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10+ High-Protein Diabetes-Friendly Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes
Finding delicious breakfast ideas that you can make ahead of time can be challenging, which is why we’ve prepared this collection of options that could save you some time tomorrow morning. These recipes are low in calories, sodium and saturated fats, all while incorporating complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables to align with a diabetes-friendly eating pattern. We’ve also made sure that these dishes are high in protein, with at least 15 grams of protein per serving, helping you stay satiated and more energized throughout busy days. If you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast that fits your needs, try out our Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole or our Tomato-Parmesan Mini Quiches and start your day off on a good note.
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Chocolate-Strawberry Baked Oats
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
These chocolate-strawberry baked oats are a delicious breakfast that uses the classic pairing of sweet, ripe strawberries with chocolate. This dish gets its protein boost from cottage cheese, which blends beautifully into the oats while adding a subtle tang. For an extra protein punch, a scoop of protein powder works seamlessly into the mixture, making the oats an even more satisfying way to start the day. Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to four days.
Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Burritos with Eggs, Cheese & Spinach
Mornings just got easier with these satisfying breakfast burritos made with eggs, spinach, serrano peppers and cheese. These burritos can last for months in the freezer and reheat within minutes in the microwave, so keep a stash on hand for when you need a quick, healthy breakfast.
Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole
Prepare this easy ham and broccoli casserole the evening before. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a delicious breakfast.
Apple, Bacon and Sweet Potato Mini Casseroles
These sweet and savory mini casseroles are ready in just an hour. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers to enjoy later.
Tomato-Parmesan Mini Quiches
These individual mini quiches are a fun take on a traditional quiche. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for an easy breakfast later in the week.
Vanilla-Cranberry Overnight Oatmeal
Overnight oats can simplify your morning routine while still providing a hearty, nutritious breakfast. You can prepare this in a 2-cup mason jar or other to-go container if you usually transport your breakfast.
Yogurt with Blueberries
Blueberries add all the sweetness you need, naturally, to protein-rich Greek yogurt in this satisfying breakfast. Make ahead and store in an airtight container to bring to work or school.
Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks
Jason Donnelly
This air-fryer French toast recipe cuts the toast into strips that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and perfect for dipping into maple syrup or your favorite fruit compote. Prepare ahead and reheat in the microwave.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Jar with Fruit
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Sue Mitchell, Prop stylist: Skylar Myers,
Create a creamy on-the-go snack by combining protein-packed cottage cheese with sweet chopped peaches. When peaches are out of season, opt for frozen or experiment with an alternative such as chopped strawberries or orange segments. Elevate the flavor profile by adding a hint of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the cottage cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup is the perfect finishing touch.
High-Protein Strawberry & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Sue Mitchell
These overnight oats get a protein boost from Greek-style yogurt, peanut butter and soy milk, combining for 17 grams of protein per serving. We mix it up with chopped strawberries, but any berry or chopped fruit will pair nicely with this easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait
Alexandra Shytsman
This strawberry parfait recipe combines fresh fruit, strained yogurt and crunchy granola for an easy breakfast. Pack the parfait in a Mason jar and add the granola when you’re ready to enjoy.
Homemade Plain Greek Yogurt
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Learning how to make Greek yogurt at home is simple with this easy recipe. Start by making homemade yogurt: heating milk, combining it with a little bit of already-cultured yogurt and letting it sit in a warm spot until the milk turns into yogurt. Making protein-rich Greek yogurt takes one step more than making regular yogurt: straining the yogurt to thicken it. You can add the leftover liquid—also known as whey—to smoothies, or you can use it in place of buttermilk in baking. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
