5 Plant-Based, Family-Friendly Recipes to Prep in Advance for Easy Mornings
When mornings get busy, having nutritious, ready-to-go meals can make a huge difference for the whole family. These five plant-based, family-friendly recipes are designed to be prepared in advance, making your mornings smoother while ensuring everyone starts the day with a healthy, delicious meal.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Quesadilla
This fun and simple breakfast quesadilla is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness from bananas. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast. This breakfast quesadilla is easy to prep and packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
2 whole wheat tortillas
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
1 banana, sliced
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: a drizzle of maple syrup or agave
Instructions:
Spread peanut butter evenly on one side of each tortilla.
Arrange banana slices on top of the peanut butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Place the second tortilla on top to create a sandwich.
Lightly toast the quesadilla in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp.
Allow to cool, then slice into triangles and store in the fridge. Reheat in the morning for a quick breakfast.
2. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Breakfast Patties
These savory breakfast patties are a great make-ahead option. Full of fiber and plant-based protein, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast that will keep the whole family satisfied. These patties are loaded with fiber and protein, making them a filling and nutritious breakfast. Plus, they can easily be reheated in the morning for a savory, on-the-go meal.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, roasted and mashed
1 can chickpeas, drained and mashed
1/2 cup oats or breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato and chickpeas.
Add the oats or breadcrumbs, green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small patties.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Allow them to cool, then store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the morning for a quick breakfast.
3. Baked Oatmeal Squares
Baked oatmeal squares are a convenient, grab-and-go breakfast that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for the week. They’re packed with whole grains, fiber, and natural sweetness from fruit. These oatmeal squares are packed with fiber and whole grains, making them perfect for busy mornings or as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup plant-based milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the oats, plant-based milk, maple syrup, applesauce, cinnamon, and baking powder.
Fold in the berries.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool, then cut into squares and store in the fridge.
4. Tofu Scramble Muffins
Tofu scramble muffins are a protein-packed breakfast that can be made in advance and easily reheated. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick and savory. These tofu scramble muffins are loaded with plant-based protein and vegetables, making them a nutritious and filling breakfast option that’s easy to heat up on busy mornings.
Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled tofu, chopped vegetables, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin tins, filling each one to the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the muffins are firm and slightly golden.
Let cool, then store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the morning for a quick breakfast.
5. Overnight Oats with Fruit Toppings
Overnight oats are the ultimate no-hassle breakfast. They’re filling, nutritious, and can be prepped ahead of time in different flavors to keep things exciting for your family. Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, overnight oats offer a customizable breakfast that is both nutritious and easy to grab in the morning.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit toppings: sliced bananas, berries, or apples
Optional: nuts, seeds, or nut butter for extra protein
Instructions:
In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, plant-based milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, add your favorite fruit toppings, nuts, or seeds.
With these five make-ahead, plant-based recipes—Overnight Oats, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Breakfast Patties, Baked Oatmeal Squares, Tofu Scramble Muffins, and Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Quesadillas—you can ensure that your family starts the day with a nutritious, delicious meal, even on the busiest of mornings. These recipes are easy to prepare in advance and provide a variety of flavors and nutrients, making mornings smoother and healthier for everyone.