Between getting the kids ready for school and tackling your never-ending to-do list, finding time to whip up a tasty breakfast that doesn’t break the bank can feel like one more stress we don’t need.
These easy breakfast ideas are my morning go-tos for plenty of variety and filling options. They save time and pennies without skimping on the yum factor.
Whether you’re meal-planning like a pro or just trying to get through the morning hustle a little easier, these breakfast ideas have you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Meal prepping is your best friend for those crazy mornings. Imagine waking up to a fridge full of yummies, such as sausage and egg casserole, egg bites, and overnight oats.
- When you’re in a pinch but still craving that cozy, homemade vibe, go for quick-fix breakfast ideas like easy cinnamon rolls, French toast, or potato bell pepper hash.
- Choose no-cooking-needed breakfast options like fruit & yogurt parfaits, cereal with protein milk, or hard-boiled eggs for nutritious and convenient meals that are perfect for grab-and-go situations.
- Check out my air-fryer breakfast ideas for even more meal prep help!
Meal Prep Cheap Breakfast Ideas
Most of us are familiar with the Sunday meal prep routine, but have you ever considered incorporating your breakfast into this schedule?
With a bit of planning and some kitchen basics, you can prepare a week’s worth of breakfasts that are quick to serve and delicious to taste.
1. Easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
I’ve got one of my favorite cheap breakfast ideas to make ahead of time.
It’s my go-to Easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole, and yes, it’s as delicious and hassle-free as it sounds.
This delightful dish combines the heartiness of sausage (or bacon) and eggs, melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese, whole grain bread, and a hint of ground mustard for that extra “oomph.”
2. Egg Bites
For those who love a protein-packed breakfast, egg bites are a perfect choice.
With a base of eggs, onions, and salt, you can add a twist with three variations: Spinach Tomato & Mozzarella, Bacon Cheddar, or Garlic Mushroom Pepper.
Preheat, bake, and voila! A delicious breakfast is ready whenever you need it. These egg bites can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
3. Overnight Oats
The simplicity of overnight oats is what makes this breakfast so appealing. Zero cooking!
A blend of oats, milk, yogurt, sweeteners, and optional chia seeds make the base of this dish. Customize these overnight oats with your favorite add-ins like fresh fruit, nut butter, or granola.
Keep the overnight oats in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to serve in the morning, either cold or warm.
4. Mini Broccoli & Cheddar Quiches
These adorable mini quiches are not only high on the fancy scale; they are a surprisingly quick and easy cheap breakfast idea!
I’m talking basic ingredients like scrambled eggs, milk, that always-versatile cheddar cheese, and, of course, broccoli to sneak in those greens (small wins, right?), all baked in crusty bread.
These bad boys can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and yes, they’re freezer-friendly too.
5. Bacon Burrito
Who doesn’t love a good burrito? A breakfast burrito loaded with crispy bacon brings a fun twist to your morning meal.
You can prepare these breakfast burritos a couple of week’s worth in advance and freeze them, making them a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Add some cheese, salsa, hot sauce, or even avocado to these burritos for extra flavor.
6. Banana Bread
Banana bread is a timeless breakfast option that can be prepared in advance. Use those overripe bananas on your counter to bake a loaf of this moist, tasty bread.
Spread some butter on a warm slice, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a treat. It can also be kept in the refrigerator for the week.
7. Muffins
Let me tell you about this Homemade Muffin Mix recipe – it’s my absolute go-to, and here’s why.
Just mix the dry ingredients, and when you add the wet ingredients, add whatever you’re feeling like for breakfast.
Blueberries? Sure. Nuts? Why not? It’s my go-to because, with whatever I have in the pantry, I can make muffin magic happen all year round.
Quick Cooking Cheap Breakfast Ideas
Even in the morning rush, whipping up a homemade breakfast is totally doable.
Check out these quick breakfast ideas, which won’t break the bank and will save you time.
8. Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls?
With a simple and quick prep, you’ll have these sweet treats ready in no time. Just follow the easy steps for fluffy, moist cinnamon rolls. You either use a cream cheese frosting or a vanilla icing!
9. Pan Sheet Breakfast Sandwiches
Love breakfast sandwiches but only sometimes have all the ingredients on hand? No worries!
Try making pan-sheet breakfast sandwiches—they’re a game-changer. Whip up a whole batch at once!
With fluffy sheet eggs, your choice of meat, and cheese slices, these sandwiches are the perfect way to start your day.
Plus, you can customize your breakfast sandwich with all sorts of toppings. And guess what? They’re great for dinner, too!
10. French Toast
French toast is a much-loved breakfast dish that is simpler to prepare than it appears. It only takes some thick bread slices, a vanilla custard mix, and a little butter for cooking.
By following our recipe, you can achieve perfectly fluffy and golden French toast each time. Add some fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly indulgent morning meal.
11. Rice Porridge (Congee)
Are you looking for a cozy and filling breakfast? Try rice porridge, also known as congee!
This breakfast recipe comes from China and involves slow-cooking rice until it becomes creamy in a flavorful broth.
You can jazz up your congee with different rice types and toppings like soft-boiled eggs, green onions, or crispy shallots. It’s a simple and delicious way to start your day!
12. Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast classic that can be whipped up in no time. They are a versatile dish that can be topped with anything from:
- fresh fruit and syrup
- bacon and eggs
- chocolate chips and whipped cream
- peanut butter and bananas
13. Potato & Bell Pepper Hash
How about starting your day with a hearty breakfast with a potato and bell pepper hash?
This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and pairs wonderfully with eggs for an extra protein punch.
I like this recipe because it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover potatoes and peppers. And you can add your favorite seasonings to customize it to your liking.
No Cooking-Needed Cheap Breakfast Ideas
Whether you’re not a morning person or your time is limited, no-cook breakfast alternatives can be a boon.
These fast and straightforward breakfast ideas necessitate no cooking, enabling you to grab and head out.
14. Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
A fruit and Greek yogurt parfait offers a delightful and nutritious breakfast choice. Here’s how to make it:
- Kick things off with a layer of homemade (or our secret, store-bought) strawberry jam at the bottom of your glass or jar.
- Next, add a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy, health-boosting layer.
- Toss in a colorful mix of berries for that fresh, fruity burst.
- Sprinkle some granola on top for that must-have crunch.
- Repeat the layers of jam, yogurt, berries, and granola until your jar looks like a tower of deliciousness.
Make it the night before for a quick and yummy grab-and-go breakfast. It’s perfect for busy mornings.
15. Cereal With Protein Milk
While cereal might be your go-to breakfast, you can easily pump up its nutritional value. Just by adding a few things, you can turn your regular bowl of cereal into a protein-packed meal:
- Almond butter
- Honey
- Protein powder
- Chocolate chips
16. Fruit Salad
A rainbow fruit salad is a refreshing, healthy breakfast alternative. Here’s the scoop on how to whip this up in no time:
Start by mixing strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, and grapes.
Next, drizzle those juicy fruits with lemon juice and pure maple syrup. This isn’t just for flavor- it helps the fruits dazzle even more and keeps breakfast feeling like a treat.
17. Avocado Toast & Other Toast Ideas
These are delicious, no-fuss, healthy breakfast solutions that my whole family adores – and I know your family will, too! Avocado toast!
- Classic Avocado Toast – Spread a generous shmear of avocado on a slice of crusty bread sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt, ground black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Egg and Avocado Toast – For a simpler version of avocado toast, top your crusty bread with a boiled or fried egg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Honey Drizzle: Toast your bread until it’s nice and crispy, then spread a generous layer of creamy goat or cottage cheese and drizzle it with honey.
There are so many other toast ideas, such as ricotta with lemon, basil, and honey, salami with grainy mustard and cucumber, or a classic cheese sandwich.
18. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great for the morning rush! But not just any oatmeal, the instant kind that requires only a splash of hot water or milk.
In just a few minutes, while you’re probably multitasking a million morning tasks, it transforms the oatmeal into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
19. Fruit Smoothies
Here’s a little secret for a refreshing, budget-friendly breakfast hack that’s one of my favorites – fruit smoothies!
Here’s how to whip up this magical potion:
- Grab your favorite fruits – those fresh berries hiding in the back of the fridge are calling your name!
- Toss them into a blender with some yogurt or milk. Voilà, you’ve got yourself a speedy, straightforward meal. Because who has the time, right?
- Feeling adventurous or want to sneak in some extra nutrition for the tiny humans? Go ahead and add a scoop of protein powder or a handful of greens.
20. Breakfast Pita Pockets
For a fast, easy breakfast, try a warm piece of pita bread filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, sausage, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s sure to bring smiles all around.
On days when you’re leaning into a more plant-based vibe or just craving something light yet fulfilling, opt for a smear of creamy hummus paired with crisp, fresh vegetables tucked inside your pita bread.
21. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs offer a protein-rich, budget-friendly breakfast choice.
They can be prepared ahead of time and eaten alone or with other foods. Couple them with some whole-grain toast and fruit for a well-rounded meal.
FAQs
What can I have for breakfast if I don’t have much food?
When you’re low on refrigerator and pantry staples for breakfast, scrambled eggs are a lifesaver. Just don’t skip the most important meal of the day!
Whip up a homemade egg quiche, a refreshing smoothie bowl, or a protein-packed egg white frittata. If you have avocado and bread, go for some delicious avocado toast.
You can also opt for a bowl of comforting oatmeal or whip up a quick batch of pancakes.
What is the number one healthiest breakfast for weight loss?
The number one healthiest breakfast for weight loss is one packed with protein and healthy fats.
Whip up some scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast. Then, top off a bowl of Greek yogurt with muesli for a delicious crunch.
Choosing Greek yogurt over heavy cream keeps things light while still packing in the protein you need to stay full and focused.
What is a breakfast that will keep you full?
How about some avocado toast topped with pumpkin seeds for a tasty crunch? Or try a comforting bowl of oatmeal topped with your favorite fruit.
If you’re into eggs, go for eggs with wholemeal toast for a protein boost.
And don’t forget about nuts—they make a great snack to add to your breakfast routine.
What is the cheapest thing you can eat for breakfast?
Eggs, natural yogurt, soymilk, whole grain bread, and bananas are some of the cheapest options you can enjoy and save money on groceries.
These healthy breakfast options are not only easy on the wallet but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day on a healthy note.
Can I customize these recipes to suit my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can easily customize these recipes to fit your dietary needs.
For gluten-free options, substitute gluten-free flour or bread. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to add spinach to your recipes for an extra boost of nutrients, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors like cayenne pepper for added spice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into meal prepping, whipping up a quick meal, or grabbing something to go, there’s something on my list of breakfast ideas for everyone.
From hash browns with eggs and sausage in a frying pan to making pancakes, these recipes are sure to save you money while still satisfying your taste buds.
Other ideas like slow cooker grits can also be a great addition to your breakfast lineup- but cheap foods are an endless possibility, so it doesn’t stop there!
Give these recipes a shot and kickstart your day with a tasty, healthy, and budget-friendly breakfast! And remember, eating breakfast is important for starting your day off right.
