5 Easy Back to School Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings

The school season is upon us, and that means busy mornings are back! Making sure your kids get a nutritious breakfast can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five easy breakfast ideas that are perfect for the morning rush, ensuring the most important meal of the day is also the most delicious. These school breakfast recipes are simple, quick, and will give your little ones a great start to their day.

Preparing for Back to School? Check out my tips to make shopping a breeze and don’t forget to download my FREE first day of school printable signs to celebrate a new year.

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a lifesaver for busy school mornings. They’re quick to prepare the night before and offer a nutritious breakfast with whole grains and chia seeds. Plus, they can be easily customized with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile option for the entire family.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh berries or favorite toppings

Instructions:

1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, top with fresh berries or your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Overnight oats are a great way to ensure your kids have a balanced meal that’s ready to go when you are.

2. Banana Pancakes

Banana pancakes are a delicious breakfast that’s easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some whole grains and use up overripe bananas. These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, almond milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour batter onto the skillet to form pancakes.
5. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast.

3. Easy Breakfast Muffins

These egg muffins are perfect for meal prep and can be customized with your family’s favorite ingredients. They’re a great option for a quick breakfast that can last the whole week, making them ideal for busy school mornings. Plus, they’re packed with protein and veggies for a nutritious start to the day.

Ingredients:

• 6 whole eggs
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh vegetables (like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide vegetables and cheese among the muffin cups.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are set.

These breakfast muffins are a great way to get a nutritious start to the day with little prep time.

4. Cinnamon Rolls with a Twist

Cinnamon rolls are a family favorite, and decorating them with sprinkles makes them even more fun! This easy recipe uses store-bought dough to save time, making it perfect for those hectic mornings when you need a quick and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the package instructions.
2. Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
3. Once baked, let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with icing and top with sprinkles.

This is a delicious meal that your kids will love to help make and eat!

5. Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Greek yogurt parfaits are one of the best quick breakfast ideas. They’re nutritious and can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have. This breakfast is not only healthy but also fun to assemble, letting kids add their favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 cup granola (look for one with little added sugar)
• 1 cup fresh berries
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with maple syrup.
2. In serving glasses, layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries.
3. Sprinkle chia seeds on top for an added nutritional boost.

These parfaits are a great way to incorporate fresh fruit and whole grains into your morning meal.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Morning Routine

Meal Prep on Sunday Night

Prepare ingredients for your breakfasts on Sunday night to save time during the week. Chop fruits, measure out dry ingredients, and make any components that can be stored in the fridge or freezer.

Set Up a Breakfast Table

The night before, set the breakfast table with bowls, utensils, and non-perishable ingredients. This will make it easier to get breakfast ready in the morning.

Use a Muffin Tin

Utilize a muffin tin for making various individual breakfast items like egg muffins, mini pancakes, or muffin tin hash browns. It’s a great way to have portioned, easy-to-grab breakfast options.

Incorporate Fresh Berries and Fruits

Keep a variety of fresh berries and fruits on hand. They’re perfect for topping cereals, pancakes, and yogurt, and they add a nutritious boost to any meal.

Create Smoothie Packs

Prepare smoothie packs by pre-measuring and freezing fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. In the morning, just add liquid and blend for a quick and delicious smoothie.

Hang a Morning Checklist

Create a checklist of everything your child needs to do in the morning, such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, and packing their backpack. Hang it in a visible spot to help them stay on track and reduce morning stress.

Lay Out Outfits the Night Before

Pick out and lay out your child’s outfit choices the night before. This saves time in the morning and makes getting dressed a breeze.

Easy Decoration Ideas for the First Day of School

Celebrate the first day of school with some fun and easy decorations. These ideas will make your breakfast table festive and get everyone excited for the new school year.

Apple Centerpieces: Use real apples as centerpieces. You can place them in a bowl or arrange them in a decorative pattern on the table. Add some leaves or flowers for extra color.

Red Plate Apples: Turn red plates into apples by adding green construction paper leaves to the top. This is a fun and simple way to make your breakfast table look festive.

School Supplies Decor: Use school supplies like pencils, crayons, and rulers to decorate the table. You can place them in jars or scatter them around the table for a colorful and educational touch.

Chalkboard Signs: Create small chalkboard signs with messages like “Welcome Back to School” or “First Day of School Breakfast.” These can be placed on the table or around the kitchen.

Banner: Make a “Back to School” banner using construction paper and string. Hang it over the breakfast table or in the kitchen to add a festive touch.

Balloon Arch: Create a simple balloon arch in your child’s school colors. This can be placed over the breakfast table or at the entrance to the kitchen.

Back to School Breakfast Ideas

These easy breakfast recipes and decoration ideas are designed to help you navigate the hectic mornings of the school season. With a little planning and simple ingredients, you can ensure your kids get a delicious and nutritious breakfast every day. Happy back-to-school season!