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Explore nutrition tips, kids’ meal plans, kids’ activities, recipes and more from pediatric nutritionist, Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE.

25 Easy, Fun & Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

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25 Easy, Fun & Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

In more ways than one, eating a nutritious breakfast is crucial for maintaining health and energy in kids and adults. So here are 25 breakfast ideas for kids that are low-stress.

While the reality is that ALL meals are important, breakfast is a key part of living a healthy lifestyle. Specifically, breakfast improves cognitive functioning, leads to healthier food choices throughout the day, and refuels the body to kick-start metabolism. However, mornings can be MADNESS, making it challenging to provide a balanced breakfast in a matter of minutes. So, check out these healthy breakfast ideas for kids to help make your morning routine a breeze. Keep reading for how to create each one, with time-saving tips to keep in mind!

25 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

  1. Fruit “fries” and yogurt dip
  2. Waffle sandwich
  3. Kid-friendly cheese board
  4. Pizza pitas
  5. Breakfast trail mix
  6. Fruity breakfast burrito
  7. Graham cracker sandwiches
  8. Breakfast variety jar
  9. Frozen peanut butter banana breakfast mug
  10. Pumpkin oatmeal breakfast pudding
  11. Veggie-filled egg bites
  12. Smoothie bowls
  13. Muesli with fruit
  14. Fruit with nut or seed butters
  15. 3-ingredient pancakes
  16. Chia seed pudding with maple syrup
  17. Tiger nut waffles with seed butter
  18. Healthy breakfast cookies
  19. Eggs in a hole
  20. Overnight Oats
  21. Peanut butter banana roll-ups
  22. Fiber-filled granola bars
  23. 1-minute egg breakfast sandwich
  24. French toast sticks with fruit compote
  25. Veggie-licious muffins

1. Fruit “Fries” and Yogurt Dip

These feel-good fries are a colorful way to start any day.

  1. First, slice apples, pears, or firm peaches into 1-inch strips.
  2. Then, make a dipping sauce by stirring 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon peanut butter into a 6-ounce container of plain reduced-fat yogurt.
  3. Your kids now have a protein and fiber-filled breakfast. Voila!

2. Waffle Sandwich

This a healthy rendition of a fan-favorite treat!

  1. Spread ¼ cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese or 2 tablespoons nut butter over a whole-grain toaster waffle.
  2. Top with sliced berries, bananas, or peaches.
  3. Drizzle with honey.
  4. Press a second waffle on top to create a portable sandwich.

3. Kid-Friendly Cheese Board

Imitate a favorite restaurant’s cheese platter by selecting two or three of your favorite reduced-fat cheeses.

  1. Portion small pieces of cheese into a portable container.
  2. Include a handful of nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios), dried apricots, apple slices, grapes, and a whole-grain mini-baguette or whole-grain crackers.
  3. You can also have the kids make mini-kabobs from all the tasty ingredients.

4. Pizza Pitas

Mamma mia! Talk about a breakfast that will win over any child’s tastebuds.

  1. Fill whole-wheat pitas with ¼ cup marinara sauce, ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or cashew cheese, and sliced vegetables of your choice (carrots, peppers, and loose-leaf spinach work well).
  2. Warm your breakfast creation in a toaster oven or microwave until cheese just melts.
  3. To get started, check out this fun pizza recipe to make with the kids and these delicious apple cheese pita pizzas.

5. Breakfast Trail Mix

Wait until your child gets their hands on this tasty breakfast! Ask your kid to choose a variety of nuts, dried fruit, and cereal to include in their customized creation. Then, store multiple pre-portioned snack bags or containers for a quick grab-and-go option. Some tasty combinations include:

  • Banana chips, walnuts, and honey squares cereal
  • Mini wheat squares cereal, dried cranberries, cashews, and macadamia nuts
  • Oatmeal squares cereal, peanuts, raisins, and granola clusters
  • Dried cherries, honey squares cereal, cashews, and dried apple slices

6. Fruity Breakfast Burrito

Kids can’t say no to this burrito!

  1. Spread nut butter or a hazelnut spread onto a 10-inch whole grain tortilla.
  2. Top with ¼ cup low-sugar granola and sliced mixed fruit (bananas, strawberries, cherries, and mango are good choices).
  3. Roll up to form a fruity burrito and serve.
Nutrition activity and cookbook for kids with the Super Crew

 

7. Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Put a new spin on a been-there-done-that breakfast sandwich by swapping for a crunchy outer layer!

  1. Choose a combination of peanut butter and jelly, ricotta cheese and honey, or cream cheese and fruit spread.
  2. Spread between graham crackers to create sandwiches.
  3. Serve with fresh berries, diced melon, or an apple.

8. Breakfast Variety Jar

A crowd favorite make-ahead breakfast idea for kids!

  1. Select a granola bar or small bran muffin
  2. Peel a clementine.
  3. Choose a kids-size yogurt.
  4. Include all three in a handy breakfast jar like a reusable mason jar.

9. Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Mug

Create an irresistible ooey-gooey breakfast.

  1. Blend 1 frozen, sliced banana with 1 cup low-fat milk and 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
  2. Add mix-ins of your choice, such as 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, ¼ cup granola, ¼ cup fresh blueberries, 1 tbsp chia seeds, or a handful of nuts.
  3. Serve in a transportable cup or mug with a spoon.

10. Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Pudding

  1. Mix 1 packet instant brown sugar-flavored oatmeal or plain oats with ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup low-fat milk, and ¼ cup plain reduced-fat yogurt.
  2. Store overnight in a mason jar to thicken.
  3. Serve as is, or add diced apples or pears in the morning for extra crunch. 

Pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin seeds are also a tasty choice for kids jammed pack with nutrients they need.

11. Veggie-Filled Egg Bites

Help your kiddo avoid the mid-morning energy slumps with this protein-packed breakfast option. Plus, it’s an easy way to minimize food waste by ridding the fridge of “on its way out” produce!

  1. First, grab a muffin tin and put a mixed egg along with the desired vegetables in each slot.
  2. Then, sprinkle some seasoning and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes.
  3. It’s an easy-peasy way to enjoy a nutrient-packed, colorful breakfast all week long!

12. Smoothie Bowls

These bowls are a smooth way to add color to your kid’s breakfast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations. Pineapple and kale. Mango and carrot. Berry and beet. The possibilities are endless! Then, have your child add their favorite crunchy toppings to make breakfast time a breeze. But, if you an in a hurry, skip the bowl and opt for a smoothie instead!

13. Muesli with Fruit

Finding store-bought granola that you feel good about serving may feel like no small feat. Instead, feel good about your kiddo’s breakfast by opting for a quick and easy homemade muesli paired with fruit. Your child will love the different tastes and textures that are unique with every bite.

14. Fruit with Nut or Seed Butters

Keep it simple! Combine your kid’s fruit and nut or seed butter for a sweet yet savory breakfast option. For extra texture, feel free to add a low-sugar or homemade granola.

15. 3-Ingredient Pancakes

Pancakes don’t have to be a pain to make!

  1. Create an easy yet energizing breakfast option by combining a banana, egg, and your favorite flour.
  2. Cook on a skillet until each side is golden-brown.
  3. Then, skip the sweet stuff and top these familiar favorites with nut butter or fruit compote. Yum!

16. Chia Seed Pudding with Maple Syrup

Talk about a texture overload! Chia seeds are abundant in feel-full fiber to fuel all your child’s morning activities.

  1. Simply combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with half a cup of plant-based milk.
  2. Mix well.
  3. Time to let it work its magic! Leave it in the fridge overnight for the perfect grab-an-go breakfast.

17. Tiger Nut Waffles with Seed Butter

Give your kiddo’s breakfast a boost! Recreate household favorites using nutrient-dense ingredients such as tiger nut flour for an energized start to any morning. It has a similar taste to almond flour and provides hearty nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Talk about a great way to start the day! Here’s a great Tiger Nut Waffle recipe!

18. Healthy Breakfast Cookies

That’s right, cookies for breakfast! It’s a child’s dream come true. Reinvent how your family views these tasty treats by using cookies as a vessel for nutritious ingredients. End the morning mayhem and feel confident about your child’s breakfast choices. Try our plum candy cookies; they are a household hit!

19. Eggs in a Hole

This breakfast is a hole-in-one! Kids love using the surrounding bread to dunk into their ooey-gooey yolk. Pair this hearty breakfast with a side of colorful fruit to help stay full between meals. But, if your child isn’t a fan of a liquid center, cook the egg through and enjoy!

  1. Heat up a skillet on medium heat.
  2. Lightly oil the pan.
  3. Cut out a circle in a piece of bread.
  4. Add your piece of bread to the skillet.
  5. Crack an egg in the hole.
  6. Cook on each side until the egg is cook to your kid’s liking.

20. Overnight Oats

One of the most simple breakfast ideas for kids! As your little one is getting ready for bed, ask them to help gather the ingredients for their easy-peasy breakfast. All it takes are oats, plant-based milk, and some fruit compote. Then, simply toss it into the fridge and let the magic happen!

21. Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups

It’s the perfect breakfast for kids (and parents) who just rolled out of bed. Use a small whole-grain tortilla and add an unsliced banana with nut butter for an irresistible sweet yet savory breakfast. It’s a quick yet balanced breakfast that can keep up with your busy or on-the-go lifestyle.

22. Fiber-Filled Granola Bars

If you are having one of THOSE mornings, don’t fret. Pull out a nutritious and delicious granola bar from the freezer to enjoy on the run, packed with fiber your kids need.

  1. Mix a combination of oats, ground flax or seeds, dried fruit, nut butter, and dark chocolate chips for the perfect no-bake breakfast bars.
  2. Stick in the fridge to harden.
  3. Ready in minutes, granola bars are easy breakfast ideas for kids to make on their own!

23. 1-Minute Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Just like their favorite golden arches breakfast, this quick and easy sandwich is a fan favorite.

  1. To make your egg in a microwave minute, simply crack it in a bowl and beat it adequately.
  2. Forget to beat your egg, and you may find an explosion in your microwave.
  3. Then, top it with a slice of low-fat cheese and your favorite whole grain toast or English muffin.
  4. A sandwich ready at a moment’s notice that packs balanced nutrition in every bite! When you have extra time, make additional ones to throw in the freezer to defrost on those extra busy days.

24. French Toast Sticks with Fruit Compote

French toast gets a bad reputation. But, with a few healthy modifications, this nostalgic breakfast can be a healthy way to fuel the day.

First, swap the refined white bread for a whole grain alternative. Then, when ready, simply slice the toast into dunking sticks! Pair your tasty creations with nut butter and fruit compote for a handheld breakfast that your kids will love!

25. Veggie-licious Muffins

The perfect breakfast for those who don’t mind a little prep work! Create drool-worthy yet nutrient-packed muffins using vegetables such as pumpkin, zucchini, and carrot. Then, swap out traditional baking ingredients for healthful alternatives to feel confident about your breakfast creations. I love using oat flour, Greek yogurt, or plant-based butter to create nutritious baked goods!

Feel confident about your family food choices. With these easy-to-prepare, healthy breakfast ideas for kids, your little ones will have more energy to tackle mental and physical challenges throughout the day. After all, mornings are not always easy. So, lighten the load with simple breakfast ideas for kids to start the day on the right foot!

Quiz yourself!

What are some easy, tasty ingredients that can be used to incorporate protein in your child’s breakfast?

  • Nuts (peanut butter, mixed nuts)
  • Cheese (ricotta, cream cheese, sliced or shredded fresh cheeses)
  • Yogurt

What are some healthier ways to sweeten your child’s breakfast without adding table sugar?

  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Honey
  • Fruit spread

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