The Humbled Homemaker: 14 Quick & Easy Breakfast Ideas {Real Food, Fast}

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Today marks the start of a 4-day mini series--Real Food, Fast: Quick & Easy Recipes. With baby's due date quickly approaching, I've been collecting some recipes for those early postpartum days when I know I'll be sleep-deprived!

Breakfast is one of those meals that always gets me--especially when I haven't had much sleep. To be honest, I used to skip breakfast a lot when it was just me (I know, I know--it's the most important meal of the day!). But I simply cannot do that with two little mouths begging mommy for something to eat first thing in the morning!

One thing ~~I've learned~~ I'm learning is that pre-prep is key. In her eBook, Plan It, Don't Panic, Stephanie of Keeper of the Home talks a lot about including prep. notes in our meals plans. Thawing out meats the night before, chopping fruit for smoothies, making sure all your ingredients are gathered, etc. can make your mornings (or any meal times) much more peaceful.

No matter what your current life season, I hope the following quick and easy breakfast ideas will prove helpful to you:

Image by stevendepolo

Ready in a Matter of Minutes

Scrambled Eggs & Fruit: Scrambled eggs is one of the fastest meals you can cook. I scramble mine with coconut oil to get in some good fat first thing in the morning. Pair the eggs with a fruit you don't even have to cut--like berries or grapes.
Fruit & Yogurt: Plain, Green yogurt will be your best bet for a protein-packed breakfast here.
Granola with Milk, Yogurt or Kefir: This is a personal favorite. I usually make a double batch of granola to last me all week. If you are accustomed to cold cereals in the morning but want to opt for something healthier, this is your best bet. (Watch out for my homemade pumpkin-flax seed granola recipe soon!)
Smoothies: I've been on a smoothie kick this entire pregnancy. They are so easy in the morning or for a snack. I used to make all berry smoothies. I've since fallen in love with green smoothies and avocado smoothies. If you're a subscriber, be sure to request your FREE smoothie eBook!

Image by stevendepolo

Cook Once & Enjoy All Week

These breakfast ideas require one day of cooking/baking, but, after that, you can have a quick and easy breakfast at your fingertips in the time it takes for you to pull something out of the fridge (or, for a few, warm something up in the toaster oven).

Spinach and Mozzarella Egg Bake: I absolutely love egg casseroles, and this one looks both yummy and healthy!
Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole: This one takes about 45 minutes to bake, but all you have to do is pop it in the over in the morning because you can make it up the night before. My mom made a version of this every Christmas morning growing up--and, believe me, the leftovers are definitely a hit!
Healthy Homemade Granola Bars: I can't wait to try this recipe from Red and Honey! Not only are these granola bars healthy, but they don't even require any baking! Her suggestion is to cut them up and even freeze them for super quick and easy breakfasts!
A Quick Bread: Quick breads don't need to rise, so they are easy to whip up--although they do tend to take at least 45 minutes and up to an hour and a half to bake. Save, Life, Love tells me she will make up a yummy banana bread and freeze it into individual slices for an effortless breakfast idea.

Image by nate steiner

Make the Night Before

I have yet to use my crock pot for breakfast, but these both look like excellent ideas...and what nicer scent to wake up to than breakfast--already made?!

Crock Pot Breakfast: Wake up to Trailing with God's hearty combo of eggs, bacon or sausage, peppers, onions, cheese and potatoes! (And who will need lunch after all that?!)
Crock Pot Oatmeal: I love oatmeal, and having it already cooked when I roll out of bed will be really nice once baby arrives!

Whip Up & Enjoy

These breakfasts may take a bit longer, but they are still not too time intensive--especially if you have the ingredients all ready to go.

Quick Cinnamon Biscuits: These look super yummy and only take 15 minutes to bake! (Healthy Upgrade: Sub in whole wheat flour, palm shortening, sucanat and homemade powdered sugar.)
Muffins: These usually take only 10-12 minutes to bake. With the start of blueberry season, I'll be making these pretty often, and these basic almond muffins also look super yummy!
Super Easy Breakfast Quesadillas: Rachel's breakfast twist on an old Mexican favorite includes peanut butter, honey and fruit!
Protein Packed Pancakes: These are a favorite in our house since Little Girl is gluten-free. Whip up this bean-based batter in a blender while your skillet is heating.

Image by Dita Margarita

Need Even More Ideas?

The Welcome House recently listed 6 ideas for simple summer breakfasts.

Resources:

Plan to Eat: I recently started using this online meal planning service--which is also one of my July sponsors! You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here!
List PlanIt: I recently won a membership to this online organizational resource and have been using their pre-made lists to also aid in my meal planning.
Plan It, Don't Panic: Stephanie's book gives you all you need to get your meal planning in order.
20 Minute Meals: Giving Weary Chefs Grace While Keeping Families Healthy: While Leigh Ann's book only gives dinner recipes (28 meals that only take 20 minutes!), she includes lots of great tips for making any meal of the day less stressful. You can get a copy for 20% off through July 14 using code: humbled20, or you can enter to win one in this week's giveaway! (She'll refund the money of any winners who have already purchased the book!)