Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (2024)

Here are my go-to healthy meal prep breakfast recipes that can be prepared ahead of time. Each recipe has make-ahead instructions.

Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (1)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not just because your stomach is empty and needs food but it sets the tone for the rest of the day. In my experience, the food I choose first thing in the morning laysthe groundwork for the food I eat throughout the day. So if I’m a hot mess in the morning, and stop at the drive thru for breakfast, then my brain is already going into junk food mode. Not good. If I start my day with a green smoothie and a hard boiled egg then I’m more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day. I don’t know if there’s real science behind that theory but it works for me. For this reason, I do my absolute best to start the day with a healthy breakfast.

The only way I can guarantee a healthy breakfast every morning is by preparing breakfast recipes ahead of time. I know big surprise, Tammy’s talking about meal prep again. Trust me, if your mornings look anything like mine meal prep is a must. I can no longer trust myself to “fly by the seat of my pants” breakfast recipes. That doesn’t work for me anymore. I don’t think it ever did. I need breakfast to be ready to eat and preferably easy to eat on the go.

Breakfast recipes can be made ahead of time a couple different ways. You can prepare 1-2 recipes once a week during Sunday meal prep and/or when feeling motivated you can stock the freezer with a bunch of different breakfast recipes. I tend to do both. I take a day every month or so to prepare a bunch of breakfast burritos, smoothie kits, or muffins for the freezer. I will also make a breakfast recipe every Sunday if I need to.

Freezer Smoothie Packs

Most green smoothie recipes can be made into a smoothie freezer kit. Having kits in the freezer ensures you will have all the ingredients needed for a healthy green smoothie every morning.

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Here are my favorite green smoothie recipes.

Detox Green Smoothie

Mango Berry Green Smoothie

Raspberry Superfood Smoothie

Just Peachy Green Smoothie

Apple Ginger Green Smoothie

Banana Peanut Butter Green Smoothie

Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked oatmeal cups are the perfect portion-controlled bite of oatmeal. After the baked oatmeal is cooled, stick them in a freezer bag, and freeze. Sometimes I wrap the baked oatmeal in plastic wrap first. This works great when you want to throw one in your bag or lunch.

Take out the amount you want to eat and warm up (one at time) in the microwave for a couple minutes. I suggest putting a coffee mug of water in the microwave as the oatmeal cook. This helps to keep the baked oatmeal from drying out.

Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (6)

Here are my favorite baked oatmeal cup recipes.

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups

Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups

Steel Cut Oatmeal

Steel cut oatmeal is perfect for a make-ahead breakfast because it freezes and reheats beautifully. I often make a huge batch in the slow cooker once a month and thenportion out into 10- 12 breakfasts. I use these plastic meal prep containers to portion out and store my steel cut oats. I might need to add a little milk or water to the steel cut outs to loosen it up as it cooks but other than that it taste like you just made it.

This is what the oatmeal (and other meals) look like stacked in my freezer. You can also freeze steel cut oatmeal using a muffin pan, here are the instructions.

Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (8)

Here are my favorite slow cooker steel cut oat recipes.

  • Slow Cooker Morning Glory Steel Cut Oats
  • Slow Cooker Apple Harvest Steel Cut Oats
  • Slow Cooker Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oats
    Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats

Breakfast Bowls

I love breakfast bowls! When I’m in the mood for something other than a green smoothieI turn to a hearty tasty egg and quinoa breakfast bowl. These are filled with protein and will keep you satisfied all morning. If that wasn’t enough, these breakfast bowls freeze and reheat perfect. Again, I use these containers to create portion-controlled meals. I reheat it in the microwave and within a couple minutes I have a delicious wholesome breakfast.

Here are my favorites breakfast bowl recipes.

Bacon and Kale Quinoa Bowls

Sausage and Cheese Quinoa Bowls

Greek Quinoa Bowls

Breakfast Burritos

One of the first recipes I ever made for the freezer was a breakfast burrito. My kids love these and it makes morning go very smooth when I can warm up a couple of burritos as we head out to school. It also saves money too because we are not heading to the drive thru for a processed zero nutrition breakfast burrito or sandwich.

After I make a batch or two of burritos I wrap each one in plastic wrap or foil and then place into a large freezer bag and stick in the freezer. To warm up I unwrap the burrito, place in a paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until the inside is hot. To keep the edges from drying out use the same trick I mentioned with the baked oatmeal. Put a cup of water in with the burrito as it cooks. The steam from the water keeps the edges soft.

Here are my favorite recipes.

Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

Mushroom and Cheddar Breakfast Burrito

Egg Bakes

Egg bakes are like breakfast bowls but baked. I like to make these on Sunday and keep them stored in the refrigerator all week. I use glass Pyrex containers or tupperwarefor this. You could also portion out the breakfast bake and freeze using these plastic containers. Warm up in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (11)

Here are my favorite egg bakes.

Ham and Swiss Quinoa Egg Bake

Spinach and Feta Egg Bake

Broccoli and Cheddar Egg Bake

Muffins

You can’t go wrong with muffins! Muffins recipes are easy to make, freeze and reheat perfectly, and can be filled with all kinds of wholesome goodness. It’s a great way to curb a sweet tooth while still getting in some fiber and protein. After I make a batch of muffins I let them cool completely, afterwards I place the muffins into a bag, and then store in the freezer. Start off by laying the bag of muffins flat so they don’t stick together. After the muffins freeze place the bag wherever you want in the freezer. The muffins will thaw in about 45 minutes so take one out an hour or so before you are ready to eat. You can even warm up in microwave for a few seconds.

  • Blueberry and Banana Muffins
    Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
  • Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffns
  • Raspberry Almond Muffins

Banana Nutella Muffins

Morning Glory Muffins

Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Chip Muffins

Breakfast Cookies

Breakfast cookies are some of my favorite grab and go breakfast recipes. My kids love them too because really what kid doesn’t want a cookie for breakfast? Little do they know each cookie has wholesome oats, whole wheat flour, protein-rich nuts, and other nutritious goodies. I have my kiddos enjoy a breakfast cookie with a yogurt or smoothie so they get a well-rounded breakfast. Just like the muffins you can freeze these and take out 45 minutes before you are ready to eat. My kids also like breakfast cookies in their lunches and for an after-school snack.

Here are my favorite breakfast cookie recipes.

Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies

Pecan and Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Breakfast Bars

Overnight oats

Last but not leastwe have overnight oats. Overnight oats recipes are either loved or hated. Personally, I love them. Each recipe is so easy to make and you can make up to 5 jars ahead of time for the week. If you don’t have time in the morning to eat it then just throw a jar in your bag and head to work. I recommend stirring in a little milk beforehand because the oats usually need a little liquid to loosen things up.

Almond Joy Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Blueberry Banana Overnight Oats

Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Chocolate Mint Brownie Overnight Oats

Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 keys to successful meal prepping? ›

Follow these three steps and you'll be planning and prepping nutritious and delicious meals that fit your preferences and lifestyle!
  • Step 1: Make a Menu. First, think about your approach to meal planning — do you: ...
  • Step 2: Stock Your Pantry and Freezer with the Five Food Groups. ...
  • Step 3: Keep a Running Grocery List.
Jul 18, 2019

Can you meal prep eggs and bacon? ›

Q: Can you meal prep eggs and bacon? A: Yes, you can fry the bacon and cook the eggs, and then store them in containers until you need them. Just make sure you add any fresh tomatoes or other side dishes only right before eating.

Can you meal prep scrambled egg whites? ›

Yes, you can! Meal prepping eggs is a great way to save time and ensure that you have a healthy and protein-packed breakfast ready to go each morning.

Should I meal prep my breakfast? ›

Eating a healthy breakfast during the week is easy when you meal prep. Prepping for meals ahead that you're going to eat all week long can be knocked out on a Saturday or Sunday, making the weekdays less stressful.

What is the 3 meal rule? ›

The three meals per day concept originated with Englanders who achieved financial prosperity. European settlers brought their eating habits with them to America. Unfortunately, practicing antiquated, meal etiquette often causes you to consume calories when you're not hungry.

Can you lose weight by meal prepping? ›

Meal Prepping Is Linked to Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention. Takeout meals are almost always higher in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium than those prepared at home, says Syn. That explains why meal prepping has been linked to weight loss and obesity prevention.

Is it OK to eat bacon and eggs every morning? ›

For example, eggs typically are eaten with other foods high in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, such as bacon, cheese and butter. These foods are known to increase heart disease risk and should be eaten sparingly. Most healthy people can eat up to seven eggs a week without affecting their heart health.

How long can you meal prep scrambled eggs? ›

How long do meal prep eggs last in the fridge? Cooked eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing them up.

Should I cook bacon or eggs first? ›

You fry bacon on a skillet, then after the bacon is crispy, fry eggs in the bacon grease. Garnish your plate with toast or fruit.

Can you meal prep pancakes? ›

Make sure the pancakes are completely cool, then put them in a meal prep box or another airtight container. Keep them in the fridge up to 1 week.

Should you add milk when scrambling eggs? ›

Adding milk or plain water to scrambled eggs is an optional step that affects the texture of your finished dish. For creamy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg. For fluffy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of water for every egg.

Can you meal prep rice? ›

Rice and grain bowls make great meal preps! They can chill in your fridge for up to four days and are freezer-friendly in most cases. The cool thing about meal prepping rice is that many times, microwaving it can fix any rice issues you had when cooking it.

What is the best breakfast to meal prep? ›

Breakfast Meal Prep Recipes
  • Double Chocolate Overnight Oats. ...
  • Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats. ...
  • Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos. ...
  • Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls 6 Ways. ...
  • Country Breakfast Bowls. ...
  • Lemon Berry Yogurt Breakfast Bowls. ...
  • Make Ahead Microwave Breakfast Scrambles. ...
  • Make Ahead Seeded Oats.

Should I skip breakfast even if I'm hungry? ›

In general, Senn recommends eating within an hour of waking up, but only if you feel hungry. Some people don't crave a morning meal, and that's okay. If your body runs best with breakfast, solid starts include: Oatmeal with nuts and bananas.

Should you eat breakfast every morning? ›

Summary. A healthy breakfast has many health benefits, so try not to skip it. Breakfast replenishes the stores of energy and nutrients in your body. People who do not have breakfast may not meet their recommended daily intakes of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

What are 3 factors to consider when planning a meal? ›

These include meal occasion, who will be eating, whether the food will be eaten out or at home, dietary needs, religious, cultural or ethical beliefs, the cost and availability of ingredients; current healthy eating advice and/or personal preferences.

What is the key to meal prepping? ›

Prepping for Meal Prep

Start a monthly calendar or spreadsheet to record your meal ideas, favorite recipe sites, and food shopping lists. Collect healthy recipes. Clip recipes from print magazines and newspapers and save in a binder, or copy links of recipes onto an online spreadsheet.

What are the steps to successful meal prep? ›

  1. Meal planning and prepping are wonderful skills to have in your personal health and wellness tool kit. ...
  2. Start small. ...
  3. Consider each food group. ...
  4. Get organized. ...
  5. Invest in quality storage containers. ...
  6. Keep a well-stocked pantry. ...
  7. Keep a variety of spices on hand. ...
  8. Shop your pantry first.
Aug 20, 2020

How do I become successful at meal prepping? ›

10 top tips to make meal prep easier
  1. Start with lunch. ...
  2. Make a meal plan. ...
  3. Make one-pot dishes to minimise washing up. ...
  4. Use a slow cooker to do the work for you. ...
  5. Use shortcuts. ...
  6. Use multi-purpose ingredients. ...
  7. Stock up on storage. ...
  8. Track your favourite meals.

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