14 Make-Ahead Breakfasts That Keep Kids Full Until Lunch

School mornings are back and busy as usual. It’s easy to rush out the door without much more than a piece of toast, but breakfast is still the most important meal of the day.

I love whipping up one of these make-ahead breakfasts that leave my kids full, energized and ready for the day ahead, whatever it might bring.

1. Fruit and nut breakfast cookies

Did someone say cookies for breakfast? These cookies are packed with tons of oats and fruit, filling them with slow releasing carbs and fiber. Ciara at My Fussy Eater has all the info you need to make your kid’s dreams come true by asking, “Who wants cookies for breakfast?” 

2. Savory baked oatmeal with veggies

Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast, but it can take too long to make on a busy morning. That’s why these baked oatmeal and veggie bars are here to save the day, or the morning anyway. These bars are great for kids of all ages, from babies to teens, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to five days. Head to MJ and Hungryman for the details. 

3. Freezer breakfast burritos

Fit Foodie Finds has devised a breakfast burrito that is full of veggies and proteins for busy kids on crazy mornings. To defrost this savory breakfast, simply pop a burrito in the microwave while your kids shoved their homework into their backpacks.

4. Pigs in a pool

This fun take on pigs in a blanket lets your kids have the pancakes and sausage they love, with out all the work of preparing it in the morning. Small sausage bites (which could easily be replaced with a vegetarian alternative) are baked inside pancake-like batter in a mini muffin tin. These can be made and frozen in an airtight container and microwaved for about 20-30 seconds at breakfast time. A Taste of Home has all the details you’ll need.

5. Pizza eggs

Win over your fussiest eater with the magic word: pizza. This much healthier version from MJ and Hungryman combines your favorite pizza toppings with cheese and eggs all cooked to perfection in one pan. You can make it ahead and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, and just pop a slice or two (or three) in the microwave at breakfast time.

6. Make-ahead freezer breakfast sandwiches

If your kids love the breakfast sandwiches from the drive-through, they’ll love this (economical and healthier) homemade version from The Cozy Cook. The trick to freezing and reheating this muffin, cheese and egg sandwich is to wrap it in a damp paper towel before freezing.

7. Blueberry carrot cake bars

Kids won’t know that Cotter and Crunch’s cake bars are super healthy. Chock-full of carrots, blueberries and yogurt, they have a secret pop of protein to keep the little ones going strong until lunchtime.

8. Kid-friendly mini quiches

Foodess knows that kids love everything mini. Kids can help choose and prep the fillings for these fun and healthy egg bites that are baked in a muffin tin.

9. Morning glory muffins

Packed with whole wheat flour, fruits and veggies, this mighty muffin courtesy of Two Peas and Their Pod is perfect for the kids. Make sure to bake an extra batch to store in the freezer, then simply defrost the muffins in the fridge the night before you want them for breakfast.

10. Triple-layered breakfast apple sandwich

Layer crisp slices of apple, nut butter, cranberries and seeds to make this fresh and fun breakfast snack. Let your kids mix and match their favorite nuts and dried fruit (or chocolate chips) to make them part of the process. Simply layer however your heart desires and dig in! Allrecipes has a few great ideas for delicious apple sando combos. 

11. Breakfast popsicles

Popsicles for breakfast?! No kid will be able to resist I Heart Naptimes’ fun twist on this yogurt parfait with yogurt, granola and fresh fruit layered in popsicle molds — perfect straight from the freezer.

12. Chunky monkey overnight oatmeal

Can you really make oatmeal the night before? PCC Community Markets will not only show you how, but give you an idea for a super fun way to flavor it with bananas and chocolate. If you’re not a fan of bananas, then try the PB & P overnight oatmeal instead.

13. Spinach banana waffles

This might sound like an odd combo, but it has rave reviews on Happy Kids Kitchen. These waffles are packed with nutrients and can be made ahead of time, stored in the freezer and popped into the toaster in the mornings. This website also offers tips for ways to get your child involved in the cooking process, which could make a great after school activity.

14. Carrot cake waffles

Somewhere between cake and breakfast lies The Craveable Kitchen’s carrot cake waffles. Make a double batch during a weekend morning, freeze the waffles and then pop them in the toaster in the morning.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago, and updated most recently with new breakfast ideas and photography in August 2024 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson.