The morning rush hour can be quite a challenge. Believe me, I know! But in the hustle-bustle of getting kids dressed and out the door for school (or ready to be schooled at home), it’s important to also take time out to start the day with a healthy breakfast!
Eating a nutritious breakfast not only helps kids stay healthy, but it also helps them to do better in school. Studies show that kids who eat a wholesome breakfast have improved cognitive function, memory, behavior and attention span.
So what better motivation is there than that for whipping up a delicious and nutritious breakfast – not just for the kiddos, but you and your spouse too!
Of course, time is always hard to come by. That’s why, I’ve put together a round-up of some quick, yet healthy, gluten-free (and grain-free) breakfast recipes that will give your kids the energy they need to do their best in school, without slowing you down during the busy morning rush hour.
Time-Saving Tip: Breakfast can be especially simple, when you plan ahead. By doubling or tripling your favorite go-to breakfast recipes (like biscuits, waffles, pancakes, muffins, etc.), you can freeze the extras. Then, simply reheat them throughout the week for a super fast and nutritious breakfast. Another benefit to stockpiling already-prepared healthy breakfast foods is minimal clean-up – saving you even more time! Yeah!
Simple, Healthy, Gluten-Free (and Grain-Free) Breakfast Ideas
Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
What kid wouldn’t want an ice cream sundae for breakfast? So why not offer your family the next best thing … breakfast sundaes made with wholesome yogurt, crispy nuts and fresh fruit. And of course, there’s always the classic fruit & yogurt parfait made by layering yogurt with homemade granola and fresh berries.
Of course the healthiest yogurt is homemade, so if you have a few minutes to spare on the weekend, I highly encourage you to give it a try. In my “How to Make Greek-Style Yogurt“ post, I show you just how simple it is to make both dairy and non-dairy yogurt.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal & Grain-Free Breakfast Porridge
It’s no surprise that studies have shown processed cereals to be among the worst breakfast foods for children (and adults too). For example, Tufts University researchers discovered that children who ate oatmeal scored up to 20 percent higher on academic tasks than children who ate processed cereal for breakfast.
And incase you or your kids think oatmeal is boring, think again? There are lots of delicious ways to liven-up oatmeal, such as my family’s favorite quick and easy …
• Banana Split Oatmeal Breakfast Buffet and
• Cinnamon Maple Crunch Oatmeal.
Grain-free? No problem! My simple Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Porridge is a delicious grain-free alternative to oatmeal, as shown in the photo at right!
Homemade Granola
And continuing on the topic of healthy alternatives to processed cereals, homemade gluten-free granola has all the crunch-appeal and sweet flavor of cereal without any health detriments.
Grain-free? Again, no problem, my delicious Grain-Free Cinnamon Crunch Granola is amazing, and so easy to make, as shown in the photo!
Breakfast Sandwiches
There are lots of ways to build a quick-n-easy breakfast sandwich that’s as healthy as it is delicious …
• Transform leftover biscuits into Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits – a great breakfast for families on-the-go … No biscuits, no problem. Simply substitute with your favorite wholesome toasted bread or bagel.
• Use leftover waffles to assemble a wonderful waffle sandwich, or leftover pancakes to create Nut Butter & Jam Pancake Sandwiches.
• And don’t forget about breakfast wraps! A little salsa, cheese and scrambled eggs can magically transform into a delicious Breakfast Burrito or Breakfast Tostada.
An Egg-cellent Way to Start the Day!
Eggs are packed with protein and nutrients, including the important B-complex vitamin choline, which is associated with better neurological function. And they’re so quick and easy to prepare.
Whether it’s a simple Toad in the Hole or a quick Veggie Egg Scramble with your favorite add-ins, you’ll be serving up a hearty breakfast that will keep your kids fully energized and ready to learn!
Got More Than 15 Minutes to Spare?
Weekends are a great time to try new breakfast recipes and to cook-up double or triple batches of your favorite breakfast staples in order to save time later (as mentioned above). That way, you’ll knock out at least two days or more worth of breakfasts, rather than just one.
Here are some of my favorite breakfast foods that can easily be doubled (or tripled for that matter):
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French Toast
- Biscuits
- Muffins
- Boiled eggs
Storing breakfast foods:
The following homemade breakfast foods can be individually wrapped and stored in airtight containers in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, no need to thaw – simply place in a 200°F oven to reheat until warmed.
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French Toast
- Biscuits, whole grain (be sure to cut in half first before freezing)
The homemade breakfast foods listed below are best stored in the refrigerator (not freezer). Simply place in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. When ready to serve, place in a 200°F oven to reheat until warmed.
- Biscuits, almond flour (be sure to cut in half first before freezing)
- Muffins (especially almond flour muffins)
- Boiled eggs
- Yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
More healthy breakfast ideas & recipes …
Some of our favorite weekend breakfast recipes can be found in the breakfast section of this site and on my breakfast pinterest board. Again, these recipes can easily be doubled or tripled and stored in the fridge or freezer for a super-quick weekday breakfast!
I also encourage you to pop over to KitchenAid to check out my quick and easy Grab-n-Go Pancake Muffins that can be made in less than 30 minutes, plus they reheat beautifully, so why not bake a double batch!
Three cheers for healthy breakfasts that are as easy to prepare, healthy and delicious!
Joyfully Serving HIM, Kelly
Nicole says
What a great post – and a great reminder! I started microwaving 2 eggs in the morning and making a breakfast burrito. As long as I keep the sour cream in check, it keeps me filled up all morning! I always find myself *starving* by mid-morning if I eat cold cereal.
Blessings,
Nicole @ WKH
Kelly says
So glad you found this breakfast round-up helpful! Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind note. Blessings, Kelly 🙂
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom says
Sharing on FB right now – love the fast ideas, Kelly!
Kelly says
Thanks, Adrienne! I appreciate you sharing this! Blessings to you, sweet friend, Kelly
MoneeC says
What an awesome site. Great recipes! I am inspired and encouraged! Thanks! God bless!
Kelly says
Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind note. Your sweet encouragement is a blessing! 🙂
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Ooo, I love the sound of pancake muffins! Headed over to see the recipe…
Kelly says
Thanks so much, Sylvie! You are such an encourager. I really appreciate your kind friendship! 🙂
Katie@SimpleFoody says
What a great list! I’ll be printing this off for later inspiration in menu planning.
Kelly says
Thanks, Katie! So good to hear from you! Hope you and your family are doing well! xo