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11 amazing breakfast ideas for kids

We have breakfast inspiration to help you please every type of eater

A parent helping a child add toppings to their breakfast
Vitaly Gariev / Usplash

We all look at that spread in movies where the morning meal consists of every breakfast food known to man and think to ourselves that there is no way we would make that every morning. While we agree, making sure your family has something in their stomach for breakfast is an important job. To make things easier, here are amazing breakfast ideas for kids that won’t be so stressful for the parents to make.

Breakfasts with oats and grains

Whole grain muffins.
Anna_Pustynnikova / Shutterstock

If you have grains, oats, or granola, you can make so many breakfast goodies. Check your pantry and see what you can do.

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Muffins

The possibilities with muffins are endless. Use fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, or regular oats and create a breakfast that they can take on the go or enjoy at home. Spread a little homemade whipped cream on top for an additional texture. To accommodate multiple kids, make a basic batter and then add in each child’s individual preference.

Oats and oatmeal

We love this one because you can do overnight oats, freeze for the next day, and add ingredients like honey, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, glaze drizzle, yogurt, or milk. This is a healthy option that only needs a few ingredients and minimal prep time. You could make a big oatmeal bake or do smaller, individual mini servings. 

Bread

Every child we know has gone through a phase where all they ate was bread — just bread. Lean into that and make different kinds of bread. From banana and pumpkin to chocolate chip and zucchini, there is a kind your child will like. You could pop the leftovers into the freezer and take it out a bit at a time to reduce waste.

Super-fast and easy ideas

Baby in highchair with milk and cereal.
Andersen Ross Photography Inc / Getty Images

You can’t go wrong with the old basics for breakfast. You’re bound to find a hit in here somewhere.

Cereal

OK, this one is too easy, but hear us out. There are so many healthy cereal options that aren’t bowls of sugar. If you get the regular kind, pop a little fresh fruit or a healthier milk, and everyone will be fed. Cereal is a great way to get some food in your child without taking too long in the kitchen.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a great option that won’t take long to make from scratch or to cook. There are plenty of recipes for quick, few-ingredients-needed pancakes. You could make them smaller for the younger kids, customize them with fruit or chocolate chips, or make fun shapes. A great thing about pancakes is that you can freeze them for an even faster breakfast the next day.

Waffles

You could do the same thing with waffles. If you don’t have a waffle machine, those mini makers are a solid investment. There’s no shame in popping things in the toaster, though. The frozen kind works in a pinch, and you can dress them up with peanut butter, fruit, or whatever else you have for a creative spin.

French toast

French toast is another one that doesn’t take long to whip up, and you can let your kiddos add whatever toppings they want, and it freezes fine for the next day.

Eggs

Kids either love or hate eggs. If yours loves them, that is good news for you. Fry an egg up, scramble them, or make an omelet with their favorite fillings. There are so many ways to make eggs, that if your child is a fan, make every type of egg to keep them interested.

Other breakfast options

Parent preparing smoothie for breakfast
Getty Images

These are other options when your child turns their nose up at everything else. Whatever it takes to fill that belly, give it a try.

Smoothies

Some kids will not eat breakfast, but still need something in their system. See if a drinkable option will get your child’s stamp of approval. A smoothie is great when your child won’t sit down and eat anything. Mix in their favorite fruits, hide vegetables in there, or drop some protein powder if your child needs it. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or spinach would add some nutrition without overpowering the smoothie. If your child likes the ingredients but not a blended smoothie, try making it in a bowl form.

Yogurt

Yogurt by itself is boring. But adding a variety of fruit, honey, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or granola kicks it up a notch. Giving your child options to add what they want and make their breakfast how they want will empower them to eat it. 

Parfaits

As Donkey from Shrek asked all of us — have you ever met anyone who doesn’t like a parfait? You probably have a good chunk of the ingredients to make a decent one in your kitchen right now. If you have time, let your child create the layers. Having your kid help in the kitchen will make them more inclined to eat the food.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be an hours-long extravaganza. Kids like simple foods as much as adults. The important thing is you find something your child likes, not just something you would eat. It’s hard to think of what to make when you are still half awake and groggy, so these awesome breakfast ideas will get your family fed and ready for the day.

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
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