One of the things that gets me out of bed is the promise of a nourishing breakfast—especially when it’s already prepared and only needs reheating. That’s the appeal of make-ahead breakfasts: they free up your morning while still being delicious and healthful.
Most mornings we enjoy steel-cut oats or teff porridge, often cooked in the Instant Pot. While the Instant Pot is convenient for unattended cooking, steel-cut oats still require about 25–30 minutes. If you want less morning fuss, try a make-ahead porridge where you simply warm the grains and add your favorite plant-based milk.
This week I gathered some of my favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes so you can batch-cook during your usual meal prep. Having breakfast ready in the fridge or freezer means you can sleep a little longer or enjoy a calmer morning. Below are clear recipes and instructions for make-ahead vegan breakfast enchiladas, farro porridge, and tahini granola. Each recipe also works well for lunches or snacks, making them versatile additions to your meal plan.
Vegan Breakfast Enchiladas
These enchiladas assemble easily and reheat perfectly for quick weekday breakfasts. They also make a hearty lunch or snack.
By: Jenné Claiborne
Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 35 minutes • Total: 45 minutes • Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 jar (about 2 cups) tomato salsa
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Warm 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sweet potato with smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Stir to coat. Cover and cook on medium-low for 15–20 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of water if needed.
- Remove cooked sweet potatoes and set aside. Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil to the pan, then sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper with another 1/4 tsp salt for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the zucchini and cook about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add the tofu and mash it in the pan with a fork (or mash beforehand and then add).
- Stir in turmeric, nutritional yeast, and the remaining salt.
- Add the kale and cook about 5 minutes until tender, then return the cooked sweet potatoes to the pan. Adjust salt to taste.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Evenly fill and roll the tortillas with the scramble and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour salsa over the enchiladas and spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or toaster oven.
Farro Porridge | Make-Ahead Breakfast
Nutty farro makes a satisfying grain-based porridge that reheats well. Prepare in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop; if cooking on the stove, soak overnight to reduce cook time.
By: Jenné Claiborne
Prep time: 1 minute • Cook time: 15 minutes • Total: 16 minutes • Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- For serving: warm non-dairy milk, cinnamon, maple syrup or other sweetener, fresh or dried fruit, seeds or nuts
Instructions
- Instant Pot method: Add farro, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then allow a 5-minute natural release before quick releasing. Drain any excess liquid once cooled.
- To serve: Warm a portion of farro, transfer to a bowl, pour warm non-dairy milk over it, and top with cinnamon, fruit, nuts, or seeds. Add sweetener to taste.
- Stovetop method: Bring 3 cups water and 1/4 tsp salt to a boil, add soaked farro, and simmer (lid ajar) 10–15 minutes until tender but chewy. If not soaked, simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.
Tahini Granola
This tahini granola makes a crunchy, nutty topping for porridge or yogurt and stores well when made ahead.
Get the tahini granola recipe from the original source listed below in the recipe collection.
