Breakfast ideas for when you’re out of Time & cereal

I don’t know about you, but our go to breakfast is either cereal or a protein shake. It’s not that we love cereal, we don’t. We’re just in a hurry. My kids and I have a hard time getting ready and out the door on school days and so we do whatever’s easiest. We have cereal. Sometimes my kids even have a bag of cereal on the way out the door. I know! Parent of the year award here, right?!

We’re a little better on weekends. When I actually have some time, I’m much better at actually making a decent breakfast. It’s just those school/work days where I feel like I don’t even have time to think and I’m completely on auto-pilot.

So, what do you do on those days that you’re out of cereal? Or when you’re tired of cereal, but still want something quick and easy?

Here are several ideas for a quick, easy, and inexpensive breakfast that’s not cereal:

Eggs

Eggs are a fairly easy meal. You can cook them several different ways and add pretty much anything you want. Peppers and onions are common in our home. If you feel like eggs take up too much of your time, you can even boil eggs the night before so they’re ready to eat.

Waffles or pancakes

make a big batch of waffles or pancakes and store the leftovers in zip lock bags in the fridge or freezer. Sometimes my kids microwave them, but I like to toast them to reheat- they’re not as soggy that way. Add greek yogurt, jam, butter, syrup, powdered sugar or any favorite topping.

Oatmeal

You can add pretty much anything to oatmeal for a different tasting meal each day (peanut butter’s a filling option). You can cook oatmeal on the stove, in the oven, or even make overnight oatmeal that will be ready in the morning right when you wake up.

German Pancakes or Puffy Pancakes

These are one of our favorites. They’re easy to make. Prepare them right when you wake up, throw them in the oven and they should be done by the time that you’re finished getting ready.

Bacon/sausage

Ok..Bacon or sausage are not necessarily inexpensive, but you can watch for deals and buy on sale. Both can be added to pretty much anything on this list. You can also buy the precooked version or cook it ahead of time yourself so that it’s easy to warm up in the morning.

Potatoes

Potatoes can be shredded for hash browns, diced or chopped. Cook with some onions, peppers, and spices for a delicious combination. You can even add leftover chicken or other items for  added flavor.

Breakfast Burritos

Throw together your favorite breakfast foods and wrap it in a tortilla. These can easily be made ahead of time and frozen.

Muffins

Muffins can easily be made ahead of time. You can make traditional muffins like blueberry, poppy seed, etc. Or you can even make egg muffins.

Breakfast Casserole/Skillet

Make your casserole the night before and all you need to do is throw it in the oven in the morning. You can pretty much add anything you want, but traditional ingredients are eggs, potatoes, cheese, etc.

Toast

Toast can be such a versatile meal. You can add so many different combinations for a completely different meal each day: peanut butter, jam, honey, butter, fruit, berries, tomatoes, avocado, eggs, cream cheese, hummus, etc. If you’re out of bread, substitute croissants, English muffins, tortillas, etc.

Fruit

For a less filling meal, on toast, or even a side, pull together any fruit in your kitchen. Most fruit can easily be washed and prepped the night before. If you’re all out of fresh fruit, canned or frozen will do. Peanut butter and bananas or apples is also an easy idea. Or add Greek yogurt to the side for a healthy meal.

What are your go-to ideas for a breakfast that’s easy, inexpensive and doesn’t include cereal?