20 Make-Ahead Breakfasts That Aren’t Oats
20 Make-Ahead Breakfasts That Aren’t Oats
Introduction
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Yet, it’s often the one that’s rushed and neglected. But, with a little planning, you can set yourself up for a delicious and nutritious start to the day. Make-ahead breakfasts are the perfect solution for busy mornings, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes the night before and enjoy them at your convenience.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas
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Banana-Zucchini Muffins
Make your mornings easier with these delicious banana-zucchini muffins. Serve them for breakfast with fresh fruit or as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. -
Greens-&-Gruyère Mini Quiches
These mini quiches use classic Provençal flavors to season these very-green egg cups. They keep well, perfect for breakfast on the fly, but the flavors are sophisticated enough to serve for brunch. -
Blueberry-Almond Overnight French Toast
Pick your favorite table-worthy baking dish for this healthy French toast recipe—the breakfast casserole goes straight from the oven to the table. -
Lemon Zucchini Bread
This super-moist zucchini bread is a great way to use up homegrown summer zucchini! Full of bright lemon flavor, it makes the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. -
Breakfast Beans with Microwave-Poached Egg
In Costa Rica, this popular breakfast bean dish is called gallo pinto, which means spotted rooster, referring to the dark beans amid the pale rice. We call for cooked barley here, but you can use whatever leftover cooked grain you may have on hand. -
Muffin-Tin Omelets with Broccoli, Ham & Cheddar
Let your muffin tin help you meal-prep a week’s worth of protein-rich muffin-tin eggs with the classic combo of ham, Cheddar cheese, and broccoli to stash in the fridge or freezer for those extra-busy mornings. -
Apple-Pie Bread
This easy everyday apple-pie bread makes a great breakfast-on-the-go with a cup of coffee. The fragrant spices typical of apple pie and the tender bits of baked apple inside also make it worthy as a healthy after-dinner dessert. -
Vegetarian Spring Egg Casserole
This easy egg casserole is filled with spring green vegetables and rustic whole-grain bread. It’s perfect for a healthy vegetarian dinner or a springtime brunch. -
Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies
Adding granola to this fruit pop recipe upgrades it from frozen treat to healthy grab-and-go breakfast. Kefir brings probiotic power, and honey and fruit add a touch of sweetness. -
Farro, Almond & Blueberry Breakfast Cereal
Farro is often served as a side dish but it’s a great choice for breakfast, too. In this overnight cereal recipe, nutty whole-grain farro is joined by fresh, sweet blueberries and maple syrup. Unsalted, toasted almonds add a welcome crunch! -
Fruit & Granola Pops
Blueberries and lemon are a natural pairing in these light and airy muffins with a delicate brown sugar crumble. If you like an extra blast of lemon flavor, use lemon extract rather than vanilla. These muffins are best with fresh blueberries, but you can substitute with frozen. Don’t thaw them before you stir them into the batter. -
Egg-Stuffed Breakfast Potatoes
These Greek-inspired baked mini omelets are the perfect breakfasts on the go, made with briny feta and fresh bell peppers. -
Blueberry-Lemon Crumb Muffins
Dates are naturally sweet so no extra sugar is needed in this quick-bread recipe. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch and the optional coarse sugar topping—while it isn’t needed for sweetness—certainly adds to the presentation. -
Cheddar and Zucchini Frittata
This frittata is made with cheddar cheese and zucchini. It is quick and easy to prepare and has just 115 calories per serving. -
Date-Nut Bread
Dates are naturally sweet so no extra sugar is needed in this quick-bread recipe. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch and the optional coarse sugar topping—while it isn’t needed for sweetness—certainly adds to the presentation. -
Muffin-Tin Omelets with Sausage & Gruyère
Savory sausage and Gruyère are added to these tasty egg bites made in a muffin tin. -
Berry Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are a good source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, plus they have fiber, iron, and calcium. Here they’re mixed with a fruity base and refrigerated until the chia seeds expand to form a thick, creamy texture similar to tapioca. -
Chia Seeds and Banana Breakfast Pudding
Chia seeds are a good source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, plus they have fiber, iron, and calcium. Here they’re mixed with a fruity base and refrigerated until the chia seeds expand to form a thick, creamy texture similar to tapioca. -
Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Roll Bites
This easy breakfast casserole recipe is made with cinnamon roll bites, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for a crowd or for meal prep. - Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata
This breakfast strata is made with bread, eggs, cheese, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a special occasion or for a weekend brunch.
Conclusion
Make-ahead breakfasts are a game-changer for busy mornings. With a little planning, you can prepare a variety of dishes the night before and enjoy them at your convenience. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or savory bites, there’s something on this list for everyone.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these make-ahead breakfasts?
A: Yes, most of these recipes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q: Do I need to cook the grains ahead of time?
A: No, you can cook the grains the night before and let them cool before assembling the dishes.
Q: Can I customize these recipes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Q: How far in advance can I prepare these dishes?
A: Most of these recipes can be prepared the night before, but some, like the chia pudding, require only 30 minutes of prep time. Always follow the specific instructions for each recipe.
Q: Are these recipes healthy?
A: Most of these recipes are healthy and made with wholesome ingredients. However, some may be higher in calories or sugar than others. Be sure to check the ingredient list and nutritional information for each recipe.