23 Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes

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Who here eats breakfast every morning? I do! It’s really not an option for me. I’ll turn into a shaking, starving, mumbling mess a few hours into the day if I skip it. Since my breakfast is mandatory (and I don’t like cereal, I know I know), I’ve found quite a few staple grab-and-go breakfasts over the years.

I’ve learned that breakfast “sweets” are not all created equally. Simple carbohydrates like all-purpose flour pancakes and pastries give me the shakes. Whole grains like oats keep me going for hours, especially when combined with nuts (or nut butter), yogurt and/or eggs.

You’ll find a variety of healthy options below, and you can view all of my breakfast recipes here. What are your favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes? Please let me know in the comments!

Food Storage & Reheating Tips

Muffins, quick breads, pancakes, waffles and granola all freeze well. Just let them cool and transfer them to freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as reasonably possible before sealing them up.
How to reheat muffins and pancakes: I warm them up in the microwave (don’t overdo it, or they’ll get tough). If you have the foresight to let them defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator, you can warm them in a low temperature oven.
How to reheat quick breads, like banana bread: Slice them before freezing. To defrost one at a time, gently warm in your toaster until heated through. They can be tricky to get out of the toaster, so I like these toast tongs (affiliate link) for that. Or, you can microwave or warm your slices in the oven.
How to reheat waffles: Waffles are best reheated in the toaster (again, don’t overdo it or you’ll burn your waffles).
Homemade granola: Granola stays fresh in the freezer a lot longer than it will in your pantry. It doesn’t require any defrosting, but you might let it rest for a few minutes before eating because sometimes dried fruit freezes rock-hard.

1) Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Gluten free and easily vegan

These steel-cut oats are so simple and so delicious. They taste like apple pie for breakfast.

2) Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Gluten free

This baked oatmeal is hearty and individual servings reheat beautifully. Make one and you’ll have breakfast ready for the whole week!

3) Healthy Banana Bread

See notes for dietary substitutions

This super popular banana bread recipe is made with 100% whole grains and naturally sweetened. Spread almond butter on a slice and it’ll keep you full for a while!

4) Breakfast Burritos

Vegetarian

These irresistible breakfast burritos freeze and defrost beautifully for busy mornings.

5) My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding

Gluten free and vegan

This chia seed pudding is flavored with fresh orange zest and it tastes like a treat!

6) Easy Gluten Free Oat Waffles

Gluten free and freezer friendly

The waffles are my favorite of all waffle recipes and they’re gluten free! Oat flour is the only flour you’ll need for these, and it’s easy to make in the food processor if you have oats on hand. These waffles freeze great, as do all of my other waffles. Just pop them in the toaster and keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

7) Maple-Sweetened Pumpkin Muffins with Oats

Freezer friendly

These fluffy, whole grain muffins have been a hit since day one! I like to serve mine with a swipe of almond butter on top. They freeze great for later.

8) Perfect Steel-Cut Oats

Gluten free and vegan

These are the creamiest steel-cut oats you’ll ever have. Make a big batch and you can change up the toppings every morning to suit your cravings.

9) Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa

Gluten free and vegan

Quinoa for breakfast? This really tastes like cinnamon toast, so you can’t go wrong.

10) No-Bake Granola Bars

Gluten free, easily vegan and freezer friendly

These no-bake granola bars are the perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast. Store them individually wrapped in the freezer so they’re always ready to go.

11) Banana Coconut Muffins

Freezer friendly

I love these hearty, honey-sweetened, whole grain muffins. You can add any mix-ins you’d like, such as toasted nuts or dried cranberries.

12) Overnight Oats

Gluten free and vegan

Overnight oats are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, especially when it’s warm outside!

13) Frittatas (Stovetop or Baked)

Gluten free

These frittatas are just as suitable for weekend brunch as they are for quick weekday breakfasts. They reheat quickly.

14) The Very Best Granola

Gluten free and vegan

I don’t casually throw around terms like “best.” This granola really is the best!

15) Homemade Bircher Muesli

Gluten free and vegan

Bircher muesli is a Swiss take on overnight oats. Make this in the fall!

16) Pancake Mix

Whole wheat

This pancake mix makes it easier to whip up pancakes from scratch on busy mornings. The dry blend is ready, so you whisk together the liquid portion and stir it in.

17) Orange & Almond Granola

Gluten free and easily vegan

I’m completely smitten with this granola. The natural orange flavor really shines and plays so nicely with the almonds.

18) Muesli

Gluten free and vegan

Muesli is like lightened-up granola (less sweetener and oil). Think of it like nutritious homemade cereal.

19) Banana Oat Pancakes

Gluten free and freezer friendly

These popular banana pancakes freeze marvelously! I just reheat them in the microwave, wrapped in a paper towel, turning halfway through cooking. They’re great with peanut butter or almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.

20) Freezer Breakfast Burritos with Sweet Potato Hash and Black Beans

Freezer friendly

These burritos are so good that it’s hard to save them for later, but they do freeze well! Just reheat in the microwave and add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa. Your savory breakfast is served.

21) The Easiest Berry Chia Jam

Gluten free and vegan

Turn frozen berries into chia jam! Dollop it generously—it’s almost all fruit, after all.

22) Homemade Almond Butter

Gluten free and vegan

Homemade almond butter is so luxurious and rich, you won’t believe it’s good for you. But it is!

23) Cold Brew Coffee

Gluten free and vegan (well, unless you add dairy)

Here’s one extra way to simplify your morning routine—make cold brew coffee on the weekend, and your coffee is ready to go for the rest of the week.

More resources you might appreciate: 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You might also like my monthly seasonal produce guides and essential kitchen tools. View all roundups and resource posts here.

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