Breakfast & lunch freezer prep for my kids as a sahm this summer
Breakfast & lunch freezer prep for my kids as a sahm this summer! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Emy Lee on YouTube.
Prep: 38 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $31.41 total, $7.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces English Muffins (split in half)
- 8 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided for muffins and rolls)
- 8 slices Deli Ham Slices (thinly sliced)
- 4 pieces Hawaiian Rolls (split horizontally)
- 4 slices Cheddar Cheese Slices (same cheese as shredded, for rolls)
- 8 slices White Sandwich Bread (soft, square slices)
- 4 tbsp Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 4 tbsp Fruit Jelly (any flavor you like)
- 2 cups Cooked Oatmeal (leftover, cooled)
- 2 tbsp Chia Seeds (raw)
- 2 tbsp Flax Seeds (ground)
- 2 cups Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- 1 cup Frozen Blueberries (unsweetened)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients & Equipment
Lay out all ingredients, measuring spoons, knife, cutting board, muffin tin, baking sheet, sandwich press, freezer bags, and storage containers.
Time: PT5M
Prep English Muffins
Split the English muffins in half and set aside. If you like a lightly toasted base, toast the halves for 1‑2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Cook Eggs in Muffin Tin
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the muffin tin, crack one egg into each cup, and bake until the whites are set and yolks are just firm, about 12 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Assemble Egg McMuffins
On the bottom half of each English muffin place a slice of cheddar cheese, a slice of ham, then a baked egg. Top with the muffin’s upper half.
Time: PT5M
Freeze Egg McMuffins
Wrap each assembled McMuffin in a small piece of parchment paper, place two per freezer bag, label, and lay flat in the freezer.
Time: PT3M
Make Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches
Split each Hawaiian roll horizontally, layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half, then close the roll.
Time: PT5M
Freeze Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches
Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper, place two per freezer bag, label, and freeze flat.
Time: PT2M
Prepare DIY Uncrustables
Spread peanut butter on both sides of one slice of bread, spread jelly on the opposite slice, place the two slices together, and press in the sandwich press for 1‑2 minutes until sealed and lightly toasted.
Time: PT5M
Freeze Uncrustables
Allow the pressed sandwiches to cool for a minute, then wrap each in parchment and place in freezer bags. Freeze flat.
Time: PT2M
Portion Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Divide the cooked oatmeal into four storage containers. Top each with ½ tbsp chia seeds, ½ tbsp ground flax, a handful of frozen blueberries, and pour ½ cup almond milk over the top.
Time: PT5M
Store Oatmeal Bowls
Place the oatmeal containers in the refrigerator. They are ready to eat cold or can be warmed in the microwave.
Time: PT1M
Clean Up
Wash all used utensils, bowls, and the sandwich press. Wipe down countertops and store equipment.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Kid‑friendly, Freezer‑friendly, High‑protein, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat, Peanuts, Soy (in some jellies)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Muffins: Whole grain English muffins, Bagels (halved)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute, Tofu scramble
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, American cheese
- Instead of Deli Ham Slices: Turkey, Chicken
- Instead of Hawaiian Rolls: Kaiser rolls, Soft dinner rolls
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese Slices: Swiss, Provolone
- Instead of White Sandwich Bread: Whole wheat bread, Gluten‑free bread
- Instead of Peanut Butter: Almond butter, Sunflower seed butter
- Instead of Fruit Jelly: Fruit preserves, Nut butter jam
- Instead of Cooked Oatmeal: Instant oatmeal, Cooked quinoa
- Instead of Chia Seeds: Hemp seeds, Ground flax
- Instead of Flax Seeds: Chia seeds, Sesame seeds
- Instead of Almond Milk: Cow milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries (add fresh), Frozen mixed berries
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Muffin Tin
- Baking Sheet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Sandwich Press
- Freezer Bags
- Food Storage Containers
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Spoon
- Toaster (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking eggs in the muffin tin until fully set (Step 3).
- Pressing the Uncrustables firmly in the sandwich press (Step 8).
- Wrapping and freezing each sandwich flat to prevent sticking (Steps 5, 7, 9).
- Storing oatmeal bowls in the refrigerator, not the freezer (Step 11).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper when wrapping sandwiches; it prevents freezer burn and makes reheating easier.
- Grate the cheddar cheese instead of slicing for a quicker melt on the Egg McMuffins.
- Toast the Hawaiian rolls lightly before assembling for extra crunch.
Troubleshooting
Eggs are still runny after baking.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F or bake an additional 2‑3 minutes. Ensure the muffin tin is fully preheated before adding the eggs.
Uncrustables are leaking jelly.
Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on both slices first; it acts as a sealant. Press the sandwich firmly for the full 2 minutes.
Sandwiches stick together in the freezer.
Separate each sandwich with a piece of parchment or wax paper before placing them in the bag.
Storage
Refrigerator: Oatmeal bowls: up to 4 days. Any leftovers that have been thawed should be eaten within 24 hours.
Freezer: Egg McMuffins, Hawaiian roll sandwiches, and Uncrustables: up to 3 months. Keep in airtight freezer bags.
Room temperature: Do not store any of these items at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Label each freezer bag with the date and type of sandwich for easy identification.
- Reheat frozen Egg McMuffins in the microwave for 60‑90 seconds or in a toaster oven for 3‑4 minutes.
- Uncrustables can be eaten straight from the freezer for a cool snack or warmed briefly for a softer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of freezer‑friendly kids meals in American family cooking?
Freezer‑friendly meals became popular in the United States during the post‑World War II era when families needed convenient, budget‑friendly options for busy schedules. They reflect a tradition of preparing large batches on weekends to save time during the work‑week, especially for school‑age children.
How do American kids traditionally enjoy egg McMuffins for breakfast?
In many American households, a toasted English muffin topped with a fried or baked egg, cheese, and sometimes ham is a quick, handheld breakfast that mimics fast‑food breakfast sandwiches, offering protein and comfort before school.
What regional variations exist for ham and cheese sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls in the United States?
While Hawaiian rolls are a staple in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, some regions add pineapple slices, mustard, or swap ham for turkey. In the Midwest, a sweet glaze may be brushed on the rolls before baking.
Why are DIY Uncrustables a popular lunch option for American children?
Uncrustables provide a mess‑free, portable snack that combines protein‑rich peanut butter with sweet jelly, fitting school lunch policies that limit crumbs and require easy‑to‑open foods.
What occasions or celebrations are ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sandwiches traditionally associated with in American culture?
These sweet‑savory rolls are often served at picnics, backyard barbecues, and casual family gatherings because they are quick to assemble, kid‑approved, and pair well with chips or fruit.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Egg McMuffins in this recipe?
Common errors include over‑cooking the eggs, which makes them rubbery, and not allowing the muffins to cool before wrapping, which can cause soggy parchment. Use a timer and let the muffins rest briefly before freezing.
Why does this recipe use a sandwich press for the Uncrustables instead of a regular pan?
A sandwich press applies even heat and pressure, sealing the edges and lightly toasting the bread, which prevents the jelly from leaking and creates the classic “crust‑less” look.
Can I make the oatmeal breakfast bowls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, portion the oatmeal into individual containers, add chia, flax, blueberries, and almond milk, then refrigerate. They stay fresh for 3‑4 days and can be eaten cold or warmed in the microwave.
What does the YouTube channel Emy Lee specialize in?
The YouTube channel Emy Lee focuses on family‑friendly, budget‑conscious cooking, offering quick meal‑prep ideas, freezer‑friendly recipes, and tips for feeding kids with minimal waste.
How does the YouTube channel Emy Lee's approach to American kid‑friendly meals differ from other cooking channels?
Emy Lee emphasizes real‑life family logistics—like packing for swim lessons or beach trips—by creating meals that are portable, freezer‑ready, and inexpensive, whereas many channels focus on gourmet or single‑serve dishes.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








