Breakfast Recipes for Kids
Getting that morning meal onto the table and into the kids can feel so daunting (especially if you’re short on sleep from nighttime with the kids!). But having a list of go-to recipes that are easy, healthy, and picky-eater-approved can be a big giant help. Use this list to take the work out of coming up with healthy breakfast recipes for your entire family, little kids included.
Best Breakfasts with Kids
These breakfast recipes include whole grains, minimal amounts of added sugar, are easy to make and chew, and have flavors that the kids will enjoy. Most of them can also be prepared in advance if you like to meal prep recipes ahead of time. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
Each week, I try to make at least one breakfast recipe ahead of time so I can have a quick option on hand. Then, I can work in some other easy foods like cereal and yogurt. If you aim to include 1-2 food groups per breakfast as your minimum, you can relax in knowing that the chances of your kids getting a balanced mix of nutrients over the course of the entire day are good. TIP: You can add fruit, milk, or an easy whole grain side like toast or cereal to round out recipes as needed.
Breakfast Recipes for Eggs
Start the day with protein-packed meals for kids with these healthy egg recipes. Each is easy to make and can be made in advance. There are great options here for babies, toddlers, and parents! TIP: You can make all of these ahead of time and store in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container. (Though follow the instructions for storage in the Breakfast Burrito recipe.)
Breakfast Recipes for Kids with Dairy
Yogurt, kefir, milk, cottage cheese…all are great options to provide calcium, vitamin D and protein at the morning meal. And most dairy recipes are super easy to make too! Choose whole milk dairy when possible for kids since they need the fat for proper development.
Smoothie Recipes for Kids
Pack in produce, protein, and yummy flavor all in one easy to drink recipe with these kid-friendly smoothie recipes. Serve them in a cup or a reusable pouch. TIP: For any reluctant smoothie drinkers, try asking them what color they’d like to make, let them add the ingredients to the blender, and start with a very small portion to avoid overwhelming them.
Easy Breakfast Recipes for Waffles, Pancakes, and French Toast
These breakfast recipes may seem like weekend staples, but having a stash of leftovers or extras in the fridge can be such a giant help come busy weekdays! TIP: To freeze leftover pancakes and waffles, let cool fully on a wire rack, then freeze in a gallon size zip top bag with pieces of parchment in between each so they don’t freeze together.
Healthy Breakfast Bars
Grab-and-go breakfast bars, granola bars, and oatmeal bars are a nutritious (and easy!) way to start the day for kids and parents alike. TIP: Each of these can be frozen so you can stash half of a batch for later in the month if you’d like.
Best Healthy Muffin Recipes
Pick a flavor profile you and the kids enjoy and bake up a batch of healthy muffins with whole grains and minimal added sugars. TIP: You can store these muffins in the fridge or freezer for future easy meals.
Best Oatmeal Recipes
Oatmeal is easy and packed with the healthy complex carbs that kids (and adults!) need, and these recipes are toddler-approved. And check out my baby oatmeal recipe here. TIP: You can make any of these ahead of time, store in the fridge, and reheat on weekday mornings.
Favorite Quick Breakfast Recipes for Kids
Healthy breakfasts for kids don’t have to take forever to prepare! Here are some of my favorite quick and easy ideas.
Best Tips for Success
Start with smaller portions and allow more according to hunger.Remember that appetite in kids normally ebbs and flows, and some may be hungrier in the morning than others. A range is very normal.Use nondairy milk, yogurt, and cheese as needed.Use gluten-free cup for cup flour blend in baking and gluten-free alternatives as needed.Check the Notes under each recipe for tips on making each without eggs.
What’s your favorite healthy breakfast recipe for kids? Chime in below to add it if I didn’t include it on my list!
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This post was first published December 2019.