We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that’s true. Some people, believe it or not, aren’t breakfast fans (as if, right?), but those of us who are often run into the issue of time when it comes to preparing something that’s both delicious and nutritious – yeah, I said it.
Being the foodie and breakfast lover that I am, I’ve made it my mission to find recipes that work for me when I have limited time. Here are my top 3 faves:
Italian Baked Eggs
This recipe is outrageously simple. With 5 minutes of prep (max) and 15 minutes of baking – you have a tasty and protein-packed breakfast you’re sure to inhale. For one serving, you’ll need:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup marinara
2 large eggs
¼ cup basil leaves
Salt and pepper
¼ cup cheese (gruyere, mozzarella or parmesan are recommended)
¼ cup milk (your choice)
Directions:
1. Layer oven-safe dish with marinara, eggs, milk, cheese and basil in no particular order.
Photo by Elyse Belarge
2. Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes on 425°F and you should be good to go.
Photo by Liz Tadie
I recommend going the extra mile and adding bacon crumbles and/or sautéed spinach to your finished product. Pair with a small dish of yogurt or fresh fruit for the perfect meal.
Avocado Toast
This recipe gives your standard avocado toast a new look and taste.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Photo by Kate Monick
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons mayo (I like the Kraft mayo with olive oil.)
2 slices bread (Indulge a little; you’re in college.)
1 avocado, mashed
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
2 slices chopped bacon
1 pinch garlic salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Toast the bread.
2. Cook bacon in skillet.
3. Mash avocado and chop onion while bacon cooks.
4. Add lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic salt to avocado mash.
5. Top toast with mayo, avocado spread, and bacon.
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
Adapted from Kraft
2-Ingredient Pancakes
This is my favorite minimalist pancake recipe by far. It’s versatile too – gluten free by default, dairy free, low calorie and high protein (this SCREAMS college kid must-make.)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1-2
Photo by Zoe Zaiss
Ingredients:
1 large banana
2 eggs
Optional but recommended:
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 scoops peanut/almond butter
Maple syrup (this shouldn’t be optional and that in itself is a recommendation)
Directions:
1. Warm a pan to medium heat.
2. Mash banana, eggs, baking powder and cinnamon in a bowl.
Photo by Eileen Wang
3. Spray pan with non-stick spray (or coconut oil if you’re feeling adventurous).
4. Pour the batter in 2 tablespoons at a time.
5. Flip cakes after no more than 60 seconds, letting them rest on the other side for a minute or less.
Photo by Malia Hu
6. As you stack your finished product, spread a layer of almond butter on top.
Photo by Alyssa Maccarrone
7. Once your mountain is made, drizzle with maple syrup and ENJOY.
Recipe adapted from ourbestbites.com
These three breakfasts are perfect for college kids on the go who don’t want to settle for a Nature Valley bar or coffee and a bagel. Those options are great if you’re in dire straits, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and if you can fuel your body and enjoy it – why not go for it?
Have other quick breakfast recipes up your sleeve? Tell us about them! Enjoy, spooners.
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