Make-ahead breakfasts for workday mornings
Which breakfasts can be baked, rolled, or packed the night before, and how to reheat them without drying them out.
Bake once, portion the pan
Baked oatmeal and a frittata are the most forgiving make-ahead breakfasts on this site. Cool them, cut them into portions, and refrigerate them in a covered container for up to four days. Reheat oatmeal with a splash of milk so it softens. Reheat egg dishes covered, just until warm, so they do not weep.
Use the refrigerator for oats
Overnight oats need no morning cooking. Stir oats, milk, and fruit at night, and eat them cold or warmed. They keep for about three days. If you add banana, expect it to brown. Berries and apple hold their color better.
Wrap breakfasts you can hold
A breakfast burrito wrapped in foil refrigerates well and can be reheated in a skillet or a low oven. Freeze extra burritos if you will not eat them within three days. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leave pancakes for the morning you have time
Pancakes are better cooked to order. If you do cook extra, cool them on a rack, then refrigerate and reheat in a toaster or a dry skillet. Do not stack them hot in a closed container or they steam and turn gummy.