Meghan Stoops, RDBreakfast is one meal that’s easy to fall into a rut. Whether you are rushing to make your daily commute or you’re simply not a morning person, breakfast usually takes the hit.
If you’ve been feeling uninspired in the mornings lately, don’t fret
We’ve got you covered with 20 energizing and delicious healthy breakfast ideas.
Whether you’re rushing to make your commute or you’re just not a morning person, these high protein-rich meals will get your engine revved up to take on the day. No more boring bowls of cereal or sad toast. Say bye-bye to breakfast boredom and hello to loaded veggie frittatas and protein-packed smoothies.
20 Easy-to-Make Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Work
1. Egg Bites
There’s nothing better than an easy, nourishing breakfast that you can make ahead and enjoy first thing in the morning by simply popping them in the microwave for a minute. Enter egg bites.
While these babies are easily customizable, the recipe below provides a hearty dose of spinach with added cottage cheese for protein.
Yields 6-9 egg bites.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large handful of spinach
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place an oven-safe casserole dish filled with 1-inch of water in the lower rack of your oven (this will help create a pillowy texture). Add all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Add mixture into a silicone muffin pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
2. Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Another easy and customizable recipe that you can easily take on the go or just grab out of the fridge are overnight oats. This meal gets extra bonus points for not requiring any cooking. If you are getting all the fall feels lately or love pumpkin, this recipe is a must-try.
Yields 1 serving.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions: Combine all ingredients into a glass container with a lid. Mix well and wait at least 4 hours before enjoying or prepare the night before and enjoy in the morning.
3. Triple Berry Protein Smoothie
In case you haven’t noticed, customizable is the name of the game. Everyone has different taste preferences so many of these recipes can be modified to fit your specific flavor and smoothies are no exception. In fact, smoothies invented the word customizable. Below is a triple-berry protein smoothie that will tantalize your taste buds.
Yields 1 smoothie.
Ingredients:
- ½ mixed frozen berries
- ½ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 large handful of fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut water
Directions: Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Balls
Also known as energy bites, power balls are not only great for a quick breakfast, but they also work well as a snack.
Yields 12 bites.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Directions: Add ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Place bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to let the mixture set. Roll a large spoonful into a ball about 2 inches in diameter and repeat until you’ve used all the mixture. Can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
5. Southwestern Breakfast Bowl
This next breakfast recipe combines all the delicious flavors of traditional breakfast items with a southwestern flare. Best of all? It’s super easy to make and is meal prep friendly.
Yields 2 bowls.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs, scrambled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream
Directions: Preheat cast iron or non-stick pan over medium heat. Dice potatoes and toss in olive oil. Cook in pan until tender, add seasonings and eggs. Once eggs are fully cooked add cheese and continue to cook until potatoes become crispy. Add black beans and corn until heated through. Serve with optional toppings of salsa, guacamole, or avocado, and sour cream.
6. Air Fryer Breakfast Tostadas
Who doesn’t love an air-fryer recipe? These air fryer breakfast tostadas will rock your world. And the best part? They take less than 10 minutes to make.
Yields 2 tostadas.
Ingredients:
- 2 soft taco or fajita-size tortillas
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 2 pieces of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Take 1-2 taco shells (depending on the size of your air fryer) place in air fryer and spray with a little bit of olive oil. Crack an egg in the center of each tortilla. Season with salt and pepper. Take bacon and use a pair of meat scissors to cut into small chunks. Top egg with bacon bits and cook in air fryer no 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. About 1 minute before it is done, toss shredded cheese on top to melt and enjoy!
7. Banana Chia Oat Protein Pancakes
If you have a sweet tooth first thing in the morning, these high-fiber, protein-packed pancakes are for you. Made with oat flour and chia seeds for fiber and cottage cheese for extra protein, these pancakes are hearty, nourishing, and filling.
Yields 6 medium-sized pancakes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 very ripe bananas
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions: Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add all ingredients aside from chia seeds into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Add chia seeds and mix until well combined. Spray the pan with olive oil or rub a small bit of butter to grease the pan and pour the pancake mix into a portion about the size of your fist. Wait until the center of the pancake mix begins to bubble before flipping. Repeat until all of the mix has been used. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 6 months.
8. Savory Oatmeal Bowl
We’ve all likely had oatmeal. While it’s very tasty, it can get a little boring from time to time. Especially if you are eating your oatmeal the same every time. Skip the berries and the cinnamon or brown sugar and try out some savory options instead. This savory oatmeal bowl is both delightfully unique and rich in flavor and nutrition.
Yields 1 bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- ½ cup spinach
- 1 handful of button mushrooms (about 4-5 mushrooms)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
Directions: Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Slice mushrooms and add to a pan with ginger, saute until tender. Add chicken bone broth and bring to a boil. Add oats and reduce heat to low. Let simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Finely chop spinach and stir into oats once thickened and enjoy!
9. Tik Tok’s Viral Yogurt Toast
If you haven’t tried TikTok’s viral yogurt toast you’ve been missing out. This recipe is not only easy but it’s indulgent. Customize it with your favorite toppings and this dish is likely to skyrocket to the top of your favorites list.
Yields 2 servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (softer varieties work better)
- 3 tbsp of low-sugar vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp maple syrup or honey
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced almonds
Directions: preheat air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine yogurt, egg, and maple syrup in a small bowl and whisk until creamy. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to indent the center of the bread to create a ridge for the yogurt mixture to go. Spoon custard mixture into indented sections of bread and top with desired toppings. Air dry for 4-5 minutes and enjoy!
10. Reese’s Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Who doesn’t love Reese’s Peanut Butter cups? I know I sure do. This next recipe is an easy, high-protein, Reese-inspired breakfast. Simply dump all ingredients into a high-powered blender and enjoy a guilt-free but indulgent shake on the go.
Yields 1 shake.
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
- 1 scoop PB2 powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup low-sugar vanilla Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
Directions: Add all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
11. Sheet Pan Hash
Sheet pan dinners are the best. Easy to prep and minimal cleanup. So why aren’t we doing this more for breakfast? Let’s change that. Below is an easy, hearty sheet pan hash recipe you and your family are sure to enjoy.
Yields 4 servings.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 -6 large eggs
Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil. Dice potatoes and onion, toss in olive oil, and layer on a baking sheet—season with salt and pepper. Cut up bacon into small pieces and sprinkle over baking sheet, evenly spacing out. Bake for 25-35 minutes until bacon is crispy and the potatoes are tender. Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and crack eggs on the top of the baking sheet in separate spaces. Place back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until eggs reach the desired level of doneness. Remove pan and top with desired topping.
12. Tofu Scramble
While eggs are a staple breakfast, not everyone eats eggs. Or sometimes we do but we get sick of them. So, for those looking for egg-free options, try this tofu scramble for size.
Yields 2 servings:
Ingredients:
- 1 block of extra firm tofu
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Large handful of spinach, chopped
Directions: Drain tofu and use your fingers to break it apart into small pieces over a bowl. Add olive oil and seasonings and transfer to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tofu begins to brown slightly. Chop up fresh spinach and add to pan until cooked. Remove from heat and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
13. Chia Pudding
While there are numerous variations of this filling breakfast, chia seed pudding is very simple to make. If you’ve never had it before, now is a great time to give it a try. Made with only 3 ingredients, your breakfast routine never looked so easy.
Yields 1 serving.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
Directions: Mix ingredients in a glass jar and let sit for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator or overnight. Top with your favorite toppings such as berries or sliced almonds.
14. Shakshuka
While it sounds fancy, shakshuka is simply poached eggs cooked in tomatoes and spices. Although simple, this dish is delicious. Enjoy with some crusty bread and be sure to make enough for the whole family.
Yields 4 servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- 4-6 large eggs
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sourdough bread for serving
Directions: Add olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. Once heated, add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until tender. Add garlic and seasonings and cook for an additional minute or until garlic is fragrant. Pour a can of tomato’s (with juices) into the pan and break down the tomatoes using a large spoon. Bring to a simmer. Using your spoon, create little wells in the sauce for the eggs. Crack eggs into each well, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes until eggs are done. Top with feta cheese and enjoy on top of your favorite bread.
15. Baked Oats
Have we mentioned how versatile oats are? Turns out, you can blend them and bake them into oat cakes brownies, and even cookies. Make these tasty baked oats however you like. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer or enjoy them on a weekend with the family.
Yields 6 servings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup apple sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp natural almond butter
- Optional: top with semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a 9×9 greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
16. Fancy Frittata
If you love omelets but hate the hassle of making them, this fancy frittata may be exactly what you need in your life. Simply add all your favorites into a baking dish, toss it in the oven, and call it good.
Yields 4 servings.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- Handful of spinach, chopped
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup green onions, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Roughly chop spinach and green onions. Add all ingredients except for green onions into a bowl and whisk until well combined. Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish and bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove and top with green onions and additional cheese if desired.
17. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Because why mess with a classic? Maybe you’ve never had a Greek yogurt parfait, or it’s been a while. Either way, this dish deserves to be included in your weekly rotation of breakfast meals.
Yields 1 serving.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces of low-sugar Greek yogurt of choice
- 1/3 cup of low-sugar granola of choice
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- Handful of fresh berries of choice
- Optional: 1 tsp of honey and shredded unsweetened coconut
Directions: Place yogurt at the base of a bowl. Top with granola, chopped almonds, and berries. Drizzle with honey and finish off with unsweetened coconut shreds.
18. Baked Avocado Egg Boats
Calling all avocado lovers, this one was made just for you. Easy to make yet it looks so fancy. Baked avocado egg boats are delicious, nutritious, and packed with fiber. If you ever need a crowd-pleasing breakfast option, try this one out. It won’t disappoint.
Yields 2 servings.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, halved
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Half avocado and remove the seed. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and crack an egg in each whole where the seed once was. Sprinkle with feta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 20-25 minutes depending on how cooked you want to yolk.
19. Oatmeal Chia Breakfast Cookies
Did you know you can also make breakfast cookies? Well, now you do. Check out this delicious oatmeal chia breakfast cookie recipe below. Not only is it full of fiber, but it’s easy to make ahead and can be enjoyed as a snack as well.
Yields 12 cookies.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1-2 tbsp almond butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk of choice
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Roll into 2 tbsp balls and place on grease grease-lined cookie sheet. Press down with a fork to create a cookie shape. Bake for 20 minutes, let cool completely, and enjoy.
20. Acai Bowl
In the hotter months, this breakfast is both refreshing and indulgent. Make your favorite smoothie with acai and other nutrient-dense berries and top it with yummy granola, nut butters, and fresh fruit. What else could you ask for?
Yields 1 bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of frozen acai berry puree
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- ½ frozen banana
- ¼ cup coconut water
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings: granola, peanut butter, honey, fresh fruit, shredded unsweet coconut
Directions: Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until the desired consistency is achieved. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
