly smoothie guide.  And if you don’t want your kids taking the fine china in the car, then consider getting a few of these travel cups so they can enjoy their smoothies in the car.

Freezer Breakfast Sandwich

I phoned a friend for this idea. Or at least I tell myself The Pioneer Woman and I would be friends if we were neighbors. Get her step by step for freezer breakfast sandwiches here. When I make a batch of freezer breakfast sandwiches, I use whole wheat English muffins, breakfast sausage, cheese, and a fried egg. I should probably add more veggies but sometimes I forget that step!

Quick and Easy Homemade Muffins

Ok, you guys know we are muffin-fanatics! I usually make a batch on the weekend and freeze for quick weekday breakfasts and snacks. Our go-to right now? These easy baked pancake muffins. The secret is using your favorite pancake mix [which mine in store bought, making the recipe even easier]. My kiddos would tell you DO NOT forget the chocolate chips! Ok and since we are SO muffin crazed, this recipe for cinnamon applesauce muffins comes in a close second— and also freezes and reheats well!

PB&J Waffle Sandwich

I can’t take credit for the waffle recipe for this one, but I like taking Eggos [yes, I’m reliving my childhood every time I eat an Eggo], spreading one half with peanut butter and the other half with jelly. The nice thing is your kids can help in the kitchen and make this breakfast themselves. Just be sure they wake up a little earlier to do so!

Overnight Oats

My favorite recipe for overnight oats is currently chocolate protein overnight oats. Similar in concept to the mason jar yogurt parfaits, prep the night before in individual jars or resealable containers, and enjoy on the way to school the next morning! Need more overnight oats inspiration? My friend Kathryn has a great how-to and 3-ways flavor guide here.

Anyone else ready to tackle the day?! I need to take my own advice and make breakfast a priority too. If you are a fan of grab and go breakfasts, what’s one of your specialties?!