25 Make-Ahead Breakfasts You Can Freeze, Heat and Eat

We've all heard that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," but it can also be the most inconvenient meal to prepare. If your morning routine is busy and it's impossible to cook a nutritious breakfast every day, make-ahead recipes are for you.

Make-ahead breakfast recipes can be frozen, reheated and enjoyed just as if they were made fresh. All you have to do is carve out a portion of time for a little breakfast meal prepping and you'll have a week's worth of meals available whenever you need.

With meals like breakfast burritos and drive-thru-inspired breakfast sandwiches, these make-ahead breakfast recipes won't disappoint — and they're full of nutrients, too.

"Including fiber, protein and healthy fats can help make this breakfast satisfying and help keep hunger pangs at bay," Lauren Manaker, RD says. From the avocado, cashews and tofu, this burrito is a well-balanced option to start your day.

For a breakfast that doesn't require a table or utensils, these protein balls are a great option. And because oats give you sustainable energy, according to Manaker, these will give you the power to start your day.

"The addition of prunes in this recipe helps give these bars some staying power and a touch of sweetness," Manaker says. Not to mentions, flax seeds add healthy fats without altering the flavor.

These sausage patties are full of protein and are made with oats and apple butter to make add heartiness and a touch of sweetness. For a well-balanced meal serve with a side of spinach or sautéed veggies and a small piece of fruit.

Breakfast burritos are great freezer meals that can be microwaved or popped in the oven and taste just as fresh. "Adding ingredients like mushrooms and avocados help sneak in fruits and veggies at the first meal of the day," Manaker says.

Whole-wheat couscous and eggs are the stars of these mini breakfast flans. "Eggs are a high-quality protein and include key vitamins," Manaker says.

Consider these mini taco bowls for breakfast a real treat. To make them even more filling add a few handfuls of your favorite veggies.

"This smoothie is loaded with protein to help prevent blood sugar from spiking and subsequent dips that can leave you hungry," Manaker says. With 12 grams of protein per serving, you can expect to stay full until lunchtime.

This breakfast burger has protein, fiber and healthy fats, Manaker says, which is a combination that keeps hunger at bay. To store these in the freezer, individually wrap with plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid freezer burn.

Just five ingredients make up this delicious casserole. "To lower the fat and cholesterol in this dish, replace half of the eggs with egg whites," Mia Syn, RD of Nutrition by Mia says. Keeping the egg whites instead of reducing the amount of eggs used will ensure the protein stays high.

"These sandwiches are full of protein from eggs and bacon, and whole-wheat English muffins add a good dose of filling fiber," Syn says. "Bump up the overall nutrition and add a handful of spinach to this sandwich or replace the cheese with avocado to lower the sodium and add healthy fat."

If you're looking to increase the nutritional value of this casserole, Syn suggests swapping russet potatoes for sweet potatoes, "which have twice the vitamin C and a bigger dose of fiber and beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A for skin and immune support."

Because bananas are a natural source of sweetness, consider reducing the amount of honey and chocolate chips included in this recipe, Syn suggests. And if you have a peanut allergy, feel free to swap with your favorite nut or nut butter.

Enjoying a delicious popsicle for breakfast might seem too good to be true, but this recipe proves it's possible. "The milk and Greek yogurt add high-quality protein to keep you satiated throughout the morning," Syn says.

"Air fryers help you achieve the crispiness of fried food without using as much — or any — oil," Syn says. To make this a well-balanced meal, serve with eggs and a side of vegetables.

Oats are an affordable and versatile pantry staple. "They are a good source of filling fiber and energizing B vitamins which help convert the food we eat into energy," Syn says. Plus, this version gives you a 1/2 cup of veggies, too.

To ensure breakfast holds you over until lunchtime, you'll want a combination of food groups to keep you full. The whole grains, healthy fats and protein in this recipe will leave you satisfied and help you avoid unnecessary snacking throughout the day, according to Jamie Lee McIntyre, RD.

"While there's no reason to eliminate carbs completely, this is a creative way to make a higher fat and higher protein bagel substitute," McIntyre says. "If you're looking for more carbs to stabilize energy, add a piece of fruit."

These pancakes are full of fiber-rich ingredients like oats, fruit and flaxseed, McIntyre says. "Fiber contributes to a healthy heart, gut function and blood sugar control — and most adults should aim for 25 to 35 grams of dietary fiber per day."

"Fruit and oats provide fiber while almond butter is a great healthy fat to promote satiety," McIntyre says. Though she does warn that you may want to add a protein source like pea protein, soy milk or a scoop of your favorite protein powder to round it out.

There are 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber in each of these no-bake bars. "Enjoy a small portion with a glass of low-fat milk or soy milk for a complete breakfast," McIntyre suggests.

"Spices like cinnamon, ginger and turmeric offer flavor without the need to add sugar or salt, and they also help to control blood sugar, fight inflammation and settle an upset stomach," McIntyre says.

Cassava flour is a great gluten-free alternative to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Because this bread won't keep you satisfied on its own, consider eating it with a protein-rich option like yogurt or a boiled egg to keep you full for longer.

"Chia seeds are a great way to sneak in additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both necessary nutrients that support a healthy heart," McIntyre says. Not to mention, including yogurt in this recipe helps to keep the muffins moist and adds protein, too.

Eggs are the champion of breakfast meals. "They're a great source of protein, choline and B vitamins," McIntyre says. For a well-balanced meal, serve with a piece of fruit or a slice of whole-grain toast.