Raise your hand if you’re in the market to take the guesswork out of dinnertime (both of mine are up). Between meal planning, picky eaters, and a never-ending stream of dishes, it’s easy to fall into a rut—even our usual takeout spots have started to lose their sparkle. And while chicken nuggets and frozen pizza are always reliable in a pinch, lately I’ve been looking for something a little more exciting that doesn’t add extra stress to the mix.
That’s where breakfast for dinner comes in. It’s easy, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it always gets my kids to clean their plates. If you, like me, miss the days of brunching out with a hot latte in hand, why not bring a little of that joy home—even if it’s at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday? My kids love the novelty of eating waffles or eggs for dinner, and honestly, so do I. So, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite breakfast-for-dinner recipes that are simple, kid-approved, and perfect for switching things up in the best way.
1. French toast
French toast is a go-to in our house for many reasons: It’s cozy, comforting, and so easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have. And when you make it with dairy milk, you’re adding a powerful boost of nutrition to every bite. Dairy milk naturally contains 13 essential nutrients—including calcium, vitamin D, and complete high-quality protein—that support strong bones, muscle growth, energy, and metabolism.1 It’s also a top source of B vitamins, which help convert food into fuel (because raising kids takes a lot of energy). Unlike many milk alternatives, dairy milk has no added sugar and delivers these benefits in a whole-food form that kids enjoy. It’s a simple way to level up a nostalgic favorite and feel good about what’s on their plate.
For easy homemade French toast, whisk your ingredients together in a shallow bowl, dip the bread in the mixture, and cook in a buttered skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 slices of thick-cut bread
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for cooking
2. Smoothie bowl
When you want something quick, colorful, and refreshing that feels like a treat but is actually packed with nutrients, smoothie bowls are the way to go. They’re endlessly customizable and perfect for sneaking in extra fruits, veggies, or even a scoop of nut butter for protein and healthy fats. Kids love decorating their own bowls with toppings, which makes it feel like a fun activity and a meal in one. Blend everything together until thick and smooth, pour into a bowl, and top with your favorite fruits, granola, or nut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup frozen berries
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp nut butter (optional)
- Toppings: sliced fruit, granola, chia seeds
3. Egg brunch bake
This egg bake is one of those no-fuss meals you can throw together with whatever’s left in the fridge—and it always turns out delicious. It’s hearty, protein-packed, and great for feeding a crowd (or saving as leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast). Bonus: It feels a little fancy, even though it’s secretly so simple. Whisk everything together, pour into a greased baking dish, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes until set and golden on top.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked veggies (like bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
4. Oatmeal waffles
These waffles are a breakfast-for-dinner upgrade that tastes indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients. The oats and banana give them great texture and natural sweetness, and the batter comes together in one bowl. Kids will love topping their own, and you’ll love having a new go-to dinner that’s freezer-friendly, too. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, combine, let sit for five to 10 minutes, then cook in a waffle iron until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 1 egg
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
5. Sweet or savory crepes
Crêpes feel a little extra—like you’ve suddenly become the mom who makes French food on a weeknight—but they’re surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you fill them with chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberries or ham and cheese, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. The best part? You can use one batter for both sweet and savory versions, depending on what everyone is in the mood for. Whisk ingredients until smooth, cook in a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat, flipping when edges lift, then fill with sweet or savory toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup dairy milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional fillings: chocolate hazelnut spread, fruit, ham, cheese, or sautéed veggies
6. Breakfast hash
If you need a filling dinner that uses up random ingredients in your fridge, breakfast hash is your best friend. It’s savory and satisfying, and you can throw in whatever veggies or breakfast meat you have on hand. Add an egg on top or mix it right in—either way, it’s a cozy crowd-pleaser. Sauté diced potatoes until browned, add veggies and cooked protein, stir in eggs last if desired, and cook until everything is tender and heated through.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced potatoes or frozen hash browns
- 1 cup chopped veggies (like bell peppers, onion, or zucchini)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage
- 2 eggs (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
7. Croissant sandwich
Croissant sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food and make dinner feel like a treat without the extra effort. They’re flaky, buttery, and can be filled with all your breakfast favorites. Even picky eaters tend to be all-in on melty egg-and-cheese croissants. Plus, you can easily grab pre-made croissants from your local grocery store bakery to cut your cooking time in half. Cut croissants in half, layer with egg, cheese, and cooked meat if using, then bake or toast in a skillet or oven until warm and melty.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 croissants
- 2 to 4 eggs, scrambled or fried
- 2 to 4 slices of cheese
- Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage (optional)
- Butter or olive oil for toasting
8. Breakfast quesadillas
Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—breakfast quesadillas are a no-brainer on nights when you want zero complaints at the dinner table. They come together fast and can be cut into wedges for easy kid-size servings. Plus, they’re great for dipping in salsa or sour cream if your little ones love a sauce moment. Layer scrambled eggs, cheese, and fillings in a tortilla, top with another tortilla, and cook in a skillet until golden and crisp.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs, scrambled
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked veggies or meat (optional)
- Butter or oil for the skillet
9. Breakfast pizza
This is the dinner that gets everyone excited, especially when they hear the words pizza and breakfast in the same sentence. Use a flatbread or naan as the base, then let everyone add their favorite toppings. It’s simple, fun to assemble, and perfect for when you need a low-effort win. Top naan, pita, or pre-made pizza crust with scrambled eggs, cheese, and toppings, then bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eight to 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 naan or flatbread
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Cooked bacon or sausage (optional)
- Diced veggies (like tomatoes or spinach)
- Olive oil or pizza sauce (optional base)
10. Chilaquiles
This one-skillet dish feels like something you’d order at brunch, but it’s shockingly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. It’s crunchy and saucy, and you can make it as mild or spicy as your family likes. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose stale tortilla chips that would otherwise go uneaten. Sauté tortilla chips in salsa until slightly softened, then top with scrambled or fried eggs, cheese, and desired toppings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups tortilla chips
- 1 cup red or green salsa
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Optional: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or beans
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Jaclyn Voran, Contributing Writer
Jaclyn joined The Everymom team as a Contributing Writer in 2020. She brings a strong editorial background as a freelance writer, including being published in The Atlantic. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kansas.
- Source: Milk makes key contributions to the vitamin and mineral adequacy of the U.S. population. Milk is the leading food source for 9 essential nutrients in children 2-18 years of age: calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and protein. Keast, D.F., V.; Nicklas, T.; O’Neil, C., Food Sources of Energy and Nutrients Among Children in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nutrients, 2013. 5(1): p. 283-301. O’Neil, C.E., T.A. Nicklas, and V.L. Fulgoni, 3rd, Food Sources of Energy and Nutrients of Public Health Concern and Nutrients to Limit with a Focus on Milk and other Dairy Foods in Children 2 to 18 Years of Age: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011(-)2014. Nutrients, 2018. 10(8).
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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Gonna Need Milk but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
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