Most parents know the first few weeks of school season and new daily routines can be hectic. From stocking up on school supplies to finishing up homework, there's few unused minutes in the day.

One thing that's particularly easy to forget in the mad dash to catch the bus or make it to morning drop-off is a well-balanced, protein-packed breakfast. According to a No Kid Hungry study, when students have a balanced breakfast in the morning, they are more likely to attend school and perform better on standardized tests.

Start the school year off right by giving your kids a breakfast they'll love that also provides the protein they need to kick-start their day. Recipes like Simple Ham and Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches or Baked Eggs in Avocado can be ready in minutes and provide fuel long past the first morning school bell.

As a simple time-saver, Smithfield offers pre-diced, cubed and sliced ham that can make breakfast a breeze any day of the week. Incorporate it into a simple breakfast sandwich for a protein boost you can enjoy on-the-go. Served crispy or chewy depending on your preference, Thick Cut Bacon also puts a savory spin on nearly any breakfast plate, whether paired with eggs and avocado or a simple side of toast. For more information and breakfast ideas, visit smithfield.com.

Ham and Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 frozen prepared waffles, toasted

• 8 ounces Smithfield Anytime Favorites Quarter Boneless Sliced Ham, any flavor

• 4 large eggs

• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

• maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare waffles according to package directions; keep warm.

2. In nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook ham slices until lightly browned, about 30 seconds per side; keep warm. In same skillet over medium heat, fry eggs until desired doneness.

3. Lay out four waffles and top each with sliced cheese, ham and fried egg, topping with remaining waffles to finish. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.

ProTip: Try spreading fruit jam on your sandwich for a change of pace.

Baked Eggs in Avocado

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 3 large avocados

• 6 eggs

• 4 strips Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon, diced and cooked until crispy

• 1 cup blue cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450 F. Spray baking sheet or glass baking pan with cooking spray. Cut avocados in half. Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of avocado to create well for eggs. Place avocados flesh-side up on prepared baking sheet or glass pan.

2. Gently crack one egg in each avocado well, making sure to keep yolk intact. Bake 10 minutes, or until eggs reach desired temperature. Remove.

3. Top with bacon pieces, blue cheese and cilantro.