20 Low-Calorie Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

With these recipes, breakfasts for busy mornings have never been easier. You can whip up these overnight oats, casseroles, chia puddings and more ahead of time to make the start of your day a little easier. Plus, all of these meals are low-calorie to help support your nutritional goals. Try our High-Protein Raspberry & Peanut Butter Chia Pudding or our Veggie Breakfast Casserole and discover a breakfast that will become a staple. 

01 of 20

High-Protein Raspberry & Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This high-protein chia pudding layers a creamy raspberry chia base with a peanut butter–yogurt topping for a balanced breakfast. Blending raspberries with almond milk infuses the pudding with bright berry flavor, while chia seeds thicken it overnight. Assemble the jars ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go option.

View Recipe

02 of 20

High-Protein Veggie Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This colorful, veggie-packed breakfast casserole is protein-rich and satisfying, perfect for meal-prepping or feeding a brunch crowd. Eggs and cottage cheese create a fluffy, tender base, while black beans and pepper Jack cheese add texture and a little kick. Serve with scallions, salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.

View Recipe

03 of 20

Cheddar-Black Bean Overnight Oats Are High in Protein & Fiber

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

Savory overnight oats get a protein-packed upgrade with black beans, Cheddar and fresh herbs. This make-ahead breakfast (or quick lunch) delivers a satisfying balance of creamy, cheesy and hearty flavors with a hint of freshness from scallion and cilantro.

View Recipe

04 of 20

High-Protein Cauliflower Sheet-Pan Eggs Are the Best Make-Ahead Breakfast

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

Our trick for making a big batch of eggs? Get out your sheet pan. With this simple recipe, you can easily meal-prep breakfast for the week. Serve them as is or in a sandwich. Smoky tempeh, sometimes called fakin’ bacon, adds meaty flavor to these frittata-like slices.

View Recipe

05 of 20

High-Protein Strawberry & Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

These creamy overnight oats are packed with protein thanks to Greek-style yogurt and almond butter, making them a satisfying grab-and-go breakfast. Prep them the night before for an easy, nourishing start to your day. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they may be contaminated during processing. If you’re following a gluten-free routine, be sure to buy oats specifically labeled gluten-free.

View Recipe

06 of 20

High-Fiber Banana Chia Pudding

Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

This creamy banana chia pudding is a make-ahead option that’s perfect for breakfast. Mashed banana adds richness and flavor, while chia seeds create a thick, satisfying texture. A sprinkle of crumbled cookie on top adds just the right amount of crunch.

View Recipe

07 of 20

Mixed Berry-Walnut Baked Oatmeal

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This cozy baked oatmeal is packed with juicy berries, toasty walnuts and warm spices. Mashed banana and a touch of brown sugar sweeten the dish, keeping added sugars in check. Enjoy it warm from the oven or make it ahead for an easy, nourishing breakfast throughout the week.

View Recipe

08 of 20

Sheet-Pan Veggie & Egg Breakfast

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This sheet-pan egg bake makes a veggie-packed breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week. Swiss chard and mushrooms add savory flavor, while roasted red peppers, olives and fresh dill brighten every bite.

View Recipe

09 of 20

Coconut-Chocolate Overnight Oats

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

These overnight oats are inspired by Samoas (aka Caramel DeLites), the beloved Girl Scout cookies featuring chocolate, caramel and toasted coconut. Dates give the oats a little sweetness and caramel-like flavor, while a ring of coconut and a chocolate drizzle on top mimic the appearance of the cookie.

View Recipe

10 of 20

Strawberry-Banana Baked Oats

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

These strawberry-banana baked oats are naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup and studded with juicy strawberries. A sprinkle of fresh fruit on top makes this dish feel fresh and delicious. Bake it ahead and enjoy it warm or chilled throughout the week.

View Recipe

11 of 20

Coconut-Mango Turmeric Chia Pudding

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This tropical-inspired coconut-mango turmeric chia pudding layers a creamy coconut base with a mango-date puree for a naturally sweet and fiber-rich breakfast. It’s meal prep–friendly and packed with plant-based protein and fiber to keep you energized throughout the morning.

View Recipe

12 of 20

Easter Morning Quiche

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This Easter Morning Quiche is a festive centerpiece for your table. Packed with tender asparagus, savory ham and nutty Gruyère, it bakes up perfectly and hits all the right savory notes. Serve it warm or at room temperature for an easy dish that feels special enough for a holiday morning.

View Recipe

13 of 20

Spinach & White Bean Egg Bake with Feta

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This savory, protein-rich egg bake combines spinach, white beans and feta cheese in a satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch or a light dinner. Creamy cottage cheese helps create a soft, custard-like texture, while the oregano and crushed red pepper give the dish flavor.

View Recipe

14 of 20

Chocolate-Strawberry Chia Pudding

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This strawberry-chocolate chia pudding is a fun, make-ahead breakfast that could easily double as a healthy dessert. Fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves add fruit-forward flavor, while a layer of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt give this sweet pudding a savory twist.

View Recipe

15 of 20

Sheet-Pan Ham & Spinach Quiche

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer , Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer , Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

This Sheet-Pan Ham & Spinach Quiche is your answer to effortless, protein-packed mornings. It delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic quiche in a format that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Slice it into neat squares for make-ahead breakfasts, brunch buffets or even quick dinners paired with a simple green salad. Healthy, hearty and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

View Recipe

16 of 20

High-Fiber Cranberry-Orange Overnight Oats

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

These cranberry-orange overnight oats are pure fall sunshine in a jar. Each spoonful balances citrusy brightness, cranberry zing and cozy cinnamon spice between layers of creamy oats and chia seeds. These oats are perfect for meal prep or anytime you need a cheerful start to your day.

View Recipe

17 of 20

Make These Apple-Cinnamon Baked Oats After You Go Apple Picking

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Just like your favorite fall pie, the warm flavors from cinnamon and vanilla combine in these apple-cinnamon baked oats. Baked oatmeal is the perfect breakfast for busy fall mornings—you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Whole milk adds to the creaminess, but you can swap it out for a nondairy alternative if you prefer.

View Recipe

18 of 20

Lemon-Poppyseed Overnight Oats

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser

These Lemon-Poppyseed Overnight Oats are a bright and refreshing twist on a breakfast classic. Creamy oats are infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, then stirred together with poppy seeds for a make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a lemon-poppyseed muffin in a jar. A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness to balance the tart lemon.

View Recipe

19 of 20

High-Protein Breakfast Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This high-protein breakfast casserole is the best way to start your day, packed with eggs, cottage cheese and veggies. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and increases the protein content without overpowering the flavor. Earthy mushrooms, bell pepper and sautéed kale bring flavor to every bite. Enjoy it warm or reheat slices throughout the week for a satisfying, veggie-filled breakfast.

View Recipe

20 of 20

Black Bean & Pepper Jack Quiche

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

This black bean quiche with pepper Jack cheese is perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper Jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.

View Recipe

Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/low-calorie-make-ahead-breakfast-recipes-11984567