10 simple and speedy breakfasts to kickstart school mornings

You’ve nailed the bedtime routine, your kids are getting to sleep earlier, and you’ve even got them in the habit of picking out their outfits the night before. You're definitely winning. But then the morning hits, and you realize, "Oh right, I still need to make breakfast." Sure, you could just pour a bowl of colorful O’s and call it a day, but breakfast is the most important meal for a reason. 

Whether your child is heading to a half-day at daycare, a full day of kindergarten, or 3rd grade with sports-packed afternoons, breakfast plays an important role in their day. Nutritious foods in the morning sets them up for a day of healthy choices and gives them the energy to focus on school, play with friends, and tackle all those after-school activities. But making breakfast doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. To make things easier, I’m sharing my favorite quick and easy breakfasts that are not only simple, but are also packed with the nutrition your kids need to power through their day.

The breakfast formula

Before we dive into breakfast ideas, let’s chat about what actually makes a breakfast nutritious (because tossing some cereal in a bowl isn't always enough).

• Protein: Every meal (yep, even breakfast) should include protein because it helps keep us full, satisfied, and energized. Think meats, eggs, yogurt, cheese, beans, nuts, and seeds.
• Healthy fats: Healthy fats are your friend! They keep hunger at bay and slow down carb digestion, which prevents blood sugar crashes that turn kids into tiny grumpy loons. Choose full-fat dairy, don’t forget about egg yolks, and include plant-based fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.
• High-fiber carbs: For breakfast, choose fiber-packed options like whole wheat bread, rolled oats, fruits, or veggies. Fiber keeps kids fuller for longer stretches and helps keep their digestion on track.

10 quick, easy, and deliciously nutritious breakfasts 

I know I’m setting the bar high here, but these are my go-to school morning breakfasts that keep my mornings calm and organized. Plus, you’ll actually have time to sip your coffee in peace, knowing your kid is getting a nutritious start to their day.

1. Overnight oats 

What I love about overnight oats is that you can toss 3 or 4 ingredients in a jar, stick it in the fridge, forget about it, and wake up to breakfast already done! Plus, oats pack in a ton of nutrition with loads of fiber, protein, and iron. My go-to recipe? Mix rolled oats with whole milk, stir in some creamy nut butter and cinnamon, then top it off with sliced bananas. Simple, nutritious, and kids love it!

2. Blueberry crisp

One of my favorite homemade recipes takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time is hands-off while it bakes in the oven. Start by layering frozen wild blueberries in a baking dish. (Wild blueberries are a must because their tiny size makes them super gooey when baked, which is exactly what you want). Next, in a separate bowl, mix about 2 cups of rolled oats with 1 tablespoon each of hemp seeds and chia seeds, plus a few tablespoons of avocado oil and maple syrup—just enough to moisten everything. Spread this mixture on top of the blueberries, then bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until the blueberries are jammy and the topping is golden and crisp.

3. Berry yogurt parfaits 

No-cook breakfasts are a total time-saver, especially while the weather’s still warm. I love making yogurt parfaits for my kids because they’re super versatile, and the best part is that the kids can help too. When choosing yogurt, go for unsweetened or plain Greek yogurt—it's packed with protein and free of added sugars. If your little one is craving something sweet, you can mix in fresh, freeze-dried, or dried fruits, or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup. This way, you’re in control of how much sugar goes into breakfast.

You can also get creative with the toppings. Along with fruits, add whole-grain cereal, unsweetened granola, or a sprinkle of chia, hemp, or ground flaxseed for an extra boost of healthy omega-3s.

4. Rainbow veggie egg muffins

If you need a recipe you can make in bulk and freeze for busy mornings, rainbow egg muffins are the way to go. Just whisk some eggs, toss in assorted colorful chopped veggies, and bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked. You can switch things up with different herbs, veggies, and seasonings like hot sauce, garlic powder, or everything-but-the-bagel seasoning. On their own, rainbow egg muffins give you protein and fiber, but for a more complete meal, pair them with a slice of toast or sliced avocado.

5. Breakfast sushi

Spread a thin layer of peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter on a whole wheat or almond flour wrap. Place a banana at one end, roll it up, then slice it into rings for a fun "breakfast sushi" treat. For a little extra kid appeal, I like to add rainbow sprinkles—especially when introducing it for the first time!

6. Mighty chocolate green smoothie 

I love serving smoothies for a quick and easy breakfast on those crazed mornings when you need to serve breakfast in the carpool line. My go-to blend features frozen mango and banana, plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, fresh spinach, and a splash of whole milk. Lately, I’ve been adding Hiya’s Kids Daily Greens + Superfoods to give my kids an extra nutritious boost. It’s packed with veggies and 55+ whole food ingredients to support digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall health. Plus, it makes the smoothies taste like chocolate (with no added sugars!), so it’s a hit with kids of all ages. 

A green’s powder formulated to be safe and effective for kids. Made with 55 whole-food sourced ingredients to support growth, digestion, and brain health.*

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7. Egg-in-a-hole 

There’s just something about eggs-in-a-hole that gets kids pumped for breakfast! If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s simple: cut a hole in the middle of a slice of whole grain bread, pop it in a frying pan, crack an egg into the hole, and let it cook. It’s the fun twist on the classic eggs and toast breakfast, plus it’s packed with protein, fat, and fiber for a healthy start to the day.

8. 3-ingredient pancakes

Yes, you heard that right—just three ingredients: banana, eggs, and flour. Mash up your bananas, mix in some eggs, and stir in enough whole-grain flour to make a batter. If you’re in the mood for extras, you can toss in fresh raspberries, mix in creamy nut butter for an extra protein and fat boost, or sprinkle in some pumpkin spice if you’re baking in the fall and looking for cozy vibes.

9. French toast casserole

Sure, you can always make regular French toast, but cubing it, spreading it in a baking dish, soaking it with another mixture of milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, and then baking it until it’s gooey and crispy takes it to the next level. To keep it low in sugar, skip the sugar, honey, or maple syrup in the mix, and let the kids add their own at the end if they need a touch of sweetness. You can use different kinds of bread, but opt for whole grain options like whole wheat options.

10. Coconut chia pudding

Making chia pudding is super simple—seriously, it takes less than a minute to whip up! Just mix chia seeds with your milk of choice (we’re using coconut milk here), give it a good shake, and then let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes until it sets. You can jazz it up with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, nut butter, or cinnamon for different flavors every time. No matter what you add, the gooey texture of chia pudding is a slam dunk.