Let’s make one thing clear: you should never skip breakfast. Come on now! You know better. A well-rounded breakfast — one that includes a healthy mix of complex carbs, protein, and fiber — gives you the sustained energy and focus you need to be on your “A” game. That also means you’re more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day because you won’t be crashing.
So now that we’ve established breakfast as a non-option, the question remains: what are we eating? Sure, you could stop by the corner bodega for the umpteenth time this month, because it’s there and it’s familiar and you know you can get the same BEC on a roll as always. But we know with just a little planning, you can do better. Besides, why bother with a breakfast you feel "meh" about?
In partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts At Home, we’ve rounded up tasty breakfasts to make and bring on the go. Some of them can be made in advance, and some can be whipped up right before you run out the door. Most importantly, these recipes are delicious and perfect for the days when you barely have time to brush your teeth, let alone sit at the kitchen table.
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a weekday morning game-changer. All it takes is five minutes of prep the night before — the oats “cook” in liquid while you sleep — and you wake up to breakfast perfection. These oats actually taste like banana bread, and you don’t even have to turn on the oven. A mason jar or even an empty peanut butter jar make great reusable containers for your oats and are super-easy to grab on your way out the door.
Portability rating: 9 (out of 10). One point deducted in case you forget to pack a spoon.
Mango Banana Coconut Smoothie with Chia Seeds
This one’s for when you want to feel like you've been transported from your desk to an island beach. Mango, banana, and coconut make for a sublime flavor medley, while chia seeds add healthy doses of fiber and protein. Throwing everything together in a blender will surely take you less time than stopping somewhere for a bite.
Portability: 8. While smoothies can be carried in a to-go cup, you may run into slight difficulties when juggling your breakfast with your coffee.
Waffled Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Step up your breakfast sandwich game with this mouthwatering mashup. As long as you own a waffle iron (and trust us, you should), this one’s a doozy. It’s like your favorite bodega special but so much better because you make it yourself. With love. Not to mention, this protein-packed sammie will keep you full and happy until lunchtime.
Portability ranking: 7. The sandwich is a classic utensil-less meal, but points were deducted for ooey-gooeyness (worth it because, mmm, melted cheese).
Tropical Yogurt Parfait
Here’s a great riff on overnight oats. Instead of soaking the oats in milk or water, this recipe calls for yogurt, which makes for an awesomely creamy texture and rich taste. You’ll also benefit from the added protein provided by the yogurt. We’re digging the tropical theme, but feel free to sub in other fruit or add nuts — whatever you have on hand.
Portability: 9.
Baked Breakfast Taquitos
Be still our hearts. Taquitos in all forms are flawlessly delicious and practically exist to be eaten on the run. These breakfast taquitos are filled with the good stuff: eggs, peppers, meat, and cheese. They’re also freezer-friendly, so we suggest making a big batch to have on hand for mornings you’re craving some serious flavor. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes and you’re on your way.
Portability: A perfect 10.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Here’s an acceptable way to eat chocolate for breakfast: mixed with oatmeal and peanut butter, for stick-to-your-ribs goodness. You’re welcome! Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and these bars will make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast on the most hectic of days.
Portability: 10.
Kale, Oat, and Blueberry Smoothie
Smoothies really are the best way to cram a lot of nutrition into a little bit of time on busy mornings. This one is packed with kale, fruit, and oats for a satisfying meal. Now there’s a deliciously sneaky way to get in your dark, leafy greens before noon!
Portability: 8
This post is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts at Home.
Images: daquellamanera/Flickr; The Roasted Root; A Cozy Kitchen; The Spiffy Cookie; Budget Bytes; Jo Cooks; Averie Cooks; Once Upon A Recipe.
