Quick and Easy Make Ahead Breakfasts | Meal Prepping for the Busy Mom

Mornings are insane after you have kids. It's true. And they don't seem to get any easier when they get older either.

So how can you make things go a little smoother after a night of little to no sleep?

Meal prepping is the way to go.

I know meal prepping can sound intimidating, but you don't have to do them all at once. Pick two and go from there. When those are gone, pick two more!

It's really easy and it doesn't take up too much of your time. Also, those mornings will run SO much smoother.
I know you can go to the store and spend $50 on a ton of frozen waffles, pancakes, rolls, and more, but why not try saving a few dollars and make your own?

The other day, I realized that I had been spending $20 a week on mini muffin boxes that only lasted the first two days. There were only 16 muffins in a box. So I spent $1 on a box of chocolate muffin mix, took out my mini muffin tins and made 48 in under an hour. 48 mini muffins. All together with cooking oil and 3 eggs it maybe cost me $1.50. That's pretty good if you ask me!

So where do you start? Well...you can start right here!

Let's get to it! I've compiled a list of items you can make and freeze for those mornings you're just not feeling up to cooking a full meal for that hungry family of yours.

Mini Muffins:

You can use any muffin or cake mix you like for these. Add some chocolate chips, blueberries, raspberries, whatever your little ones' hearts' desire! And they're so easy! If you don't have mini-muffin tins, just use a regular muffin tin! I just like how cute the little ones are.
Pancakes in Bulk:

You can make these any size or shape you like! Just let them cool and then throw some in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. Your littles can just grab what they need, pop them in the microwave, and eat!
Omelet Muffins:

I love these little guys. Really. You can put whatever you like in your omelets into the muffin tins, bake until cooked through (use a toothpick) and you have a hoard of omelets ready for the morning. Customize half the pan, 3/4 of the pan, or make each row different for each member of your family. (just don't forget which ones are which)
Cereal Bars:

Cereal bars are incredibly easy to make and cheaper if you make them yourself. A bag of marshmallows, your favorite cereal, and two tablespoons of butter will get you your own homemade bars. Just melt the butter on low, add the mallows, then remove from heat and stir in cereal. Make them as thick or thin with mallow as you like, then press into a sheet pan and let them cool!
Cookies:

I know cookies don't sound like breakfast food, but they are if you add blueberries or make oatmeal cookies. Or if you just feel like cookies for breakfast, just eat that cookie.
Banana Bread:

Banana bread is the best in the morning. Warmed up and slathered with butter. It's easy to make and everyone loves it. You can also do a zucchini bread or even a blueberry loaf (I love blueberries).
Crepes:

Crepes are very versatile. When you freeze them, make sure you freeze them separately on a sheet pan first - then stack them in a freezer bag. Otherwise, they will tear apart when you fish one out. Crepes can be filled with anything. Eggs, jelly, peanut butter, whipped cream, drizzled in honey, fruit, peppers, sausage, see where I'm going with this?
Scrambled Eggs:

Scrambled eggs don't thaw that great after frozen, so maybe just cook enough to refrigerate for 2-3 days. Then your kidlets can just scoop some up in the morning and reheat!
Cinnamon Rolls:

Cinnamon rolls! These are super easy if you do just grab the cheap canisters (the ones you have to pop) throw them on a sheet pan and pop them into the oven. They are cheap, easy, and delicious!
Breakfast burritos:

Breakfast burritos may look intimidating and, to be honest, they take a little more work than the others, but they're SO worth it. Just cook your burrito fillings, roll them up, and freeze them. A package of tortillas will be enough to make a week's worth (or more depending on if you get the huge pack) of your own homemade breakfast burritos.
Waffles:

Everyone loves a good waffle. Again, these may take more time depending on how big your waffle maker is, but they are so worth it. You can even give "Maple butter syrup recipe" a google and make your own syrup too!
Breakfast Casserole:

Last, but surely not least, breakfast casseroles. These can last in the fridge for up to 3 days (4-5 if you're feeling daring...) and you can even implement the muffin tactic and throw your casserole mix into the muffin tins for individual portions.