Forget about the lofty back to school breakfast ideas you see on Pinterest. Back to school breakfasts should be easy, not over the top. Get realistic and make mornings simpler this fall with these easy back to school breakfast ideas for busy moms. These are simple breakfasts that will make mornings easier once school is back in session.
Easy Back to School Breakfast Ideas
In the past, I’ve been a bit lofty myself with back to school breakfast ideas. I love breakfast and enjoy making all sorts of make ahead breakfasts for myself. Bring on the frozen breakfast burritos, healthy egg “cupcakes”, and casseroles. My kids are a different story. It doesn’t matter what I serve them, they will fight meal time.
Since Max was due the weekend before school started, I gave up on fancy back to school breakfasts last year and it was the best thing I ever did. Instead, I opted for easy breakfasts that made mornings easy for me and the kids.
My favorite simple breakfast ideas
1. Whole grain cereal with a side of cut up fruit
Don’t beat yourself up about serving cereal for breakfast. Just make sure it doesn’t have a lot of added sugar. Try to pick out cereals with whole grains and added nutrients instead of opting for sugar laden cereals that should be considered dessert, not breakfast.
2. Oatmeal with healthy toppings
I like my oatmeal plain with butter and flavored granola on top. My boys like their oatmeal with peanut butter, chia seeds, and coconut flakes. They think it’s dessert for breakfast and I know they are getting a warm hearty breakfast.
3. Overnight oats
Take your oats to a simpler level and try setting them up the night before. Put everything together in a bowl or jar and heat it up the next morning.
4. Waffles with a side of fruit
Save time and buy frozen whole grain waffles.
If you’re feeling really put together you can make a big batch of waffles one weekend and freeze them for the school year.
You can even try my favorite recipe for banana bread waffles. They aren’t as simple as buying them frozen, but they are certainly delicious!
5. Pancakes with a side of fruit
Read #4 and replace the word waffle with pancake. Done.
6. Breakfast casserole
If your kids are big fans of eggs and breakfast meat, then opt for a breakfast casserole. You can assemble it the night before and then eat it all week long.
I’m a big fan of this breakfast scramble recipe and this breakfast casserole recipe.
Want a fruity option? I love this blueberry french toast casserole.
7. Healthy muffins
Healthy breakfast muffins can be a lifesaver on busy mornings. You can buy them frozen or you can make a batch of your own and freeze them.
I’m a huge fan of these banana bread muffins.
8. Smoothies
It doesn’t get much easier than throwing a bunch of fruit, veggies, and dairy into a blender. If you’re kids like smoothies, this is a great way to get a ton of fruits and veggies in first thing in the morning. The worst part is cleaning up.
You don’t even need a recipe, head to this post to see how to put together a smoothie using a “method” instead of a recipe.
9. Boiled Eggs
Pair a boiled egg with fruit, yogurt or a smoothie and you’re good to go. Try baking them instead of boiling for a smoother peel!
10. Yogurt or a Yogurt Parfait
Buy a large container of plain Greek yogurt (or make your own), top with fruit and granola for a protein rich start to your day.
Or stick to plain yogurt with honey and chia as a side dish to any of the above breakfasts.
What is your go-to easy breakfast for busy mom life? I’d love to hear it! I’ll certainly need all the help I can!
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I sometimes make chia pudding (there are tons of recipes all over the internet). Like overnight oats, you mix it ahead and let it sit in the fridge. Then I serve over fruit, sometimes with coconut or chopped walnuts or some maple syrup. My girls like it because it’s having pudding for breakfast, and it’s delicious. You can use any kind of milk you like – light coconut milk, almond milk, cow’s milk – so the options are endless!
Very smart! I’ve only made it once and my kids did like it! I need to do it again. Great idea!
My 11 year old doesn’t like typical breakfast food. I make extra supper and she has leftovers (her favourites are pad thai, pasta of any kind, shepherd’s pie, chicken curry and rice etc.). If there are absolutely no leftovers I have been known to open a tin of soup or beans or pasta. Unorthodox I know, but I think she is eating pretty healthy most of the time. My eldest is a bagel and cream cheese or cheddar cheese lover since she was little.
I’m just like your 11 year old! As much as I do enjoy breakfast foods, I really like leftovers for breakfast!