Breakfast is an important meal for kids, as it sets them up with energy for the day ahead, and is an opportunity for a pause in the morning rush to connect together before the day begins. Parents want this meal to be full of the nutrients needed for all the physical and cognitive development that takes place in the early years, but mornings can be busy so meals also need to be easy to make and delicious enough that kids will want to eat with minimal fuss. We understand this morning juggle, so we’ve got you covered with these easy breakfast ideas for kids that will have them fed quickly and happily, giving you both a positive start to the day.
Overnight apple and oat pudding
Overnight oats are a great way to get organised the night before, and make a delicious and healthy breakfast- this breakfast tastes like apple pudding, and the oats provide long-lasting energy while soaking makes them easier to digest. You can make these in glass jars if you have them, or in a bowl. Simply mix a cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of milk of your choice, top with grated or diced apple and a pinch of cinnamon. Top with ½ cup of Greek yoghurt and drizzle with maple syrup, leave overnight and wake up to a delicious breakfast. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you could even make a week’s worth of breakfasts in one go.
Breakfast muffins
Most kids love muffins, so making muffins a breakfast option is a sure way for them to fill up ahead of a busy day. And they don’t have to be low in nutritional value - try these healthy banana muffins, and freeze them in big batches so that you’ve got easy, healthy breakfast sorted ahead of time.
Scrambled eggs
Eggs are full of protein and essential minerals for growing children, but sometimes children find the texture of the egg yolk - which holds most of the nutrients – difficult to enjoy. Making delicious scrambled eggs that are light and fluffy is a good way to encourage the whole egg to be eaten, so try this recipe next time you’re wondering what to make for breakfast. This easy recipe makes 4 serves, add or halve ingredients as desired.
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tbsp. olive oil or butter
Whisk the eggs in a bowl, with 1 tbsp water and a sprinkle of pepper. Heat the butter or oil in the frying pan, then add the eggs and stir until they are medium (2-3 minutes) and still fluffy. Salt can make eggs separate, so the secret is to add the salt once the eggs are cooked. Serve with toast or in a wholemeal wrap.
Loveheart toast
A sweet take on classic eggs on toast, preparing loveheart toast for the kids in the morning will make them feel loved, and motivate them to eat a balanced breakfast. To make loveheart toast, butter both sides of bread, then cut out a heart shape with a cookie cutter (or cut a heart shape by hand if you don’t have one). Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a frying pan, then fry the bread for a few minutes until bread is golden. Next, crack an egg into the heart shaped space and fry for a few minutes each side, or until the desired egg consistency is reached. Serve with the cut-out heart on the side of the plate.
Ham and cheese scones
These delicious scones are packed with protein and energy for busy growing kids, and they’re guaranteed to want to eat them. The scones don’t take long to make, but to save even more time in the morning, make them the night before or make a big batch and freeze, so that they can be microwaved for an instant warm and nutritious breakfast. The ham can be left out to make vegetarian.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain flour
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 4 tbsp. cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- ¾ cup ham, ripped or cut into small pieces
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or pinch of dried thyme
- 1 cup cold thick cream, plus 1 tbsp
Method:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees C, and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- In a large baking bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Use your fingers to rub the pieces of butter into the dry ingredients until the dough forms crumbs. Then fold in cheese, ham and thyme.
- Stir in 1 cup of cream until incorporated with no dry crumbs left over, and dough sticks together.
- Shape and roll into a disc ¾ inch thick, and then cut into 8 triangles and place on the baking tray. Coat with the extra tablespoon of cream, and bake for around 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Get the kids inspired to get out of bed in the morning with these breakfast ideas, and start the day with a healthy and delicious meal together.
If you’re looking for childcare inspiration, read this article on what to look for in a childcare centre, and check out Toddle- the largest childcare centre database in Australia- to find a local centre that suits your needs.
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