It’s often hard to take the time to make a filling and satisfying breakfast on a weekday morning. The solution setting aside time to do some breakfast meal prep. That way, you’ll have food waiting for you in the morning and all you need to do is heat it up or simply grab it and go. Try one of these 21 make-ahead breakfast recipes to prep on the weekend and prepare yourself for the busy week ahead!
Why meal prep for breakfast?
Less stress. When you get up breakfast is already done so you have one less thing to do as you’re trying to get out the door on a weekday morning. It’s also one less decision to make in the morning since you already decided what’s for breakfast when you prepped it.
Save money. You won’t spend money buying food on the way to work. It’s almost always cheaper to make breakfast at home than buying prepared food at a cafe, convenience store, or fast food place.
Save time. You don’t need to spend any time making breakfast beyond warming something up in the microwave or pulling a container out of the fridge and putting it in your backpack or work bag. That extra time in the morning adds up over the week.
Eat healthier. You make healthier food choices when you make decisions about what to eat ahead of time, rather than when you’re rushed or hungry. Also, eating a filling breakfast will decrease the likelihood that you grab a sugary snack mid-morning to hold yourself over until lunch.
What makes a good meal prep breakfast?
You should consider several factors when deciding what to meal prep for breakfast.
- The meal must be able to last 3-4 days after you make it.
- Pick meals that taste good reheated (e.g., frittata), or can be eaten straight out of the fridge (e.g. yogurt parfait), or can be eaten at room temperature (e.g., granola bar).
- Try to choose meals that include some fiber and protein so that it’s filling.
- Pick meals that can be portioned out into individual containers so you can grab it out of the fridge and go.
Remember that you don’t need to prep breakfast for every day of the week. Even if you only plan to prep breakfast meals for 3-4 days each week that’s going to save you time, money, and stress during the week. I rarely prep food for the weekends because I want to be able to be spontaneous will my meals on days that I have more time.
Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes: Oatmeal
Oats are a very versatile option for breakfast. You can make them on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the microwave, bake them, or skip the cooking part and make overnight oats. For toppings, you can use fresh fruit, dried fruit, peanut butter, chopped nuts, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc. Try one of these variations of oats for meal prepping breakfast.
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal via Nutritious Minimalist
Slow Cooker Banana Steel-Cut Oats via Nutritious Minimalist
Easy Overnight Oats via Feel Good Foodie
How to Make Oatmeal: 4 Methods via Nutritious Minimalist
6 Amazing Ways to Cook Oats in the Instant Pot via Simply Quinoa
Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes: Eggs
If you like more savory breakfasts, eggs may be the way to go. Eggs are another breakfast food that can be made a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for make-ahead breakfasts that center around eggs. There’s also a tofu scramble recipe if you want a vegan version of scrambled eggs.
Breakfast Casserole with Vegetables and Sausage via Nutritious Minimalist
Breakfast Egg Muffins – 9 Ways via Life Made Sweeter
Make Ahead Microwaveable Breakfast Scrambles via Budget Bytes
Tofu Scramble via Sweet Peas and Saffron
5-Minute Breakfast Hash via The Lean Green Bean
Sandwich, Burrito, and Breakfast Bowl Recipes
If you prefer sandwiches, burritos, or a bowl-type meal, try one of these modifiable recipes.
Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches via Pinch of Yum
Meal Prep Freezer Breakfast Burritos via The Girl on Bloor
Sweet Potato Hash Protein Bowl via Fit Foodie Finds
Muffin, Pancakes, Waffles, and Quick Bread Recipes
If baked goods or sweeter breakfasts are more your preference, you’ll enjoy these healthy baking recipes.
Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins via Nutritious Minimalist
No Flipping Meal Prep Protein Pancakes (Sheet Pan) via Sweet Peas and Saffron
Whole Wheat Waffles via A Mind “Full” Mom
Snack-Type Breakfast Recipes
If you want snack-type food for breakfast, try homemade granola bars, yogurt parfait, or energy balls. These options are also good if you want something more sweet than savory.
Yogurt with Fruit and Homemade Granola Breakfast Meal Prep via Carmy Run Eat Travel
Meal Prep Protein Balls 5 Ways (No Bake) via The Girl on Bloor
Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars via Minimalist Baker
Meal Prep Chia Pudding via Downshiftology
Meal Prep Ninja Breakfast Cookies via Carrots N Cake