These easy breakfast recipes—15-minute wonders, make-ahead marvels and freezer-friendly dishes—will get your family fed and you to work on time...or let you sneak some extra sleep on Saturdays.
43 Breakfasts Every Working Mom (or Dad) Needs to Know
1/43
Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids. —Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 457 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
2/43
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 302 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
3/43
Breakfast Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make this bacon breakfast pizza for my morning drivers when I worked at a delivery place. And they just loved it. Breakfast pizza is a quick and easy eye-opener that appeals to all ages. —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 352 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
4/43
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made these oatmeal banana cookies when I was young. Now my children like making them just as much as I did, and we quadruple the recipe to serve our large family. You can't eat just one of these goodies packed with chocolate morsels. —Jaqueline Wilson, Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 97 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/43
Overnight Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
30 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kids love waking up to these golden, fluffy pancakes. The buttermilk batter is refrigerated overnight, making them perfect for busy mornings and special occasion breakfasts alike. —Lisa Sammons, Cut Bank, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 319 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
6/43
Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 430 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 1058mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
7/43
Banana Oatmeal
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without additional milk): 215 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
8/43
Italian Sausage Egg Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty entree warms up any breakfast or brunch menu with its herb-seasoned flavor. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 316 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 214mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
9/43
Fruity Waffle Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great. Now the kids love it, too! —Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 469 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein.
10/43
Apple-Raisin Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked oatmeal is a popular breakfast in my house. I make it often for my husband and seven children because it's budget friendly and versatile. I like to add a variety of dried fruits or nuts to mix it up. —Christina Smeal, Fairmont, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without additional milk): 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 397mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
11/43
Sweet Broiled Grapefruit
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was never a fan of grapefruit until I had it broiled at a restaurant—it was so tangy and delicious! I finally got the recipe and now I make it often for my whole family. —Terry Bray, Auburndale, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 grapefruit: 203 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
12/43
Yeast Waffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Starting the day with an appealing, hearty breakfast is certainly a step in the right direction when you’re trying to follow a healthy eating plan. These waffles are so good that I even freeze them for breakfast on busy mornings. —Mary Balcomb, Florence, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 220 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
13/43
Granola-To-Go Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This grab & go goodie makes a hearty snack for a long day out. Chewy and sweet, these fruity bars that will have you craving more! —Sally Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 130 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
14/43
Baked Banana French Toast
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy overnight recipe makes a delightful breakfast. The flavor is reminiscent of banana pudding, so it always goes over a treat with the kids! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 348 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
15/43
Cool Summertime Oatmeal
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get a few extra z's in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 350 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
16/43
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
17/43
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy and cheesy, my go-to casserole for action-packed mornings has made many appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
18/43
French Toast Sticks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 sticks: 183 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
19/43
Pumpkin Cream of Wheat
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This autumn-inspired breakfast tastes like pumpkin pie—without the guilt! Double the recipe if you feel like sharing. —Amy Bashtovoi, Sidney, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
20/43
Rise and Shine Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
21/43
On-The-Go Granola Bars
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a favorite. They’re terrific to take to school functions because they’re so good. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 208 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
22/43
Fruity Baked Oatmeal
Total Time
50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my husband’s favorite breakfast treat and the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling and always a hit when I serve it to guests. —Karen Schroeder, Kankakee, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
23/43
Ham & Egg Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 341 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 441mg cholesterol, 1053mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
24/43
Easy Gingerbread Pancakes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Molasses and spices turn an ordinary pancake mix into a special breakfast. These are so easy to make that you can have them any day of the week. —Trina Stewart, Yacolt, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 248 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
25/43
Pigs in a Pool
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love sausages and pancakes but making them during the week was out of the question. I bought the frozen variety on a stick but wasn't keen on the calories, additives or price. This version of pigs-in-a-blanket is a tasty, thrifty alternative. —Lisa Dodd, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 mini muffins: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
26/43
Warm ‘n’ Fruity Breakfast Cereal
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sleepyheads will love the heartiness of this nutritious cooked cereal with cinnamon. It's loaded with chopped fruit and nuts. Eat it with plain yogurt and sliced bananas or blueberries. —John Vale, Long Beach, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 185 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
27/43
Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it’s divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. —Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 375 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 231mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
28/43
Microwave Egg Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 218 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
29/43
Overnight Oatmeal
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get some extra sleep in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
30/43
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 283 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
31/43
Richard's Breakfast Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My chewy fiber bars with a complex taste are extremely addictive. For clean slices, spray a pizza cutter with cooking spray before cutting. —Richard Cole, Richmond, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 219 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
32/43
Sausage Breakfast Pockets
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A satisfying breakfast doesn't get much quicker and easier. Just grab one of these cheesy, sausage-stuffed rolls, and you'll be on your way. —Cheri Harrison, Cairo, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 380 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
33/43
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
34/43
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 450 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
35/43
Breakfast Pitas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like these pita pockets all by themselves for a quick breakfast. When you want a larger meal, serve hash brown potatoes and fruit on the side. —Peggy Blattel, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 608 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 417mg cholesterol, 1978mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
36/43
Apple Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get the morning started right with this super-simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for easy variations. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 158 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
37/43
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
38/43
Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 10 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My family absolutely loves these oat pancakes. I make them every Saturday and Sunday. If I don't, they don't believe it's the weekend! My son's friends often spend the night, and I think it's because they like these oatmeal pancakes so much. They are especially delicious served with molasses and syrup. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 263 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
39/43
Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
40/43
French Toast Fingers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love anything on a stick. Bite-sized French toast skewers make a fun breakfast for them to munch before heading out the door. —Mavis Diment, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
41/43
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners’ sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don’t need syrup. —Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 155 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
42/43
Egg in a Hole
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
American Toad in a hole is one of the first recipes I had my children prepare when they were learning to cook. Much easier than the European version, this fun egg-in-a-hole is sure to please. My "little ones" are now grown (and have advanced to more difficult recipes!), but this continues to be a traditional standby in my home and theirs. —Ruth Lechleiter, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 183 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
43/43
Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 339 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
