Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but we seldom treat it as such. We fall into ruts with toast or cereal, or we skip it altogether, opting to snooze for 10 more minutes instead.
If you give it a chance, though, breakfast can brighten your morning and get your day started on a delicious (and healthy!) note. We've rounded up six flavorful, totally-not-boring breakfast recipes good enough to get you out of bed, but quick enough to get you out the door for work with plenty of time to spare.
1. Bran Muffins
We know—bran muffins are so reminiscent of the ’80s health food movement. But they’re still a great way to kick-start your day. These light and airy muffins are made extra filling with wheat germ and All Bran cereal and made extra yummy with mix-ins like pumpkin seeds, raisins, and warm spices. Bonus: they not only can be made in advance, but they freeze well, too—just pull one out to thaw before you go to bed, and pop it in your bag on your way out the door.
2. Toasted Almond and Coconut Quinoa Porridge
Grain bowls—like oatmeal and porridge—are delicious, filling, and packed with the fiber and protein that’s so vital for sustained energy throughout the day. Why not give this non-traditional breakfast grain bowl a try? Quick, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious, this rich quinoa porridge with coconut milk, dates, and toasted almonds will surely make you a hot cereal convert. Just pack it up the night before and reheat at home or in the office.
3. Triple Pomegranate Smoothie
This smoothie uses pomegranate in all of its forms—juice, arils (the pods), and molasses—so the fruit really sits front and center in all of its glory and antioxidant power. While the fruit will keep you healthy, the yogurt in the smoothie will keep you full. When pomegranate isn’t in season, feel free to skip the garnish of arils and just buy the shelf ingredients.
4. Olive Oil and Maple Granola
This recipe, adapted very slightly from Early Bird Foods' bestselling Farmhand's Choice Granola, is like muesli after a vampy makeover. Olive oil, maple, brown sugar, and coarse salt form a rich crust on wholesome innards like oats, pecans, and coconut shards. Make a big batch on the weekends, then pre-portion single servings to stir into yogurt or top with milk and berries in the mornings.
5. Yogurt with Toasted Quinoa, Dates, and Almonds
Need a break from the granola? Pair yogurt and dried fruit with toasted quinoa and nuts instead. A quick stint in the pan gives quinoa all the chance it needs to pop to life, adding just the right amount of crunch to the dish. Toast a batch of the nuts and quinoa and chop a pile of dates (or your dried fruit of choice) ahead of time, and then place these “dry” ingredients in individual containers for easy assembly at home or work. Just mix with yogurt and enjoy!
6. Overnight Steel-Cut Oats with Almond Butter and Honey
Don’t put that slow cooker away for next fall just yet! This stick-to-your-bones oatmeal comes together as you sleep, so all you have to do in the morning is stir in some almond butter (or your nut butter of choice) and honey.
What are your favorite grab-and-go weekday breakfasts? Share your comments below!