15 Kid-approved, easy breakfast ideas for school mornings

I can’t believe it’s already back to school time… Where did the summer go?! Maybe it’s just striking me more this year because it will be the first time my 4-year-old will attend school five days a week. Which, for me, means coming up with easy, on-the-go breakfast ideas for kids five days a week.

Around these parts, school starts bright and early—so I’ve been brainstorming some easy breakfast ideas that will keep him nourished until lunch and me a little saner in the rush of the mornings.

Here are some preschooler-approved recipes to make their mornings yummy and yours easy…

Frozen yogurt tubes

These not only make for great snacks, but awesome breakfasts on the go! My little guy always thinks these are “popsicles” as well, so maybe keep these on hand for those mornings that they claim they “aren’t hungry.” I usually just keep a box on hand in the freezer. Although Stonyfield is a favorite in our house, there are some great ideas for DIY yogurt tubes on Pinterest.

Pancake bites

Who doesn’t love pancakes?! I know we sure do. What I don’t love is standing over the stove and keeping an eye on them. My solution is these easy pancake bites! All you need to do with these is whip them up, pour them into a muffin tin and let them bake. Super easy and yummy!

Cereal bars

Another great back-to-school recipe is for these delicious cereal bars. Make these ahead on a Sunday and you will be prepared for the Monday morning hustle and bustle. Plus, what they may lack in terms of nutrition, they make up for in the “always willing to eat” department.

Breakfast burritos

These are great to keep in the freezer and are packed with protein rather than sugar—which means I know my kiddo will be nourished and happy until lunch.

Overnight French toast

I love anything I can make the night before, so I was automatically attracted to this recipe. And it didn’t disappoint: So easy to make and quick to clean up!

Veggie-packed muffins

Muffins are always on hand around here—and I especially love when I can sneak in a serving of vegetables. Whether it’s zucchini (as of late) or these pumpkin muffins for fall, these are definite faves for mama and kiddo.

Yogurt parfaits

These are a favorite of ours! I love to make them the night before and pull them out the next morning and top them with my little guy’s favorite cereal. Plus, my littler guy loves them, too.

Now armed with these recipes—that I fully intend on enjoying as well—the thought of school isn’t as intimidating. Now I just have to figure out a game-plan for lunch!

Almond milk pancakes

Source: On My Kids Plate 

Sometimes you just can’t beat a stack of pancakes, but on school mornings I need them quick and fuss free. These fluffy pancakes made with almond milk check all the boxes: soft, golden, and just the right amount of sweetness. I like to make a big batch on Sunday, then store extras in the fridge or freezer. Come Monday morning, I just pop them in the toaster or microwave, add a little fruit on the side, and breakfast is done. Bonus, they are dairy free so they are a great option if your little one has a sensitivity.

No-Bake protein energy balls

Source: Modern Honey

When mornings are a blur, these little bites are my secret weapon. Made with oats, peanut butter, honey and a few fun add ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, they come together in minutes with no oven required. I like to mix up a batch on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so the kids can grab one or two as we head out the door. They are sweet enough to feel like a treat but packed with enough good stuff to keep little tummies happy until lunch.

Breakfast egg muffins

Source: The Modern Proper 

I’m all about breakfast that’s ready before the morning chaos hits, and these bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño egg muffins are the real deal. They’re packed with protein, low in sugar and carbs, and you can make them ahead so kitchen time during the week is zero. A quick ten-minute make-ahead on a Sunday night and these are chilling in the fridge, ready to reheat. Plus the kiddos can help build them, so they’re as fun to make as they are to eat

Peanut butter banana roll ups

Source: Happy Foods Tube  

When breakfast time is feeling hectic, these roll ups are my little lifesaver. All you need is a tortilla, a smear of peanut butter and a banana and it comes together in under five minutes. I like to slice them into bite size pieces so they are perfect for little hands and easy to grab on the way to the carpool line. The kids think they are a fun snack and I love that they have just three simple ingredients and zero prep stress. You can even sneak in extras like chia seeds or chocolate chips if my littles are feeling adventurous.

Healthy breakfast cookie

Source: Princess Pinky Girl 

These banana oat cookies are perfect for mornings when you need something quick and filling. Made with oats, ripe bananas, peanut butter, and a touch of cinnamon, they come together in one bowl and bake in under 20 minutes. I like to keep a batch on hand so the kids can grab one on the way out the door. They taste like a treat but have enough wholesome ingredients to keep everyone full until lunch.

Easy baked oatmeal cups

Source: Pound Dropper

These oatmeal cups are a quick, wholesome option for busy mornings. Made with oats, banana, almond milk, and a few simple ingredients, they bake into perfectly portable portions. I like to make a batch on the weekend and freeze extras so the kids can grab one anytime. They are filling, customizable, and always a hit. 

Fruit and yogurt parfaits

Source: The Kitchn 

When mornings feel rushed, these parfaits come to the rescue in under five minutes. Just layer creamy yogurt, ripe berries, and crunchy granola in a jar or cup. I love setting out choices on Sunday night—kids can pick their own combo and build their breakfast as they wake up. It’s fresh, customizable, and mess-free, leaving everyone happy and energized for what’s ahead.

Sausage, egg, potato breakfast casserole

Source: Kara Creates 

This casserole is my favorite weekend rescue when I know the week ahead will be busy. Packed with sausage, hash‑browns, peppers, onions, eggs, and cheese, it bakes into one hearty, spoon‑friendly dish that feeds the whole family. I mix it up on Saturday, bake and refrigerate, then slice and reheat in the morning—minimal effort, maximum comfort, and always disappears fast.