February 22, 2024

5 Quick and Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas For School

Making breakfast ahead of time is a great way to start your school day off on the right foot. Give these 5 quick and easy, healthy make-ahead breakfast ideas a try to make your morning schedule flow with ease.

1. Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes are the perfect combination of easy and delicious. With oats and whole wheat flour, they are hearty and will keep you full all morning. Use the mix to make pancakes or waffles. Make a whole bunch and freeze them and then pop them in the toaster when you need a quick breakfast.

Ingredients:

4 cups quick cooking oats
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup nonfat dry milk
¾ cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. salt
5 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cream of tartar

Directions:

Combine ingredients and stir to mix well. Put in a large airtight container and label it. Store in a cool dry place. Use within 6 months.

Mixing Directions: In a medium bowl, beat 2 eggs. Beat in 3 Tbsp. canola oil gradually. Alternatively stir in 2 cups or pancake mix and 1 cup of water. Drop by spoonfuls onto a lightly greased skillet over medium-high heat. When batter shows broken bubbles, turn pancakes over. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes.

cinnamon oatmeal pancake recipe

quick and easy healthy breakfast idea cinnamon oatmeal pancakes

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

Cinnamon oatmeal pancakes offer several health benefits, including:

Fiber: Oatmeal is rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
Heart Health: Cinnamon may help lower bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity.
Nutrient-Rich: Oatmeal provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidants: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Weight Management: Oatmeal and cinnamon can help with weight control.
Customization: Add healthy toppings for extra nutrition. Try berries, chia seeds or nuts!

2. Easy, Healthy Breakfast Idea: Strawberry Overnight Oats

With just six ingredients, Overnight Oats is a quick recipe to throw together. Make it the night before and it will be ready to go in the morning. Or it can be made first thing in the morning and on your way out the door you can grab it to go.

quick and easy healthy breakfast idea overnight oats

Ingredients:

1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 ½ cup rolled oats
3 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla

Optional toppings: Sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, crushed pistachios

Directions:

Place Greek yogurt, milk, and strawberries in a blender. Blend until smooth. Place in a medium bowl and mix in chia seeds and vanilla. Mix in oatmeal. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Top with any additional toppings and serve cold.

strawberry overnight oats recipe

Health Benefits of Overnight Oats

Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall health.
Fiber content: High in beta-glucans, promoting digestion and reducing cholesterol.
Sustained energy: Complex carbs release energy steadily, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Weight management: Fiber and protein keep you full, aiding in weight control.
Heart health: Beta-glucans lower cholesterol, reducing cardiovascular risk.
Blood sugar control: Low glycemic index helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, seeds, and yogurt to suit preferences.
Convenience: Prepare ahead for a quick, busy-morning breakfast.
Digestive health: Supports regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Variety of toppings: Enhance nutrition with berries, nuts, seeds, and honey.

3. Quick, Healthy Breakfast Idea: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

On a day when you have some extra time, make a big batch of burritos to freeze. A few minutes in the microwave and you have a filling breakfast ready to go.

Ingredients:

2 large russet potatoes
2 tsp. canola oil
½ lb. turkey sausage
1 bell pepper
1 small onion
12 large eggs
½ cup milk
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
20 whole wheat flour tortillas

Directions:

Boil or cook potatoes in the microwave until tender. Once cool cut into 1" cubes.

Heat 1 tsp. oil in a large skillet. Add in the sausage, pepper, and onion and cook until sausage is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the potato and cook and additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat. In a medium bowl whisk the eggs and milk together. Add the remaining oil to a skillet.

Over medium heat add the egg mixture and cook, stirring to scramble, until just cooked through. Remove from heat.

Top a tortilla with sausage mixture, eggs, and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up into a burrito and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Place the burritos in the freezer. Once frozen remove them from the baking pan and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, microwave for 2 minutes or until warmed through.

Freezer breakfast burritos recipe

Health Benefits of Breakfast Burritos:

Balanced Nutrition: Protein, carbs, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in one.
Protein Source: Eggs, beans, tofu, or lean meats fuel your muscles.
Fiber Boost: Veggies or whole-grain tortillas aid digestion and blood sugar.
Micronutrients: Veggies offer vitamins like C, A, and folate.
Healthy Fats: Avocado or cheese add heart-friendly fats.
Customization: Fit ingredients to your preferences.
Satiety: Keeps you full, curbing later snacking.
Convenience: Prep-ahead for busy mornings.

4. Apple Cinnamon Cereal Bars

Try out this healthy alternative to store-bought cereal bars. Use applesauce and cinnamon like the recipe says or be brave and try another type of fruit spread. These bars will last a couple of weeks in the pantry or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup canola oil
2 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor or blender, grind up the almonds and oats. Grind until slightly course. Place them in a large bowl. Add the flour and mix well.

In a small bowl mix the egg, vanilla, ¼ cup applesauce, syrup, oil, and milk. Mix well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gather the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to firm.

Once firm, cut a piece of parchment paper the size of a baking sheet and lay it on the counter. Cut the dough ball in half. Take one piece and roll it out onto the parchment paper, putting some plastic wrap between the rolling pin and the dough. Roll it until it is about ¼-½ inch thick. Spread the remaining applesauce on top of the dough.

Sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the applesauce. Roll the second ball of dough the same way onto another piece of parchment. Place that piece on top of the other piece so the applesauce is between the two. Slice into squares using a pizza cutter. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Bars will last for two weeks. They freeze well.

apple cinnamon cereal bar recipe card

5. Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

This muffin recipe is quick and easy without the need for a lot of baking equipment. Put the ingredients in a food processor or blender and a few minutes later you'll be enjoying delicious muffins. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week as a grab and go option or freeze them to use all throughout the month.