5 On-the-Go Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is brain food, but it can be a challenge to feed the kids healthfully and get out the door in time for school. These 5 simple on-the-go breakfasts will give your kids the energy to get through the morning -- without sucking up your time, too.


Dressed-up Yogurt

This is a quick way to add sweetness and crunch to plain yogurt. You'll get the nutritious benefits of yogurt without the excess sugar so often found in flavored yogurts.

Dressed-up Yogurt

What you need:

7 oz container plain yogurt (I recommend Greek yogurt)

1 Tbsp. raspberry jam (or any other favorite - raspberry just happens to be mine)

1 tsp. honey

2 Tbsp. toasted almonds, roughly chopped

Combine all ingredients in the yogurt container. Grab a spoon and go!

Extra: Any jam or nut combination can be added. Pair strawberry jam with pistachios for a colorful alternative.

Kicked-Up Quesadilla

These healthy quesadillas get a bright, fresh kick from the addition of tangy Granny Smith apples. Prepped and ready in less than 5 minutes, it's the perfect meal to munch as you head out to the car.

Kicked-Up Quesadilla

What you need:

2 flour tortillas (regular or whole-wheat)

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar

several thin slices of a Granny Smith apple

Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over one tortilla. Scatter the apple slices on top of the cheese and top with the remaining tortilla. Microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts. For a crisper tortilla, use a large skillet and crisp for 1-2 minutes on both sides, until the cheese is melted. Cut into 6-8 wedges.

Breakfast Pizza Margherita

Now you can let the kids have pizza for breakfast with this healthy English muffin-version. The tang of the tomatoes, the creaminess from the cheese and the fresh burst of basil are just as delicious in the morning.

Breakfast Pizza Margherita

What you need:

1 whole wheat english muffin

1 large slice of tomato

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

*optional fried egg

1 tsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Turn on your broiler.

Top one half of the English muffin with the sliced tomato and then shredded mozzarella. Place it on a baking sheet, along with the other half of the English muffin. Slide under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and browned in places. Remove from the oven and add the fried egg, if desired, and the fresh basil. Top with the other half of the English muffin.

Crepes On-the-Run

While crepes may not seem like a quick go-to breakfast, with a little planning you can enjoy homemade crepes any day of the week. Simply make a large batch of crepes, refrigerate or freeze, then enjoy all week long.

Crepes On-the-Run

Makes about 15 crepes

What you need:

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup flour

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

3 Tbsp. melted butter

1/4 tsp. salt

additional butter, for coating the pan

Blend all of the ingredients until completely incorporated (an immersion or regular blender works well for this). Let batter chill in the fridge for at least one hour. (This allows the bubbles to subside, making your batter nice and smooth.) Your batter can be made up to 48 hours in advance.

Heat an 8"-10" non-stick pan over medium-high. Add butter to coat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly (you want a very thin even layer of batter -- adjust amount of batter according to the size of pan you are using). Cook for 45 seconds and flip. Cook for another 20 seconds.

Refrigerate any leftover crepes in a resealable plastic bag with a sheet of wax paper between each crepe to prevent sticking. Well-sealed, they can be frozen for up to one month.

When you are ready for breakfast, kids can help fill their crepes with ham and cheese, fresh fruit and cream cheese, Nutella and bananas, peanut butter and jam or any combination that appeals.

Roll up crepes like a burrito or fold in quarters to make a simple, portable meal.

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

These fruity, creamy shakes are refreshing on a hot day. They come together in minutes, use ingredients that you most likely have on hand, and pack nutrition and energy in every satisfying sip.

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

What you need:

2 cups frozen berries or fruit

2 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate (or 1/2 cup orange juice)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup yogurt

1 frozen banana

1 Tbsp. honey

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until completely smooth.

*Optional: Add 1-2 Tbsp. of flax seeds to the blender for even more nutrition.