Mornings can be a whirlwind, especially with little ones who need to be fueled up for a day of learning and playing.
Between getting dressed, packing lunches, and racing out the door, breakfast can often fall by the wayside. But fear not, busy parents!
This list of 20 easy breakfast ideas for kids is here to save your mornings and keep your crew happy and healthy.
Quick and Yummy:
Yogurt Parfait Powerhouse:
Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit (berries, bananas, or chopped mango) for a protein-packed parfait that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Let your kids choose their toppings for added fun!
Smoothie Sensation:
Whip up a quick smoothie with milk, yogurt, frozen fruit (bananas, berries, or spinach for a hidden veggie boost!), and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a refreshing and nutritious on-the-go breakfast.
Breakfast Burrito Blitz:
Scramble some eggs with cheese and chopped veggies like bell peppers or onions. Wrap it all up in a whole-wheat tortilla with salsa and a dollop of sour cream for a breakfast burrito adventure.
Ants on a Log Parade:
Spread some creamy peanut butter or almond butter on celery sticks and top with raisins for a fun and healthy take on “ants on a log.”
Whole-Wheat Waffle Extravaganza:
Pop some pre-made whole-wheat waffles in the toaster and let your kids go wild with toppings! From nut butters and fruit slices to whipped cream and chocolate chips (use sparingly!), the possibilities are endless.
Make-Ahead Marvels:
Overnight Oats Odyssey:
Combine rolled oats, yogurt, milk, and a touch of honey in a mason jar the night before. In the morning, top with fresh fruit, nuts, or chia seeds for a grab-and-go breakfast sensation.
Egg Muffin Mania:
Whisk together eggs, cheese, chopped veggies, and cooked sausage or bacon. Pour the mixture into a muffin tin and bake for a delicious and portable breakfast muffin that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Breakfast Quesadilla Fiesta:
Spread cheese, scrambled eggs, and chopped ham on a whole-wheat tortilla. Fold it in half and cook in a skillet for a melty quesadilla that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Pancake Prep Party:
Whip up a big batch of pancake batter over the weekend and store it in the fridge. On weekdays, simply heat a griddle and cook up fluffy pancakes for a breakfast everyone will love.
French Toast Fun:
Prepare a simple French toast batter with eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Dunk bread slices in the batter and cook on a griddle until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a delightful breakfast treat.
Creative and Fun:
Animal Face Toast Zoo:
Toast a slice of whole-wheat bread. Using sliced cheese, fruit pieces, and a dollop of cream cheese, create a fun animal face on the toast. Let your child’s imagination run wild!
Rainbow Skewers:
Thread colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and kiwi onto skewers for a visually appealing and healthy breakfast kabob.
Yogurt Melts Magic:
Spread yogurt on a whole-wheat tortilla. Top it with sliced fruit, granola, and mini chocolate chips. Fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape and toast in a skillet for a melty and delicious treat.
Scrambled Egg Scramble:
Get creative with scrambled eggs! Add chopped veggies, cheese, cooked sausage bits, or even leftover pasta for a fun and flavorful scramble your kids will love.
Breakfast Banana Boats:
Slice a banana in half lengthwise. Spread with nut butter or Nutella. Top with granola, mini chocolate chips, and chopped fruit for a delicious and satisfying breakfast boat.
Healthy and Hearty:
Oatmeal Adventure:
Cook oatmeal with milk or water. Add sliced apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey for a warm and comforting breakfast choice.
Chia Seed Pudding Paradise:
Combine chia seeds, milk, yogurt, and a touch of honey in a jar or bowl. Refrigerate overnight for a pudding-like consistency that’s packed with protein and fiber. Top with fresh fruit or granola in the morning.
Cottage Cheese Crunch:
Combine cottage cheese with chopped fruits like pineapple or peaches. Sprinkle with granola or chopped nuts for added texture and a breakfast that keeps your kids feeling full.
Avocado Toast Allure:
Toast a whole-wheat bread slice. Mash some avocado and spread it on top. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and top with sliced cherry tomatoes for a healthy and satisfying breakfast option.
Breakfast Sandwich Bonanza:
Scramble some eggs with cheese. Toast an English muffin and layer the eggs with a slice of Canadian bacon or turkey and a dollop of hummus for a protein-packed breakfast sandwich.
Tips for Success:
- Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help you choose breakfast options, wash fruit, or measure ingredients. This can make them more excited about eating a healthy breakfast.
- Prep on Weekends: Spend some time on weekends prepping ingredients or making breakfast ahead of time. This will save you precious minutes in the morning rush.
- Stock the Pantry: Keep a well-stocked pantry with staples like whole-wheat bread, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, and frozen fruit. This will make it easy to whip up a healthy breakfast even on the busiest mornings.
- Make it Fun: Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of toast or pancakes. Get creative with toppings and presentations to make breakfast time an enjoyable experience.
Remember: The most important thing is to start your kid’s day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast. By offering a variety of options and keeping things fun, you can ensure your little ones are fueled up and ready to take on the day!
Bonus Tip: Involve your kids in creating a breakfast menu chart for the week. This gives them ownership over their choices and helps with meal planning.
With a little planning and creativity, you can conquer those busy mornings and send your kids off to school with a smile (and a full tummy!)
