If you want to do well in college, a key component is eating well-balanced meals throughout the day. These breakfast ideas for college only take you 10 minutes or less to prepare!
You might not be a morning person, but breakfast offers many benefits like improved focus, better performance, and more alertness.
I am a total morning breakfast person, so it isn’t difficult for me to eat.
If you dislike eating a meal in the morning, you can also pack something light to snack on.
This post is all about breakfast ideas for college.
Breakfast Ideas for College
1. Smoothie
Photo by min che
I may have mentioned this in a previous post, but smoothies are the bomb!
They should be mentioned frequently!
It is so easy to whip up a smoothie and takes minutes to prep.
Here are a few of my favorite go-to smoothie recipes:
Strawberry-banana
It’s classic but it’s so delish!
I throw in one and a half cups of frozen strawberries, one banana, a cup of milk, and a drizzle of honey.
Then blend it!
You can add or take out some ingredients depending on how thick you want your smoothie to be.
Add more milk if you want a thinner consistency or lower the amount of milk for a thicker consistency.
Mango-pineapple
I don’t make this often since I don’t usually have mangoes and pineapples hanging around at the same time in my house.
However, this smoothie makes me feel like I’m on a tropical island and perfect for summer.
You just need to blend together one and a half cups of pineapple, one banana, one mango, and a cup of milk.
Feel free to add other fruits or dairy/non-dairy products to fit your taste.
Mixed Berry
Another one of my go-to smoothies is the mixed berry smoothie.
Just add one banana, one and a half cups of berries of your choice, one cup of milk, and a drizzle of honey.
Blend and enjoy!
For all these recipes, you can play around with the measurements, and add yogurt or other toppings to spice it up!
Some of my favorite sides that I like to add are:
- Nutella
- Peanut butter
- Cinnamon
- Matcha powder
- Honey
Don’t limit yourself and feel free to customize your smoothie however you like!
2. Omelet
Photo by Shameel mukkath
Another breakfast ideas for college are omelets!
This is so customizable and quick to make.
Gather your ingredients:
- 2-3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of cheese
- 2 tablespoons of diced ham
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of diced bell pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Butter, enough to grease a cup
There are a couple of ways to make your omelet.
Traditional Method
If you have some extra time to spare and want a more fancy omelet try this method!
- Drizzle some oil to heat in a pan for 30 seconds on low heat.
- Add salt and pepper to eggs and beat lightly.
- Pour eggs into the pan and swirl the pan to let the egg cover the entire pan.
- Scrape the sides of the egg after it has set (25-30 seconds).
- Add your ingredients (cheese, ham, bell peppers, etc.) into the egg and fold it.
- Let it finish cooking and serve on a plate.
Microwave Method
If you are in a rush or have zero cooking skills, try this method!
- Grease a mug with butter.
- Add in eggs and milk.
- Beat until mixed.
- Put ingredients (cheese, ham, bell peppers) and stir them together with salt and pepper.
- Microwave for one and a half minutes, stir the eggs, and microwave for one to one and a half minutes longer.
- Wait for it to cool before eating!
Explore which method you like better and try different ingredients to suit your taste!
3. Breakfast Wraps
Photo by bam awey
This breakfast is jam-packed with protein, energy, and yumminess!
Ingredients you need:
- 1 tortilla (can be wheat, flour, gluten-free)
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- ¼ cup of shredded cheese (any kind you like)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Protein (2 pork sausages or 3 strips of bacon)
Steps:
- Heat up a pan and add butter before cooking your protein.
- Mix salt and pepper with your eggs and beat lightly.
- After you finish cooking your protein, scramble your eggs.
- Take out the eggs when done and add some butter to the pan.
- After it melts, place the tortilla and let it sit until it forms small heat bubbles.
- Sprinkle in cheese and let it melt.
- Add the other ingredients to the wrap.
- Fold in thirds and take out of the pan to finish wrapping it up.
Additional ingredients you might want to add:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Tater tots
- Avocado
- Veggies
If you want to save time in the morning, make these the night before and freeze them.
Then, when morning comes, pop one of these babies in the microwave for one to two minutes and enjoy!
Make sure you place a wet paper towel over your wrap to prevent it from drying out and heating it up more evenly.
4. Protein Pancakes
Photo by Dmytro
Check out this recipe for great protein pancakes!
My altered version makes around nine small pancakes and I took out some items that I did not have on hand.
Ingredients you need:
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of greek yogurt
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- Some butter for the pan
Steps:
- Combine the eggs and yogurt first.
- Then mix in the protein powder and whisk until nicely blended.
- Finally, add the baking powder.
You can prepare this ahead of time so when morning comes, you just need to heat up the pan and make your pancakes!
Back to the cooking part, you want to place some butter in your pan on medium heat until melted.
Pour in a scoop or one and a half tablespoons of batter onto the pan.
Place as much as you can fit without touching each other.
Wait until the pancakes form small bubbles and flip them to cook the other side.
You can cook the flipped side for (15-30 seconds) before transferring them to a plate.
Since these pancakes are smaller, you need less cooking time than regular pancakes.
Serve with honey, syrup, or any toppings of your choice.
5. Muffins
Photo by eat kubba
Muffins can be a great treat, but also a nice breakfast!
Here is a great blueberry muffin recipe for you to try out!
Ingredients you need:
- ½ cup of butter
- One and a quarter cups of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of flour
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- Half a cup of milk
- 2 cups of blueberries
Steps:
- First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and mix it until light.
- Add in one egg, beat and add in the other egg and beat it well.
- Add your vanilla extract.
- Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder along with milk.
- Mash half a cup of blueberries and mix into the batter.
- Pour in the remaining blueberries and pour the batter into 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Sprinkle some sugar on top and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove and let them cool for half an hour.
You can place them out on the counter with an umbrella cover so no moisture will be trapped.
Then just grab a few and go the next day for breakfast!
Interested in more idea posts like breakfast ideas for college? Check out 25 Best High School Sophomore Hacks for more tips and ideas!
6. Parfait
Photo by Ihssan Rami Azouagh on Unsplash
This is such a simple breakfast that you can throw together quickly.
You just need a yogurt of your choice and fill it with toppings that you like.
Some topping ideas:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Oats
- Cereal
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Berries
- Chia seeds
My favorite is starting out with a granola base, a layer of greek yogurt, another layer of crushed granola/nuts, a layer of yogurt, and then topping with more granola, berries, and chocolate chips.
It’s super easy to make, but tasty and feels like you are having a dessert for breakfast!
You can save some time by putting the berries in one container/bag and the granola pieces in a jar. So when morning comes, you just need to put everything together and enjoy!
7. Oatmeal
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Did you know you can eat oatmeal hot or cold?
Well here are some ideas to prep your oats!
Overnight Oats
I recommend following this recipe for yummy overnight oats!
My personal tweaked version includes less stuff because I don’t always have all the supplies on hand.
Ingredients You Need:
- ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup of milk
- ¼ cup of yogurt
- Drizzle of honey
For flavoring you can do:
- Peanut butter
- Nutella
- Almonds
- Berries
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate chips
Steps:
- After you gather everything, grab a glass container with a lid (I prefer mason jars).
- Mix the ingredients and cover them with a lid or seal them with plastic wrap.
- Put it in the fridge and enjoy it in the morning!
You can add toppings the next day if you like and add more milk/water to thin out the consistency.
This is super simple and can be a grab-n-go breakfast for super busy mornings. Or just for the days, you overslept.
Quick Oats
If you have a couple more minutes, I recommend cooking rolled oats since they are less processed and I like the texture more.
But-if you are in a rush quick oats is the way to go.
Just scoop out half a cup of oats, sprinkle a dash of salt, and pour in a cup of milk or water into a microwaveable bowl.
After mixing it a bit, microwave it for one and a half to two minutes.
Viola! You are done, but of course, you want some pop of flavor.
Some of my favorite choices include:
- Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Peanut butter and chocolate chips
- Sliced bananas, peanut butter, and granola pieces
You can always add in any toppings that you like and play around!
There are a ton of combinations that you can try and you might find a favorite by playing around with it.
8. Cereal
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Ok, ok I know this feels like cheating but cereal is quick.
This may be the fastest breakfast idea for college, but hey sometimes we need a cheat day.
It can be healthy too-that is if you pick the right types.
Avoid overly sugary, colorful, and unhealthy cereals.
I recommend picking whole grains, low sugar, and a decent amount of protein.
You can browse through labels behind cereal boxes or research online for healthy choices.
I fell in love with the Quaker’s brown sugar oatmeal squares.
It makes me feel like I am eating healthy oatmeal but in cereal form.
9. Pizza Bagels
Photo by Pixabay
My little brother is obsessed with these pizza bagels.
Ingredients you need:
- Mariana sauce/tomato sauce
- 3 whole mini bagels sliced in halves to get 6
- As much pepperoni as you feel like
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- A can of olives
As you can tell by now, I like to create food based on the quantities or what I am feeling at that time.
There’s no exact measurement that you have to stick to so have fun with how much you put.
Steps:
- Place a foil sheet on top of a baking rack (I am using a mini oven)
- Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toast your bagels until golden brown or crunchy.
- Spread your toasted bagel with Mariana sauce until it covers the entire surface of the bagel.
- Place a pepperoni in the middle so it covers the hole.
- Sprinkle as much cheese as you want and top with pepperoni, olives, and any other toppings that you like.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
I usually bake it longer depending on if I want the cheese to be golden brown or not.
You can adjust your temperature based on how crispy you want your pizza bagel to be.
Then, store these in a container, and in the morning just pop these in the oven or microwave for a minute to reheat them.
Other topping ideas:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Mini meatball pieces
- Pineapples (yes they go well with pizza, hated by my brother tho 🙁 )
- Diced bell peppers
- Tomato and basil
This is one of those foods that taste great overnight since there is time for the flavors to seep into each other.
10. Mixes (sesame drink)
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You might not have known this before, but mixes are such an easy breakfast idea!
These are mixes like sesame, mixed grains, and flavorful mixes.
You just need to brew some water, pour it over the mixture and stir to enjoy.
It’s also pretty healthy since it’s like heating up grains or nuts.
If you have never heard of this before, you can check it out at any Asian store.
They offer a variety of flavors, textures, and health supplements.
Interested in more idea posts like breakfast ideas for college? Check out 17+ Jaw-Dropping Life Hacks for Students for more ideas and hacks!
11. Bagels and More
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Grab a bag of bagels for this super iconic combo!
Some ingredients to puff it up:
- Scrambled eggs and ham
- Nutella and sliced bananas
- Cream cheese
- Salami
- Bacon, swiss cheese, and eggs
This is a quick combo to make.
You can cook your ingredients while you toast your bagels.
Then just assemble them and enjoy!
Moreover, you can also prepare these ahead of time, freeze them, and pop them in a mini oven or microwave in the morning.
12. Fruit Bowl
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I feel like you don’t eat enough fruits daily, so here’s a breakfast idea to get your daily fruit intake.
This is super easy to make!
You just need a bowl, a knife, and some fruits of your choice.
Fruit ideas:
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Mangoes
- Pineapples
- Pear
- Kiwi
Just pick a few fruits that you enjoy, slice them into edible chunks, and place them in a bowl.
As always feel free to add any honey, dash of sugar, or chocolate syrup to your fruit bowl.
13. Quesadilla
Photo by Roman Odintsov
Do you know what one of the most fulfilling breakfast ideas for college is?
Quesadillas!
Ingredients you need:
- 2-3 tortillas (or more depending on how hungry you are)
- Shredded Mexican cheese or mozzarella cheese (any cheese you like)
Steps:
- Heat up your pan and place a tortilla in it.
- After it forms these heat bubbles, flip to another side.
- Sprinkle your cheese all over and wait until it melts.
- Fold the tortilla in half and flip it again.
- Once it reaches the crispiness you like, take it out and cut it into smaller triangles or just eat it as is!
Some other ingredients you can add:
- Baked black beans
- Scrambled eggs
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Pico de gallo
Lastly, fill up your quesadilla the way you want it!
14. Breakfast Sandwich
Photo by Angele J
For this breakfast, you want to multitask.
Or prep the day before, refrigerate or freeze and reheat in the morning!
Ingredients you need:
- 2 slices of bread or bagel or croissant sliced in half
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of ham
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 slice of cheese
Steps:
- Toast your grains.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper on your eggs and beat them.
- Scramble your eggs and cook your ham on the side.
- Place your slice of cheese on top of the ham.
- Take out your toast and place your eggs and ham onto it.
Enjoy!
Other ingredients you can add:
- Lettuce
- Bacon
- Mayo
- Honey mustard
- Tator tots
Making breakfast sandwiches is a great way to pack in energy for your day.
15. Avocado Toast
Photo by Gaby Yerden on Unsplash
Not only is this a very healthy choice for breakfast, but also fulfilling too!
All you need is two slices of toast, one avocado, some feta cheese, some olive oil, and a couple of cherry tomatoes.
Steps:
- You start by toasting the bread of your choice.
- Slice your avocados and half your tomatoes while the bread is toasting.
- Once the bread is toasted, take it out and spread feta cheese all over the surface.
- Place your avocados, and tomatoes, and sprinkle some pepper or drizzle some olive oil to complete it.
Enjoy your breakfast!
You can also pair this with one of the smoothie ideas in the beginning for a full breakfast.
16. Oatmeal Bars
Photo by Hayley Maxwell on Unsplash
Here is another easy-peasy grab-n-go breakfast idea!
Ingredients you need:
- One cup of creamy peanut butter
- Half a cup of honey or agave syrup
- Four cups of rolled oats
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
Steps:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl until it becomes sticky.
- Place the batter into a 9 by 9-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- Press it down until it becomes even all over and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes and remove it.
- Cut it into squares and store it refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
You can make a large batch of these and alternate with other grab-n-go breakfast ideas for easy convenience and stress-free mornings!
17. Protein Shakes
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If you need a super quick breakfast idea, then you can always pick up a large container of protein powder at Costco.
You can drink it by following the directions on the label or adding it to smoothies!
There’s so much you can do with protein powder like incorporating them into muffins, pancakes, and more!
18. Breakfast Trail Mix
Photo by Fran Jacquier on Unsplash
This is as the name suggests and it’s really simple to make.
You just need some granola bars or pieces, a cereal of your choice, and any nuts you prefer.
My favorite combo is granola, cheerios or quaker squares, almonds, and cashews.
This seems like a snack, but it’s breakfast in a bag.
You can easily transport it and eat it on the way to class.
19. Nachos
Photo by Coffeefy Workafe on Unsplash
You can make these ahead of time and reheat them in the morning too!
Ingredients you need:
- A bag of tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- A can of black beans
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wrap the tray or pan with aluminum foil.
- Place a layer of tortilla chips on the pan.
- Sprinkle cheese and add beans on top of the chips.
- Place it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or longer depending on how crispy you want it to be.
Finally, you can store these and heat them up the next morning for a yummy meal!
Other toppings you can add to bake:
- Diced tomatoes
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers
Other dippings to add:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Hopefully, these breakfast ideas for college saves you some time in the morning.
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Breakfast is a super important meal of the day so try not to skip it!
This post was all about breakfast ideas for college!
