Do you have an early riser too? My son wakes up at 5 am, sometimes even before the sun shows up, and the first thing he says is, “I’m hungry.” He doesn’t ease into the day, he jumps right into it.
Most days, I already have a breakfast muffin ready to go. If he’s not asking for his usual Nutella sandwich, I give him whatever sandwich spread I’ve prepped for the week.
On weekends, I make pancakes or a simple Filipino breakfast depending on what he’s in the mood for.
Here are some of our go-to breakfast ideas. These are tried and tested, and most importantly, approved by my little one. From muffins to pancakes, sandwiches to warm meals, these are the recipes that make our mornings smoother and a little less sleepy for me.
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet, these pancakes are one of my son’s favorite breakfasts. I love that they’re made with oats and bananas, so they feel a little more filling and wholesome.
Ingredients
Makes about 8 small pancakes
- 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better, I use the spotty ones!)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, but makes it yummier)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
Optional mix-ins:
- A few chocolate chips (I add this when my son wants something “special”)
- Chia seeds or flaxseed for extra fiber
Instructions
- Cook the oats and milk
In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix the rolled oats and milk. Microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly softened. Let it cool for a minute while you mash the bananas. - Mash the bananas
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. - Add eggs and cooked oats
Crack in the eggs and stir them into the mashed bananas. Then add the slightly cooled oats and milk mixture. Stir everything together. - Add the rest of the ingredients
Mix in the baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Let the batter rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the oats soak up the flavors and gives you fluffier pancakes. - Cook the pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Scoop about 4 tablespoons of batter for each pancake or use a 1/4 measuring cup. Cook for 2 minutes, or until you see little bubbles on top. Flip and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. - Serve and enjoy
Serve warm with extra butter, banana slices, a drizzle of honey, or just as is. They’re sweet enough on their own and perfect for tiny hands.
Egg Muffins with Carrot and Zucchini
These egg muffins with carrot and zucchini are a quick and healthy option for breakfast, lunchboxes, or even a light dinner. Packed with veggies, ham, and a cheesy mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, they’re full of flavor and easy to make. I love using my food processor to prep the veggies fast, and the best part? You just mix, pour, and bake! Great for meal prep and perfect for little hands too.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 zucchini, finely chopped or grated
- 1 carrot, finely chopped or grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 slices of ham, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheese (I used a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
- Butter (for greasing muffin tins)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Chop the zucchini and carrot finely. I used a food processor I got from Kmart for $20—it makes prep quick and easy!
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly grease each muffin cup with a little butter.
- Add a spoonful of chopped zucchini and carrot into each muffin tin.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the veggies, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Top with diced ham and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the egg is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Enjoy fresh or pack for later!
Spinach and Cheese Muffins
These savory spinach and cheese muffins are soft, cheesy, and full of flavor. I like that they feel like a treat but sneak in some greens too. It’s the kind of snack I can feel good about serving and one that disappears quickly every time I make a batch.
Banana Chocolate Muffins
I’ve made these banana chocolate chip muffins more times than I can count, and honestly, every time I do, I still get a little excited. The sweet, warm banana smell fills our whole house, and it always makes me stop and smile. These muffins are one of my favorite healthy snacks for kids, and they’re so easy to make.
Banana Raspberry Muffins
These raspberry banana muffins were a little experiment that turned into a happy surprise. I made them in three ways: plain, with chocolate chips, and double chocolate. I honestly thought my son would love the double chocolate the most. But guess what? He kept reaching for the chocolate chip ones. I think it’s the little bursts of chocolate inside the soft, fruity muffin that made it extra exciting for him.
Double Chocolate Banana Spinach Muffins
I made these Double Chocolate Banana Spinach Muffins for my son, and they’ve quickly become one of his favorite treats. What makes me smile the most is that they’re not just chocolatey and soft, they’re secretly packed with banana and spinach too. He happily munches on them without even noticing the spinach inside.
Easy Egg Salad Sandwich
This egg salad sandwich is one of those recipes that’s so simple, but so reliable. It’s budget friendly, easy to make, and you can prep it ahead perfect for busy mornings or when you just need something quick and filling.
I usually make a small batch at the start of the week and keep it in the fridge. It’s great for breakfast, packed into a lunchbox, or cut into halves for a picnic. The eggs make it protein-rich and satisfying, and you can sneak in a bit of grated carrot or chopped spinach if you like.
Serve it between soft sandwich bread, in a wrap, or even with crackers on the side. However you eat it, it’s creamy, tasty, and always a hit in our home.
Easy Chicken Sandwich
This chicken sandwich is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover roast chicken. It’s quick, filling, and perfect for breakfast especially on mornings when time feels extra short.
