The Breakfast Club

Tags

bacon, Breakfast, breakfast sandwiches, easy breakfast, egg mugs, eggs, french toast, ham, Pancakes, recipes, sausage

B-r-r-r-ingggg!!!

What in SAM HADES!?! FIRE ALARM!! You leap out of your warm comfortable bed, slip on a stray sock, step on the cat’s tail, knock over the water glass on the way down and wind up face planted and soggy on the bedroom floor. As you slowly roll over, you promptly do a mental CAT scan determining if anything is broken and if all of your vital parts remain in tact. Then you realize as you’re staring at the ceiling…ah. The alarm clock.

I believe it was no accident they named this abomination an “alarm” clock. Most mornings are absolute cause for alarm being similar to a Chinese fire drill. Get up, shower, get dressed, hair, teeth, make the beds, bathe and dress the kids, grab the wine…uh…coffee, kids lunches, and breakfast. Breakfast is usually the last thought of the morning. Pour some cereal and milk if that, or grab a Ding-Dong or Ho-Ho and be done with it.

Well y’all….I have a secret. Are you waiting with baited breath? Breakfast doesn’t have to be that way. Stop laughing! It really can be hot, super easy, nutritious and delicious with just a teensy bit of planning.

Here are a few of my tried and true breakfast recipes that will allow you and your family to eat like Kings for breakfast. No, this does not require a team of loyal subjects running through the kitchen every morning. Just a desire to fill your belly with a good, warm, comforting breakfast to start the day right! Not to mention most of these can be made ahead, pre-packed and you have nothing more to do than serve the jesters!

Breakfast Sandwiches

There is really nothing easier or more hearty than a good breakfast sandwich. Keep a mental list such as the one below and you always have a great go-to breakfast. These are also so incredibly easy to prepare in advance. I usually cook a large breakfast on Saturday mornings. As I’m already in the kitchen making breakfast, I make extra eggs and meat to use for breakfast sandwiches for the week. The best part is you can customize each sandwich to suit any taste without having to make separate meals. Wrap them in plastic wrap, paper or place in containers and all you have to do is warm and go. Super easy, super good!

Bread

White/Wheat Sandwich Bread
English Muffins
Bagel Thins
Croissants
Pitas
Wraps
Dinner Rolls

Meat:

Ham
Turkey
Prosciutto
Salami
Bacon/Turkey Bacon
Sausage/Turkey Sausage
Canadian Bacon

Cheese:

American
Provolone
Pepper Jack
Monterrey Jack
Cheddar
Brie
Feta

Other:

Eggs
Spinach
Mushrooms
Tomato
Olives
Onions

Condiments, Toppings or Dressing:

Mustard
Mayo
Miracle Whip
Hummus
Tapanade
Ketchup
Ranch Dressing
Honey Mustard
Egg Salad – Yep.

Pancakes!

No, Im not crazy and Yes, you can! Take your favorite pancake recipe and make a double batch. When they cool, place in stacks of three, wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a Ziploc bag. Throw those babies in the fridge or freezer, and again, all you have to do is warm them in the microwave and top with fresh fruit or syrup!

Breakfast Cups

Again, a little planning goes a long way in the mornings. These little gems have become a staple in our house. Again, make ahead, wrap and freeze or refrigerate.

In a bowl, combine 1 package refrigerated hash browns, 1 cup chopped spinach leaves, 6 eggs slightly beaten, 6 diced breakfast sausages, 1 cup grated cheese, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp. butter, salt and pepper to taste. Pour mixture into muffin cups. Top with a second egg if desired (as shown in photo). Bake at 400 degrees for 12 -15 minutes or until set.

French Toast/French Toast Sticks

This has to be one of my absolute favorite go-to breakfasts.

Coat bread slices in a mixture of slightly beaten egg or Egg beaters, a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 1 tbsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. cinnamon. Griddle on both sides until golden brown. Top with fruit, nuts, whip cream or powdered sugar. (Sneak Peek: Next week I’ll share STUFFED french toast. man…oh man.) To make the sticks, allow the toast to cool and cut into equal horizontal slices. These make a super easy breakfast when you place these sticks in a container with fruit, sausage and a little baggie of syrup. 🙂

Microwave Egg Mugs

I saved the best for last. These are super, fantastically incredible and you can make these in THREE MINUTES!! Again, each one can be customized for each person. Sooooo good y’all!

Spray a mug with non-stick spray. Into each mug crack one egg (or one serving egg beaters for serious ease), add 1 tbsp. milk, a pinch of salt and pepper and lightly beat with a fork. Pop in the microwave for 45 seconds and stir. Microwave again until eggs are almost set 30 -45 seconds more. Top with your favorite toppings. I’ve listed some variations below:

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: Chili Dog Egg Cup

Top with Cheddar cheese, diced onions and 1 tbsp. chili

Egg Cup Florentine

Top with Mozzarella and chopped spinach, warm again about 30 seconds.

Egg Cup Ole’!

Top with pepper jack cheese, diced onions, peppers and fresh salsa. Garnish with a slice of lime 😉

Veggie Egg Cup

Top with mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, olives and Parmesan cheese.

Caprese Egg Cup

Top with chopped Basil and diced Tomatoes with shredded mozzarella

Cheeseburger Egg Cup

Top with chopped burger, tomatoes, onions, American cheese and mustard