You hear it all the time: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But juggling work and kids, getting enough sleep and life in general can sometimes make it easier to stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way to work or to skip breakfast altogether than to make something at home.
These make-ahead breakfasts are the perfect solution to making sure you get the nutrients you need before starting your day. Whether you make them a week before and freeze them or let them rest in the fridge overnight, these tasty meals will keep you running until lunch.
1. Try overnight oats
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest things you can eat in the morning because of its high-soluble-fiber content. With any one of these 21 overnight oat recipes, you can just put in a few minutes of work in the evening and be able to enjoy a delicious, nutritious breakfast in the morning.
2. Make-ahead breakfast burritos to go
If you find yourself turning into the drive-thru on the way to work because you’re craving something savory, then try these make-ahead breakfast burritos. They’re substantial but much healthier than anything you can get from a fast-food joint. You can even include healthy add-ins like spinach or diced bell pepper for an added boost.
3. Keep an awesome breakfast sandwich in your freezer
Sometimes you just need a carby, meaty, cheesy breakfast sandwich to get you through the morning. Avoid mystery ingredients and a long line at the drive-thru with these make-ahead breakfast sandwiches. You can up the health ante by using egg whites, low-sodium turkey slices and low-fat cheese, or add extra veggies. Either way, what you cook at home is bound to be healthier than something that comes out of a deep-fryer. Keep them in the freezer, and then microwave in the morning when you need one.
4. Have dessert for breakfast
If you never have time for breakfast or just don’t feel like eating a heavy meal in the morning, then try this creamy but light overnight cinnamon-cashew chia pudding recipe. You can use nut milk or water to make it vegan, and feel free to top with fruit for an extra dose of yum that will make you excited about breakfast in the morning.
5. Make individual frittata muffins
Believe it or not, scrambled eggs freeze incredibly well, especially when they’re boosted by a little cheese. Bake these mini frittatas, wrap each one in a paper towel when cool, and then pop them into zip-top bags. When you’re ready to eat one, just microwave it in the paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Make your smoothies ahead of time
Image: Simple Green Smoothies
There are two schools of thought when it comes to making your smoothies ahead of time. Simple Green Smoothies suggests packing the ingredients for your favorite smoothie together, storing them in the freezer and then blending when you’re ready to enjoy. Over at The Kitchn, they recommend preblending the smoothie and then freezing it in ice cube trays. You can then put the cubes into a water bottle or travel mug, and by the time you get to work, it should have thawed into a frosty, healthy breakfast.
7. Boil-in-bag omelets
Image: KOA
This recipe is originally intended for campfire cooking, but it’s a great make-ahead breakfast solution too. Premake a big batch of omelets with your favorite ingredients, and portion into zip-top freezer bags. In the morning, just grab a bag, and drop it into a pot of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes (while you finish getting ready) until cooked through.
8. Turn your yogurt into a one-handed frozen treat
Image: We’ve Tried It
On hot summer days, this awesome breakfast is a grab-and-go treat that will give you energy to conquer your day while cooling you down. Simply buy your favorite yogurt, jam an ice pop stick through the lid, and freeze. When you’re ready to go, just pop the ice pop out of the container, and enjoy!
9. Make your iced coffee the night before
Save money — and time — by cold brewing your iced coffee in the fridge overnight. Strain it, then dilute the concentrated coffee to make your perfect cup. You’ll save time and money by avoiding a trip to the coffee shop in the morning.
10. Prepack your cereal — and milk — the night before
Image: Instructables
If you’re a cereal junkie but never seem to have time to sit down for a bowl before work, why not try bringing it with you? The solution is so simple! Pour your cereal into a plastic container with a lid. Pour your milk of choice into a zip-top bag. Put the bag into the container with the cereal, put a lid on it, and voilà! Once you get to work, you can make the perfect bowl of cereal — no soggy bits or spilled milk to contend with.
More make-ahead meals
20 Healthy make-ahead snacks
Make-ahead freezer meals for when you don’t feel like cooking
12 Make-ahead school lunches
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