Back to school can mean hectic mornings and fussy kids, but one thing that doesn’t have to be complicated is breakfast. One of my go-tos for a quick and yummy morning meal is whole grain waffles—they’re a warm and toasty alternative to cereal or breakfast bars, and kids love eating them.

I’ve partnered with one of my favorite waffle brands, Van’s Foods, to bring you three simple recipes. You’ll feel great about serving them and your kiddos will leave for school feeling satisfied and happy 😉

Waffle Happy Faces

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

1 Van’s 8 Whole Grains Multigrain or Gluten Free Totally Original Waffle
2 to 3 tablespoons flavored nonfat Greek yogurt
Sliced fresh fruit of choice

Directions
Toast the waffle according to package directions. Top the waffle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt (so the fruit sticks on). Then use your favorite fruits to decorate the waffle and create a smiley face. Anything goes—have fun with it! For example, create eyes using two slices of banana and a chocolate chip in the center; a raspberry works perfectly for the nose, and sliced kiwi fruit for the mouth.

Nutrition Facts (per waffle): calories 120, total fats 1.5 g, saturated fat 0 g, trans fat 0 g, protein 5 g, sodium 190 mg, total carbohydrate 24 g, fiber 1 g, sugar 7 g (0g added sugar)

Egg-in-a-Basket

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
1 Van’s 8 Whole Grains Multigrain or Gluten Free Totally Original Waffle
1 large egg
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions
Toast waffle according to package directions and then cut a hole in the center.

Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray, then heat over medium-low heat. Add the waffle to the skillet. Crack an egg straight into the center of the hole. Cook until the egg sets a bit on the bottom, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, gently flip it over. Let it cook until the yolk feels soft, or about 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts (per waffle): calories 160, total fats 7 g, saturated fat 1.5 g, trans fat 0 g, protein 8 g, sodium 240 mg, total carbohydrate 18 g, fiber 0 g, sugar 3 g (0g added sugar)

Apple-Cinnamon Waffle Kebabs

Makes 2 servings; 1 serving = 1 skewer

Ingredients
1 medium apple, cut into ¼-inch slices or chunks
2 Van’s 8 Whole Grains Multigrain or Gluten Free Totally Original Waffles
Ground cinnamon
Nonstick cooking spray
2 skewers

Directions
Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium-high heat. Add the apples to the warm pan and sprinkle with a dash of ground cinnamon. Sauté the apples for 2to 3 minutes per side.

While the apples are cooking, toast the waffles according to package directions. Then cut each of them into 4 pieces.

Using 2 skewers, alternate waffle pieces with 1 to 2 apple slices. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of maple syrup on each skewer before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per skewer): calories 150, total fats 1.5 g, saturated fat 0 g, trans fat 0 g, protein 2 g, sodium 180 mg, total carbohydrate 36 g, fiber 2 g, sugar 16 g (4g added sugar)

This a sponsored post written by me on the behalf of Van’s Foods. All opinions are entirely my own.