Hot Breakfasts You Can Make In 5 Minutes

(Photo: Christina Holmes)

We all love a hot breakfast, especially during this time of year. And if our morning minutes weren’t so precious, we’d be in the kitchen cooking one up every day. But here’s a news flash: facing the day with breakfast in your belly and being on time to work aren’t mutually exclusive. I’ve created five hot, nutrition-packed breakfasts that you can make in five minutes or less, no joke. So go ahead a press snooze if you want—you’ll still have plenty of time to pull together one of these morning meals.

1. Honey-Nut Oatmeal

One way to spice up the old oatmeal routine is to bake it, but that usually takes about an hour, so it is not exactly work-day friendly. But, by using a coffee mug and your microwave, you can bake up a single-serving portion in less than 5 minutes. Adding almonds ups the vitamin E, an important antioxidant and raisins provide potassium and iron. Plus, the egg adds a hidden source of protein.

The Recipe: Place ½ cup quick-cooking oats, 1 tablespoon chopped almonds, 1 egg, and ½ cup 1% milk in a coffee mug and stir well with a fork to combine. Add 2 teaspoons honey, 2 tablespoons raisins, and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired, and stir again to combine. Heat on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.

Related: Up Your Metabolism With These 10 Superstar Foods

2. Southwestern Egg Sandwich

Eggs are the ultimate breakfast food for a reason. Not only are they the gold-standard for quality, complete protein, but they also contain important nutrients such as choline, which research shows may enhance brain health and memory. We add avocado to this sammie to provide satiating, healthy fats that will help you stay full until lunch.

The Recipe: Toast a whole-grain English muffin. Meanwhile, spray a ramekin with cooking spray and crack one egg into it. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or until desired doneness is achieved. Spread ¼ of a mashed avocado on the toasted English muffin. Top with cooked egg, 2 tablespoons salsa, and salt and pepper, to taste.

3. Warm Pumpkin-Spiced Smoothie

A warm smoothie, you ask? Trust us, this will become your new obsession. Pumpkin is a great source of a multitude of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, which is a must for any healthy breakfast.

The Recipe: Combine one cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ¼ cup pumpkin puree, and a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg in a microwave safe mug and whisk with a fork. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, whisking after each one, until very warm throughout. Place in a blender with one pitted Medjool date and ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth. Pour back into mug and microwave another 30 seconds, if needed to bring back up to temperature.

Related: How to Make More Time for Yourself This Year

4. Mason-Jar-Pancakes with Blueberries and Maple Syrup

This recipe takes pancakes from a weekend-brunch-only type of food to a work-week staple. Super easy to make and convenient to take on-the-go, we think this will be your new favorite (and less messy!) way to make pancakes. Just make sure to look for a whole-grain pancake mix so that you’ll be getting the necessary fiber, vitamins and minerals in your breakfast.

The Recipe: Fill a pint-sized Mason jar about 1/3 of the way full with a just-add-water pancake mix. Add enough water to create a batter (consult package directions if needed) and mix until just combined and still slightly lumpy. Microwave, uncovered, on high for about 90 seconds (or until cooked through-test by sticking a knife all the way down the jar and make sure it comes out clean). Top with a handful of blueberries and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup.

By Sarah-Jane Bedwell

More from SELF:

We All Know the Real Reason You Remember These Red Carpet Gowns…

The 10 Best Stretches For Better Flexibility

A 20-Minute Body Weight Routine Even the Busiest Woman Has Time For

6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs