Thinking of back-to-school breakfast ideas might be overwhelming for parents. Still, if you learn how to be organized, you can customize many delicious dishes for your kids starting with these simple ideas.
For me, life just went to another level. I’m in the first grade and it’s difficult. Well, not me, my daughter has recently started first grade, but the first weeks of school have come with huge changes not only for the children but for their parents too. We have to wake up earlier, get dressed faster, (prepare and) eat quicker, and get out the door to be on time at school. Does it sound like a piece of cake? It isn’t! School mornings have been crazy after the summer holiday, especially for people who have small kids, like me.
I admit that I felt overwhelmed after the first days of school. Not only should I have chosen different things for breakfast and her lunchbox, but she’s also firmly asked me not to feed her a bowl of cereal with milk every morning. That’s why I’ve decided to take some time to reflect on some easy back-to-school breakfast ideas and now I want to share them with you.
Since my daughter is not a fan of oatmeal, I’m going to skip this one, although you can make it in the evening for your kids to eat it the next morning.
7 back-to-school breakfast ideas
1. Waffles and milk
The quickest back-to-school breakfast for children who usually spend too much time at the table (like mine) is “something” with milk. You can choose homemade cookies (if you make them on the weekend) or homemade waffles. If you are tired and busy, don’t put too much pressure on yourself especially during the first days of school. You can make a good breakfast with store-bought waffles too.
2. Hardboiled eggs
I usually love cooking right before eating. And this happens especially for breakfast. I’ve realized that I can make my life easier if I cook ahead some basic things from now on. Like hard boiled eggs. Boil the eggs (you can do this on Sunday evening) and let them stay in a bowl in the fridge. Just don’t peel them until you’re ready to eat them. In the morning, just butter some toast and peel the eggs. You can add a glass of milk to your child’s quick-and-easy breakfast.
3. ‘What they like’ on toast
I usually have endless talks with my daughter about what she wants and doesn’t want to eat. I’m tired of these topics and I suspect she is too since she told me two days ago how to prepare her mid-morning break sandwich: “Mom, you can make me a sandwich with any of the things I like!”. I think I’ll follow her advice for breakfast, too. I’m going to add some of the things she likes on toast, and that’s it!
She’s going to eat quicker, and I’m going to be happier. We always try to get our kids to eat healthier foods, and that’s a good thing. But if they refuse to eat some items, don’t force them, especially when you want to save time! You can try toasted bread with cream cheese, ham, banana, and peanut butter, hardboiled eggs, butter and jam, low-moisture mozzarella and tomato slices, canned tuna, and cucumber. You can go savory or sweet and it’s one of the fastest breakfasts around. The combos are endless.
4. Smoothies
Smoothies are one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a nutritious and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for a back-to-school breakfast. You can use whatever you have on hand, as long as there is some type of milk (it can also be dairy-free milk) or yogurt in the fridge. From there start by adding different types of fruit. I recommend frozen or fresh berries, nut butters, pineapple, coconut, bananas, mango, or peach. I think you should also add vegetables like spinach or kale only if your kid is used to this type of green smoothie. Otherwise, use ingredients she or he already likes. You can thicken your smoothie by adding chia seeds, avocado, or hemp seeds. Adding some honey and crushed nuts on top is a matter of taste. Your child’s taste!
5. Yogurt and granola
You should always have one or two yogurts in the refrigerator, no matter what. It’ll get you out of trouble many times. Prepare homemade granola during the weekend and store it in a cool place. Use it those mornings when you’re in a hurry. Add yogurt in a bowl, then top it with granola and, if you want, fresh fruit, extra nuts, and honey or maple syrup. This is a simple, delicious and fully customizable breakfast. You can even let your kids make their own bowls. Feeling useful will make them happy, and you’ll have some extra time for yourself.
6. Omelet
How long does it take to make a simple omelet? No more than 10 to 15 minutes! If you have that time, you can make it once a week. My advice is to keep it simple without ingredients that ask for extra cooking time, like sweet potatoes, broccoli, squash, mushrooms, or onion.
You can also use your microwave oven and make these egg mug muffins anytime you’re in a hurry. They only take 5 minutes to make!
7. French toast
If you have time (and energy) to use your stove in the morning once a week, you can make French toast because kids love it! You can make it sweet or savory, ask them before you cook.
Follow our guide on how to make French toast, then use your child’s favorite toppings: butter, peanut butter, maple syrup, fruit jam, ham, mozzarella, bananas, nuts, or even Nutella.
I haven’t tried it yet, but I know people who make French toast ahead of time, then reheat it in a toaster for a quick morning breakfast.
