10 Easy & Satisfying Desk Breakfasts to Start Your Day (2024)

• Recipes
• Breakfast

updated May 12, 2022

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I can’t tell you the last time I ate breakfast at home on a work day. I’m definitely not one of those people who can skip breakfast and calmly sail through the morning on just a cup of coffee. No way! Breakfast is an absolute must for me. I need a satisfying, filling meal that can carry me through the morning.

But most mornings are a race against the clock to get out the door and to work on time. So I prefer to hold off and eat breakfast once I’m comfortably seated at my desk. Here are ten great desk breakfasts.

Desk breakfasts are certainly easier for some than others. The kitchen in my office (yes, my office has a kitchen) has a refrigerator and a microwave. Some of you may even have a toaster oven at your disposal.

I like a desk breakfast that’s simple, mess free and preferably one that can me prepared ahead of time. If you’re eating breakfast at your desk, also consider your office-mates — they probably don’t want to smell what you’re eating.

Here are 10 ideas for easy, satisfying desk breakfasts.

1. Oatmeal: Consider making a giant batch of oats on Sunday evening, then dividing it into single-serve containers that you can grab out of the fridge before you head to work. Heat it up or enjoy it at room temperature.

2. Overnight Oats: If heating up your breakfast isn’t an option, or you simply prefer a chilled oats, consider overnight oatmeal. This is one of those super easy, almost too good to be true breakfasts and it’s perfect for chowing down at your desk.

3. Cereal: Have extra room in your filing cabinet or desk drawer? Keep a box of cereal, a small bowl and a spoon stashed in there. If you office has a refrigerator, keep a small carton of milk (clearly marked with your name!) handy, or bring some from home in a travel mug.

4. Granola: Homemade granola is easy to make and so, so versatile. You can keep it simple by eating it with milk, use it as a topping for yogurt or mix it into a bowl of oatmeal or chia pudding.

5. Yogurt: Consider storing a few containers of yogurt in the office fridge, or bring one from home everyday. Pair your yogurt with fresh fruit and granola to make breakfast more filling.

6. Eggs: If you’d like a little more protein with your breakfast consider hard-boiled eggs or make-ahead mini frittatas.

7. Muffins & Quick Bread: It’s always a good morning when I sit down at my desk and unwrap a homemade muffin or thick slice of quick bread. A batch of muffins baked over the weekend could be breakfast for almost the whole week ahead.

8. Chia Pudding: I know, it sounds like a dessert…but, it’s a totally acceptable breakfast. Really! Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3s, fiber and protein, making them a great way to start your day.

9. Multigrain Toast with Nut Butter: I love keeping a jar of nut butter at my desk. Not only is it perfect for an afternoon pick me up, but spread on a piece of toast it makes an ideal desk breakfast.

10. Smoothie: Smoothies just might be the ultimate grab and go breakfast. To save a little time, consider making your smoothie the night before and freezing it in ice cube trays, or freezing smoothie ingredients in individual serving bags.

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