14 Protein-Packed Make-Ahead Breakfasts for Back-to-School

Updated August 27, 2020
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Whether this year's "back to school" means carpool and coffee or homeschool and hotcakes (and coffee!), getting back into the academic swing of things means busier mornings. Keep everyone satisfied on school days with these hearty, protein-rich breakfasts that can be made ahead of time. Save these recipes for freezer-friendly mini frittatas, quick breakfast burritos, overnight breakfast casseroles, and more for the next time your kids ask, "What's for breakfast?"

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Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyère Egg Bites Recipe

All the cheesy goodness of Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites, minus the high price tag and long drive-thru line. 

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Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes

Credit: Rebecca Longshore; Styling: Rebecca Longshore

Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

The pumpkin and spices really shine in these Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes, but feel free to use as much or little of the spice mix as you want. The almond butter gives these naturally sweet pancakes a nutty flavor and a punch of protein and healthy fats.

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Broccoli-and-Bacon Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Credit: Photography: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr.

Broccoli-and-Bacon Muffin-Tin Frittatas Recipe

This easy make-ahead breakfast will have you set for the week. Plus, it's a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your kids' diets. You get two mini frittatas per serving for only 168 calories; pair with a piece of fruit for a satisfying breakfast. Store cooked frittatas in the fridge for up to four days.

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Bulgur and Greens Mini Quiches

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Bulgur and Greens Mini Quiches Recipe

Mini quiches are quick, easy go-tos for busy school mornings. Leftovers are great, too, and easy to store as lunches for the whole family. If you have leftover cooked bulgur, you can shave off about 15 minutes of prep time; you'll need 1 1/2 cups. Try chard, collards, or spinach in place of kale and goat cheese, cheddar, or Swiss instead of feta.

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Spinach, Bacon, and Gruyère Breakfast Strata

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Food Styling: Karen Rankin; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Spinach, Bacon, and Gruyère Breakfast Strata Recipe

This dish has fewer than 20g of total carbs--about half of what you'll find in classic bread-based casseroles. Greek yogurt, eggs, and cheese pack a mighty protein punch, while a touch of bacon seasons to perfection. The strata is best if allowed to soak overnight. Not only does this build in make-ahead convenience, it also allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture--yielding a creamy texture inside, while the top bread pieces get delightfully crisp.

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Quick Breakfast Burritos

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Quick Breakfast Burritos Recipe

Prep the hearty egg, cheese, and veggie filling the night before, then simply heat and wrap in corn tortillas for a south-of-the-border-inspired breakast that will keep the kids (and you) full all day long.

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Slab Quiche with Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Caramelized Onions

Credit: Photo by Ken Carlson, Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Slab Quiche with Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Think outside the pie plate with this easy slab quiche. It features a winning combo of nutrient-packed spinach, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. Slice into squares and wrap separately before adding to a freezer bag. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and healthy breakfast.

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Savory Chickpea Waffles

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Ginny Branch

Savory Chickpea Waffles Recipe

We swap sugary pancake syrup for a poached egg and use chickpea flour in place of refined for an extra punch of protein. Enjoy for a quick breakfast or dinner. To make ahead, simply freeze cooked waffles, then reheat and topped with the poached egg before serving.

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Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro, Laura Martin

Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This is one of our top-rated recipes for a reason: It's easy, it's quick, and it's absolutely delicious. Combine frozen hash brown potatoes with sausage, eggs, and cheese for a hearty, 5-star breakfast or brunch casserole that can be prepped ahead and baked the next morning. Sauté one large onion and one bell pepper in the pork drippings for extra flavor and color. Tip from the recipe developer: To make mini frittatas, cook in 6-inch cast-iron skillets for 30 minutes at 375. Top with sliced avocados, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with green onions.

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Green Eggs and Ham Frittata

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Green Eggs and Ham Frittata Recipe

Dr. Seuss fans are sure to love this hearty frittata that's a nod to the children's book classic. Kale adds the green to these eggs and ham. Not a kale fan? Simply swap for your favorite fresh greens, like spinach or Swiss chard.

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Make-Ahead Microwave Breakfast Sandwiches

Credit: Photo by Gina DiSimone

Make-Ahead Microwave Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe

Skip both the drive-thru line and the preservative-packed freezer section with these homemade breakfast sandwiches that can be prepped and frozen ahead of time. Eggs, plus your choice of bacon or breakfast sausage, make sure these protein-rich sandwiches will keep the kids full until lunchtime.

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Orange-Pecan French Toast Casserole

Credit: Karry Hosford

Orange-Pecan French Toast Casserole Recipe

This overnight French toast casserole saves you the trouble of standing over a griddle flipping individual slices of French toast. While the casserole is certainly carb-rich, the eggs and egg whites add a protein punch.

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Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford, Claire Spollen

Overnight Maple-Raisin Oatmeal Recipe

Let your slow-cooker do all the breakfast prep work while you sleep soundly. Steel-cut oats offer a nutty alternative to hot cereal made with rolled oats. If you prefer, substitute firm pears for apples or dried cranberries for the raisins.

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Egg and Toast Cups

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Egg and Toast Cups Recipe

These scrumptious all-in-one breakfast muffins are pure genius and require just one muffin tin to create perfect single-serving portions. 

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