35 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas to Simplify Your Mornings

Trista - January 30, 2022

Photo: Shutterstock

Everyone’s becoming too busy in the mornings to make an actual breakfast for themselves, and no one has the time to get the oven or stovetop to make a hot delicious breakfast to start their day. To save time, there are some fast and easy breakfast ideas that you can actually start the day before, so there’s no rush in the mornings, and you still get a hot or fresh meal that will have you energized and prepared for the challenges of the day.

35. Instant Pot Egg Bites

Mornings are some of the most stressful times of everyone’s day. There’s the struggle to get everything together before you start your day, including having to make your meals. However, with the egg bites, you can pop right into an instant pot, and then you have a fast and hot meal that doesn’t take a lot of prep (via All Recipes). Moreover, because they’re cooked right in a jar, you can take these with you to work and heat them in a microwave if you’re running late. Pair it with your favorite bagel for an even fuller breakfast (via Good Housekeeping).

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34. Instant Oatmeal with Cranberries and Pecans

Please don’t buy the instant oatmeal from the store that already has fruit in it. Instead, why not make your own ahead of time? The already-prepared oatmeal tends to have more sugar than is healthy for you, so making it your own gives you better control over what you’re putting into your body (via Healthline). You can customize a big match of instant oatmeal. However, you can add protein and sweetness with pecans and cranberries to satisfy your hunger. This is definitely one of the simplest breakfast ideas out there, but it leaves you feeling full the rest of the day (via Good Housekeeping).

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33. PB&J Overnight Oats

If there’s one snack people like to rely on, it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, did you know you can get the exact same flavors with some overnight oats? It’s not only easy to make, but the whole oats actually make this treat much healthier for you. Add some probiotic Greek yogurt to the mix, and you’re giving your tummy a healthy treat (via LiveStrong). You can dump all of the ingredients into a plastic container, shake it vigorously, and then just leave it in your fridge overnight for you to eat the next day (via Good Housekeeping).

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32. Whole Oat Porridge

There is a distinct difference between porridge and oatmeal. Oatmeal is a type of porridge, but not all porridges have to be made with oats (via Treehugger). You can make oatmeal from a multitude of other grains that are savorier than you’re used to. Oatmeal doesn’t have to be sweet either, so that you can make porridge with cheese, toasted pine nuts, and even miso will make the porridge hit in just the right spot. Oatmeal does require you to soak your whole grain oats overnight first, though, so that they’re soft enough the following day. Then just customize it in any way you want (via Good Housekeeping)!

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31. Spinach and Prosciutto Frittata Muffins

The best and easiest way to get your protein in the morning is to go with eggs (via Eat Out Eat Well). The great thing about eggs is that you can cook them any way you like, so they’re very versatile in the kind of breakfast you want to have. These frittata muffins take eggs to a whole new level by adding in some roasted red pepper, goat cheese, and baby spinach for an even heartier meal you never knew you could have. Just mix everything up in a bowl the night before, plop them into a mini muffin tin, and then pop in the microwave for a few minutes, and your simple breakfast is complete (via Good Housekeeping)!

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30. Two-Ingredient Bagels

Everyone craves a good bagel in the morning, but they can get pricey at the store when you’re buying a bag every week. Nevertheless, did you know that you can make your own homemade bagels with just two ingredients? They’re not going to look their best, but they’re definitely going to taste pretty great. Just a light smear of butter on top, and you can add whatever seasonings you want to your bagels. Just beat together Greek yogurt and flour, and you’ve got a great dough that you can bake in the oven for a few minutes for some tasty bagels (via TF Recipes). You’ll only need the egg for a wash for your seasonings to stick (via Good Housekeeping).

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29. Croissant Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is one of those recipes that seems complicated, but the payoff is definitely worth it (via Betty Crocker). However, instead of soaking pieces of bread for your pudding, you can use croissants for an even fluffier, crispier bread pudding that you didn’t know you needed. Just make this the same way you would any bread pudding, and you can even make it the night before. Then just pop it into the oven the following day for an hour, and you’ve got a sweet, warm meal that you’ll want to pair with your favorite coffee or tea (via Good Housekeeping).

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28. Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Pockets

These are better than those hot pockets you buy at the store. Not only are they super salty and bad for your health, but they’re also super small, so they’re not going to fill you up very much. Nevertheless, there are spinach and cheese breakfast pockets (via Recipe Cart). You can make this breakfast idea yourself provide a bigger yield and are super easy to put together the night before. You take your ingredients, roll them up between 2 rolled pie crusts, and then just toss them into the oven. Hot, fresh, and will make you wish you’d learned to make these a lot sooner (via Good Housekeeping).

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27. Vegetarian Black Bean Burritos

Are you looking to eat healthier at the start of your day? Want to cut back on your meat intake so that you’re not feeling bogged down the rest of the day? This simple breakfast idea is easy to make, healthy, and tastes great! Try this delicious vegetarian black bean burrito for breakfast (via All Recipes). It calls for roasted sweet potatoes, black bean paste, and corn, but you can add whatever veggies you like to suit your tastes. Mix everything up at night, and then spoon the mixture onto your favorite tortilla the next morning for a breakfast burrito you’ll simply love (via Good Housekeeping).

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26. Crustless Quiche Lorraine

A bacon and egg quiche can be a tasty way to start the day (via King Arthur Baking). But you are thinking: who has time to make it? Well, the correct answer is you do! A quiche is easy to make when you prepare the ingredients beforehand to cook the next day, and it takes less than 15 minutes of cooking to have a hot and ready meal for you to dive into. It also makes a scrumptious side for other meals, so don’t feel like you can only nom on them once daily. As always, you can change out any ingredients you don’t like for the ones you do (via Good Housekeeping).

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25. Mushroom and Zucchini Make-Ahead Quiche

As we mentioned earlier, nothing is more protein-rich than eggs, and quiche is a great way to have them for breakfast. You can add spinach, tomatoes, ham, cheese, bacon… whatever you can think of you can put into a quiche! Give this mushroom and zucchini quiche a try to add more veggies to your diet (via food.com)! The great thing about a quiche is that you can mix everything up the night before and leave it in the fridge to be baked in the morning. And if you don’t finish it all at once, it reheats wonderfully in a toaster (via Good Housekeeping).

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24. Sous Vide Egg Bites

What could be easier than a hot breakfast that’s made with just three ingredients? These are nifty little egg bites that you can have with any other breakfast item on a plate, and you’re complete for the day. Think of these egg bites like mini egg souffles that you can customize to your tastes (via Mashed). However, instead of cooking them in a muffin tin, you cook them in a water bath in your oven so that it’s soft and fluffy all the way around. You may never want to eat eggs in any other way ever again (via Good Housekeeping).

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23. Ham and Spinach Quiche

As you’ve noticed by now, there are a lot of quiche recipes, and that’s because they’re easy breakfast recipes. Some quiches are made with homemade crust, but if you want to cut time off in the kitchen, there’s nothing wrong with buying a pre-made crust. Ham and spinach are a pretty good combo, as you get the saltiness of the ham with the very subtle flavor of spinach, which is only making the quiche a lot healthier. It does take about 45 minutes to cook a ham and spinach quiche (via All Recipes). However, you can always take care of your other morning chores in the meantime (via Good Housekeeping).

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22. Fajita Breakfast Burritos

Who doesn’t like a good burrito? Now, what if we told you that you could have burritos for breakfast? By replacing the ingredients on the inside, you’re perfectly set up for having a hot meal that you can even take on the go. Add sausage, scrambled eggs, some roasted red peppers, and a bit of your favorite hot sauce. Roll them up in a tortilla for the best fajita breakfast burritos (via Fit Foodie Finds). And you don’t have to worry about eating with a knife and fork in the car. Furthermore, if it’s too filling for you, you can save the other half for a light lunch that reheats nicely in the microwave or toaster oven (via Good Housekeeping).

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21. Even Healthier Breakfast Burritos

This is a healthier alternative to the breakfast idea mentioned above. Change out the ingredients for more nutritious options like grilled chicken, some refried beans, eggs, and a little bit of guacamole or avocado. Make them the previous night, and then toast them in your frying pan or panini maker, and you’re ready for the day. You can customize these to your tastes for whatever you’re feeling like in the morning and even make a great snack in the middle of the night, completely guilt-free. Breakfast burritos are probably the easiest to make on this least of easy breakfast ideas (via Good Housekeeping).

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20. PB Goji Berry Granola Bars

Granola bars are easy to pick up at the store, but not many people know that they have a lot of added sugar, making them unhealthy (via Healthline). Instead, you could make your own granola bars at home, and it doesn’t actually take much effort. Create your own roasted base of goji berries, pistachios, and chia seeds for that tasty crunch and sweet flavor that will keep you coming back for more. These bars will hold up well during the week, too, so you can snack on them whenever you’re feeling a little peckish (via Good Housekeeping).

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19. Cashew Granola

Granola is a delicious way for you to get your whole grains and fiber in for the day while helping you to feel full. The great thing about granola is that it’s the perfect choice for those who have problems regulating their blood sugar. It forces the body to digest more slowly, thereby decreasing sugar absorption (via today.com). Add a few cashes to the mix for your added protein, and you’re set! You can buy all of the ingredients in bulk so that it lasts you a pretty long time, so you’re definitely getting the value for every dollar (via Good Housekeeping).

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18. Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are one of those new “superfoods” that everyone adds to everything they make (via Parade). To be fair, chia seeds are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, which are great for your body, especially if you’re into exercising. They’re also great in smoothies, high in fiber, and help to reduce your blood pressure when eaten regularly. Now think of how much healthier your chocolate pudding is that you’re making from scratch; a bag of chia seeds that you buy at the store will go a long way into making as many servings of chocolate chia pudding as you want (via Good Housekeeping).

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17. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Pumpkin bread is delicious during the fall season when you want something sweet and spicy to warm you up on that cold morning (via Taste of Home). Add a cup of black tea to the mix, and you have a recipe for a great breakfast that will leave you feeling warm throughout the day. The recipe is pretty simple, too, meaning that you can mix everything into one bowl, so you’re not getting everything in your kitchen dirty. You won’t find an easier breakfast recipe anywhere; the most challenging part of making it is waiting for it to cool before you cut yourself a slice (via Good Housekeeping).

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16. Raspberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are the very definition of easy: you let them soak overnight, then heat them in the microwave the following day for a tasty treat (via Food Network). This recipe will make you feel like you’re indulging in some raspberry cheesecake for breakfast, but with the added benefit of protein and fiber for the day. One bowl of this will leave you feeling productive for the rest of the day, and you’ll have a much more positive start than buying a fast-food breakfast on the way to the office (via Good Housekeeping).

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15. Breakfast Bombs

Want a full breakfast in one easy-to-eat package? Consider these breakfast bombs as the perfect way to start your day (via Delish). What looks like an ordinary biscuit is actually stuffed full of cheese, eggs, and bacon, so you can eat them right with your hands or dive in with a fork and knife. The best way to cook them is in an air fryer. Why? Because the dough on the outside can get nice and crispy. Then, all that cheese on the inside gets all gooey and melted, keeping everything together (via Good Housekeeping).

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14. Low Carb Quiche Biscuits

This is another easy breakfast recipe that puts eggs to good use. Instead of just quiches, you’re making quiche biscuits (via Joy Bauer). With a bit of seasoning and some added flour and cheese, you can have these biscuits throughout the day with any meal. You may even want to save a few for dinner. They’re going to taste so good. With the added benefit of cauliflower, you won’t realize just how healthy these are; you may even be able to convince your children to eat a few without them knowing! They’re great to take for a brunch meeting, too, as they travel pretty well in a cupcake container (via Good Housekeeping).

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13. Very Berry Quinoa Muffins

Many people believe that quinoa is only something you can eat if you’re vegan or vegetarian, but quinoa can be used in more recipes than you realize. Want an easy breakfast recipe that is both healthy and delicious? Then you may want to give these berry quinoa muffins a try (via Everday Healthy Recipes). Moreover, at being only 170 calories, you can eat a little guilt-free, knowing that they’re pretty healthy for you. Just don’t overindulge too much, or the calories will start stacking up. They’re easy to grab on the go, too, so you can eat them on the way to work (via Good Housekeeping).

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12. Instant Pot Yogurt

Many people look at their instant pot and think that it’s only good for making hot savory meals, but did you know that it’s also suitable for making a good pot of yogurt? Some instant pots actually have a “yogurt” setting on them so that you can boil milk until it’s thick enough to become yogurt (via Food Network). You may never want to get store brand again after tasting how creamy and smooth it is. Then dump in your favorite fruit and granola, and you have a perfectly healthy start to your busy day (via Good Housekeeping).

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11. Best-Ever Granola

Of course, every breakfast recipe for granola will label itself as the “best ever,” so take this one with a grain of salt. There’s honestly no wrong way to do granola, just as long as you enjoy eating it. This granola breakfast calls for maple syrup, coconut flakes, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds (via Cookie and Kate). The crunch is absolutely phenomenal, and the added protein will have you feeling full and energized all day. Add a bit of pumpkin pie seasoning to the mix for an extra yummy fall flavor that’s just right for the season (via Good Housekeeping).

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10. Vegan Carrot Waffles

Waffles are probably some of the most favorite breakfast foods on everyone’s list. They’re easy to heat up, and you can have them by themselves, or you can have them as a side to a bigger breakfast with whatever toppings you like. These vegan carrot waffles may be to die for because they’re delicious with a dollop of apple butter or some yogurt on top (via The Vegan Yack Attack). Consider it similar to the flavor of carrot cake, but with less sugar and no walnuts, and you’re going to enjoy the taste of these homemade waffles. You can definitely make this batter beforehand and then scoop some into your waffle make the following day (via Good Housekeeping).

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9. Homemade Egg McMuffins

Want Egg McMuffins without having to pay for Egg McMuffins (via McDonalds)? Then we have the recipe for you. This copycat recipe is perfect for those who don’t want to stand in line in the early morning when they’re running late for work already. And because you know exactly what’s going into the recipe, you can make healthy alternatives to it that fit your exact tastes. Want to add a little hot sauce? Go for it. Add some spinach for some extra leafy greens and a unique flavor you won’t find at any fast-food restaurant (via Good Housekeeping).

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8. Crock Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal

When you think of the crockpot, you think of slow-cooked dinners that have taken all day to become tender and savory. No one ever considered that they could cook their steel-cut oats inside their crockpot (via Well Plated). Which, when you think about it, makes sense because they have to soak for a very long time. It’s a bit healthier with some coconut milk and shredded coconut on top, giving you that extra crunch you may be looking for in your morning oatmeal. Remember that it does need to cook for a few hours, so you should probably make them the night before and then warm them up in the microwave for breakfast (via Good Housekeeping).

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7. Make-Ahead Egg and Cheese Sandwich

If there’s one thing people, like eating for breakfast, it’s something with eggs and or cheese involved. Well, this recipe puts both of those loves together to create an egg and cheese sandwich that will hit you in the right spot (via food.com). Add a slice of tomato, some ham, or just a few spinach leaves for that extra oomph, and you’re all set to go. The use of an English muffin as the bread in the sandwich makes this all the more filling, as they’re quite thick and have a tasty crunch that will keep the eggs and cheese from soaking through it entirely (via Good Housekeeping).

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6. Bacon and Leek Deep-Dish Quiche

The leek is not a very appreciated vegetable, but it has a yummy buttery taste that can add that savory element you’re missing to any meal (via NYT Cooking). With the already-salty bacon being added to this leek quiche, you want that something extra that’s not going to make your entire breakfast too overpowered. Just a dash of cheese into your whisked eggs, combine everything and pour the whole lot into your homemade crust for a breakfast you’ll never forget. Your entire home will smell incredible after you’ve taken this out of the oven (via Good Housekeeping).

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5. Blueberry Scones

Scones are usually considered a brunch food, but you can eat them for breakfast with a mug of hot coffee or a glass of milk. The dough for scones is pretty easy, and you can plop blueberries in — or whatever fruit is available — for that extra sweetness (via All Recipes). The dough will be pretty thick and pasty, so don’t worry if it doesn’t look smooth like cookie batter… because you’re not making cookies! This is a dough you can make right before bed and put in the fridge until you’re ready to make it the next morning (via Good Housekeeping).

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4. Hummingbird Cinnamon Rolls

You may ask what makes these cinnamon rolls so different, and the answer is that they’re a combination of cinnamon rolls and what is called hummingbird cake. Hummingbird cake includes a trio of banana, pineapple, and cream cheese (via Southern Living). Chopped pecans are usually added to that nutty flavor. This recipe also uses date syrup for that extra sweetness that will bring everything together. It will take roughly an hour to put everything together, but you only have to bake them for about 25 minutes the following day and then drizzle your favorite icing on top for a warm, ooey-gooey breakfast treat (via Good Housekeeping).

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3. Sausage and Egg Casserole with Spinach

If you need to make a quick breakfast for the entire family, you may want to go with this sausage and egg casserole with spinach (via All Recipes). You can throw everything into a dish the night before and heat it in the morning. Pair it with some toast and sausage links for an even more filling breakfast, but you may not have to. All of the eggs, cheese, and spinach will have you feeling full and warm in no time. You can even cut out a slice to take with you for lunch if you really want to have more of this delicious breakfast recipe (via Good Housekeeping).

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2. Sweet Potato Kale Frittata

Not many people look to sweet potatoes as a breakfast food, but they have just the right amount of sweetness to help you start your day. These sweet potato kale frittatas are no different (via Food Network). They have rich, starchy sweet potatoes, some healthy kale, and eggs to keep you boosted throughout the day. Like with any quiche or frittata, you can make this the night before and heat it again in the oven, hot and ready for breakfast the next day. Dollop some goat cheese on top for that extra decadence that will make you want to cut yourself another slice (via Good Housekeeping).

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1. Breakfast Coffee Cookies

No one ever imagines that they would be allowed to eat cookies for breakfast, but part of being an adult means you get to break the rules. Thankfully, these breakfast coffee cookies aren’t that bad for you and will actually help you to wake up in the mornings (via Joy Bauer). They’re made with cocoa powder, coffee, and blueberries, all ingredients that are great for waking up your brain and giving it the energy it needs to last until lunchtime. It calls for banana and yogurt, which are great for your gut and keep you regular (via Good Housekeeping).

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