13 Healthy Kids Breakfast Ideas

Last Updated on September 17, 2023

Coming up with kids’ breakfast ideas for the  “most important meal of the day” can seem like a lot of pressure. Breakfast provides the energy and nutrients our bodies need to start the day off right. But it’s also the meal that can seem the most rushed and hectic, especially on a busy weekday morning.

So, getting kids to eat a healthy and nutritionally complete breakfast is important. And kid-friendly breakfast recipes that are grab-and-go breakfasts are a win-win. 

13 Kids Breakfast Ideas for Healthy, Quick, Morning-Of Prep

The mornings are a tough time to get creative. Whether you’re a busy mom, on-the-go dad, or tired stay-at-home parent. Especially with school-age kids and working parents, it’s never easy to come up with healthy breakfast foods that are also feasible to make in the morning.

We did the work for you! Try these ideas for quick and healthy breakfast options for the kids (and adults) in your house:

Overnight oats topped with fruit, granola, and (even extra smoothie) are nutrient-packed and easy.

1 – Overnight oats

You’ve probably heard of this refrigerated riff on oatmeal. This make-ahead breakfast is as easy as mixing oats, milk, and your child’s favorite fruit in a jar and leaving it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, they can grab the jar and go.

Plus, there are so many versions and recipes for overnight oats. You can use your favorite fillings, almond or oat milk, or even a scoop of protein powder. And these overnight oats become a go-to kids’ breakfast idea. 

2 – Egg muffins

These mini quiches are easy to make and can be customized with your child’s favorite vegetables. Simply beat a few eggs and mix in diced vegetables and cheese. Pour the mixture into a muffin tin and bake for about 15 minutes.

Another reason to love these? You can freeze them. If you don’t think your family will eat a dozen egg bites in a week, freeze a batch of them. When you’re ready to eat, simply wrap in a paper towel and microwave from frozen for 30 seconds or until you have a warm fluffy egg again. 

3 – Banana and peanut butter wrap

Spread a whole-grain tortilla with peanut butter or seed butter and sliced or mashed bananas, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. If you have a picky eater and want to swap out the tortilla for a slice of bread, naan, or English muffin, that works too.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some honey or raisins for extra flavor and nutrients. This is an easy kids’ breakfast idea that can be eaten on the go.

A superfood smoothie is a great way to pack a punch with nutrients in a tasty way.

4 – Breakfast smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to pack in nutrients and can be customized with your child’s favorite fruit. Especially if you need a way to get extra nutrition on a busy morning. Try blending frozen fruit, yogurt, and a little milk (plant-based or cow’s milk both work) or water for a quick and healthy breakfast. Add a scoop of protein powder or your favorite super greens blend to make this a protein-packed kids’ breakfast idea. 

Smoothies are a delicious way to get your kid to eat baby spinach, chia seeds, and other fresh fruit they may otherwise reject. Use a little maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten the smoothie while avoiding excess refined sugars which lead to a sugar crash.

breakfast burrito eggs and cheese

A scrambled egg and bacon breakfast burrito is packed with extra protein.

5 – Breakfast burritos

These can be made ahead of time and frozen, then just heated up in the morning. Especially if you want a kid’s breakfast idea that’s a savory recipe. Breakfast burritos are a protein-packed breakfast with healthy fats.

Fill a whole grain tortilla with scrambled eggs, cheese, diced ham, and diced vegetables. Crumble up leftover sausage patties and use diced tomatoes, avocado, and cheddar cheese instead. There are lots of ways to make a kid-friendly breakfast burrito.

6 – Omelet in a mug

This single-serving omelet is made in the microwave and can be customized with your child’s favorite vegetables and cheese. Simply beat an egg in a mug, mix in the desired toppings, and microwave for about a minute. 

Want another way to prep eggs quickly? Try a Dash waffle maker. A quick cook time later, and you have a perfectly-cooked egg. 

7 – Whole grain waffles with fruit

Top a toasted whole grain waffle with sliced fruit and a drizzle of honey for a tasty breakfast. You can quickly pop a frozen waffle into the maker while you slice up strawberries and bananas to go on top. 

If you have time to whip up homemade waffles, try using our protein pancake batter idea (listed next!) as the same batter for waffles. Prepping this kid’s breakfast idea the night before is also an option – just cook, refrigerate, and heat up in the microwave the morning-of.

pancakes with hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, sliced bananas, and strawberries

Pancakes topped with fruit (and maybe in a small spoonful of Nutella) is sure to be a hit!

8 – Protein Pancakes with a side of sausage

Make a batch of protein pancakes and serve with a side of scrambled eggs and fruit. You can easily make a Greek yogurt pancake for added protein. Using Greek yogurt, flour, eggs, milk, and a rising agent (baking powder and soda), you can quickly create a protein-packed pancake mix that still looks and tastes like the fluffy pancakes we all love.

Pancakes are similar to smoothies in that they’re great for added bonus extra nutrients. Plus, you can make a griddle full of pancakes the night before, refrigerate, and zap it in the microwave the morning-of for even quicker breakfast preparation.

There’s a delicious way to incorporate overripe bananas into your batter for extra nutritional value.

brunch with pancakes sausage eggs and bacon

The ultimate breakfast bar spread will please all eaters.

9 – DIY breakfast bar

If you need a fast and easy idea for breakfast that all kids love, try a breakfast bar or buffet. Set out a variety of whole grain cereals, nuts, dried fruit, and milk for a DIY breakfast bar.

Especially for fussy eaters, the breakfast bar idea makes sure they fill up on something they like. Lay out a variety of balanced food groups for healthy eating. And leave the rest up to them.

10 – Breakfast muffins

Make a batch of breakfast muffins with whole grain flour, vegetables, and protein. Not all breakfast muffins have to be sweet. These are great kids’ breakfast ideas for savory additions like diced ham or sausage and cheese muffins. Try this savory breakfast muffin recipe as a starting point.

Breakfast muffins are great for the entire family. They are an easy meal to prep in advance. Use rolled oats or whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier version of any muffin recipe.

11 – Breakfast quesadillas or tacos

breakfast tacos bacon

Breakfast tacos or quesadillas… make it easy by wrapping it in a tortilla!

Fill a whole-grain tortilla with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies for a quick and tasty breakfast. Similar to the burrito, you can use simple ingredients. If you opt for a quesadilla, you’re going to cook the quesadilla after it’s filled with the required ingredients. So you can get creative with extra veggies and cheese. For tacos, just throw whatever you prep into a tortilla, and voila! 

Try using a leftover slice of breakfast meat from the day before, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs. Chop everything up, fold over the tortilla, and press in a panini or quesadilla maker to melt the flavors. You could even make a sweet version using flavored cream cheese, bananas, and honey. 

12 – Healthy breakfast cookies

Make a batch of whole-grain breakfast cookies with oats, nuts, and dried fruit. There are lots of healthy breakfast cookies out there – like these healthy morning glory breakfast cookies or chocolate chip banana oatmeal cookies.

For the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast during the school year, these healthy breakfast cookies are a winner. If you want to make muffins instead of cookies, simply alter your base recipe slightly and line a tray with muffin tins. Check out these!

13 – Yogurt parfait

If smoothies and breakfast cereal aren’t an option, try a yogurt parfait. It’s a similar breakfast menu item that’s easy to make at home. Just layer Greek yogurt, crunchy granola, and sliced fresh fruit. You could even top it with honey, coconut flakes, or frozen blueberries.

For a school breakfast morning, prep your parfaits in a mason jar so you can take it in the car or on the go. This is one of the easiest kid breakfast ideas because you can grab and go!

Healthy, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Kids Breakfasts Ideas

By offering a variety of healthy breakfast options, you can set your child up for a successful day of learning and activities. Whether you need healthy toddler breakfast ideas or just kid-friendly breakfast recipes that are fast and easy, give these a try. 

For more tips and recipes, check out the JustCook blog