Her favorite word might be “no,” but you’re not letting that stop you from putting a nutritious breakfast in your 2-year-old’s belly every morning (even if it’s just a few bites and most of it ends up on the floor). Luckily, these 22 toddler breakfast ideas are picky eater-approved and they’re not Cheerios—a win-win, if you ask us.
22 Toddler Breakfast Ideas That Are Picky Eater Approved
Published Apr 20, 2020
1. Baked Pancakes With Peaches And Strawberries
Fact: No one is immune to the appeal of pancakes, even persnickety toddlers. These require zero flipping—genius.
2. English Muffins
Slather them in grape jelly and watch them disappear. (Just make sure you have napkins nearby.)
3. French Toast Sticks
They’re the ideal size for small fingers to hold (and dip). Just don’t be surprised when you start sneaking a few.
4. Bacon-wrapped Eggs
Bacon makes any meal irresistible—these portable, mess-free egg cups are proof.
5. Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
You don’t even have to tell them there’s zucchini snuck in there. They won’t suspect a thing. Genius, Coterie member Maria Lichty.
6. Blueberry-ginger Smoothie
It’s creamy, dreamy and ever-so-slightly spicy—but if your kid won’t touch ginger, you can reduce the amount or leave it out entirely.
7. Pancake Tacos With Cheese And Bacon
Start ’em on taco Tuesday as early as possible.
8. Skillet Blueberry Cornbread
You’ll love that it’s packed with nutritious blueberries; he’ll love that it’s crumbly, sweet and topped with streusel.
9. Paleo Almond Butter Blender Muffins
Unlike most muffin recipes, this one is low on sugar and packed with protein. It also comes together in, like, five minutes, if you weren’t already sold.
10. Savory Chicken Sausage, Egg And Cheese Muffins
These healthy egg muffins can be made the night before and stashed in the fridge, then reheated the next day. Breakfast tantrum, avoided. (Thanks, Coterie member Monique Volz.)
11. Slow-cooker Mediterranean Frittata
We’re partial to goat cheese, arugula and red peppers, but you can use whatever veggies your kid likes (er, tolerates).
12. Mini Potato And Carrot Quiche Cups
A sneaky way to get your kid to eat vegetables? We’re all in on this easy, healthy meal, courtesy of Coterie member Ali Maffucci.
13. Breakfast Quesadilla With Soft Scrambled Eggs And Avocado Salsa
Aside from the obvious perks (bacon, eggs and cheese in a handy tortilla package), this dish is also surprisingly freezer-friendly—swoon.
14. Petite Vegetable Frittatas
It’s official: Put anything in a muffin tin and it’s got instant toddler approval. (Thanks, Coterie member Gaby Dalkin.)
15. Homemade Granola Bars
They’ll never ask for Cheerios again.
16. Spinach Goat Cheese Mini Quiches
Prep these quiches ahead of time and store them in the freezer so you have a ready-to-eat breakfast for the little ones during busy mornings.
17. Peanut Butter Apple Cinnamon Sushi Rolls
His two favorite food groups in one fun-to-eat package.
18. Croque Madame Toastie Cups
Just think of them as little bite-size grilled cheeses with a runny egg in the center. (Maybe after this French feast, your kiddos will want to try escargot...OK, maybe not.)
19. Pesto Roasted Veggie Breakfast Burritos
Suzy is about to get a good helping of veggies without even realizing it. Make a bunch of these in advance and store in the freezer for easy reheating.
20. Baked Oatmeal Cups
Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries to entice your toddler to sit down for breakfast.
21. Breakfast Fruit Pizzas
Toaster pastries have nothing on you.
22. Spiralized Broccoli And Cheddar Egg Muffins
They’re basically doughnuts, right?
More Stories You'll Love
Oh My Gouda! Whole Foods Market’s ‘12 Days of Cheese’ Sale Is Almost Here
McCormick’s 2024 Flavor of the Year Is Unexpected (and Delicious)
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (December 11 – 17)
The Cookie Issue
The Best Store-Bought Pasta Sauce You Can Buy at the Grocery Store in 2023, According to Our Taste Test
What’s New at Trader Joe’s in December? Beef Bulgogi, Peppermint Baking Chips and More