It’s hard to stick to a healthy breakfast routine when you’re on a budget. These 19 frugal breakfast ideas are perfect for those on a budget. From overnight oats to instant pot egg bites, these recipes are kind to your wallet and will leave you feeling satisfied until lunchtime.
1. Toast and Eggs
There are many different ways to make toast and eggs, and this is just one of them. All you need is a slice of bread, some butter or margarine, and an egg. First, spread the butter on the bread. Then, fry the egg in a pan until it is cooked to your liking. Finally, place the egg on top of the toast and enjoy!
2. Fluffy, Fluffy Pancakes
Pancakes can be made with a mix and without buttermilk. The recipe uses maple syrup, which is a splurge item. Splurge on your pancake mix or make it yourself to save money! Fresh fruit is an inexpensive and healthy option for pancakes.
3. Poached Eggs
Poached eggs are a healthy and elegant dish. This recipe only needs 4 ingredients. Poached eggs are packed with protein, which is important for breakfast items. Protein gives you lasting energy throughout the morning, so you don’t get that mid-morning crash.
I always make sure to include poached eggs in my breakfast rotation because they’re delicious and nutritious. Poached eggs can be found in many recipes, including burgers and omelets.
4. Egg, Sausage and Potato Scramble
This is a simple breakfast recipe for those looking for low-calorie and protein-rich options. The egg and sausage scramble takes just minutes to make, making it perfect for on-the-go mornings or busy weekday breakfasts. The low sugar breakfast is high in protein and cooks quickly.
The dish can be served on top of a corn tortilla, or crisp corn tortillas can be placed in the oven or toaster oven for extra crunchiness. If you would like more flavor, add chopped cilantro and green onions to the eggs before cooking them with the sausage. This breakfast is packed with protein and cheaper than other options like oatmeal or yogurt.
5. Egg in the Hole
This recipe is quick and easy to cook, perfect for when you have a little more time or the weather is cold. The heart-shaped cookie cutter makes this meal extra special.
To make this, start by cutting a hole in the center of a slice of bread. Toast the bread before an egg is cooked inside it. Drop some butter into the heart-shaped cutout, and cook until egg whites are not runny.
6. Pancakes and Fresh Fruit
Pancakes are an inexpensive and healthy breakfast option that can easily be made with fresh or frozen fruit. The recipe for pancakes can be made in advance and stored, making it perfect for a trip where limited food storage is available. You can also purchase fruit when it’s in season, as it will be cheaper than off-season fruit. And, of course, who doesn’t love maple syrup on their pancakes? It’s the perfect way to make them even more delicious!
7. BLT
The BLT is a great breakfast sandwich that is both cheap and filling. To make this sandwich, all you need are some bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Make sure to purchase the ingredients on sale in order to save money!
8. Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast burritos are a great way to start your day. They’re easy to make and can be filled with all sorts of different ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make them with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
To start, gather up some eggs, cheese, and tortillas. You can either scramble the eggs or fry them, depending on what you prefer. Then, just add the eggs and cheese to the tortilla and roll it up like a burrito. Wrap the burrito in foil and place it in the microwave for a few minutes until the eggs are cooked through. Unwrap it and enjoy!
9. Yogurt and Fresh Fruit
If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable breakfast option, yogurt is the perfect choice. Yogurt is a great source of protein, and it can be eaten as a meal or snack. You can also add fresh fruit to make a delicious parfait recipe that the whole family will love!
Frozen fruit can be substituted for home-grown fresh fruit, so you can always have yogurt on hand no matter what season it is. Plus, when fruit is frozen, it lasts longer than when it’s fresh. Buy fruit when it’s on sale and freeze it to make smoothies later on. Smoothies are very affordable with frozen or homegrown fruits, making them the most budget-friendly option out of all the options in this list!
10. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option because it is both cheap and healthy. You can buy oats in bulk, which makes them cheaper than instant oatmeal. Oats are also high in fiber and protein, which will help keep you full until lunchtime.
If you have trouble cooking oatmeal properly so that it doesn’t turn out mushy, try using less water next time. Another option is to purchase whole grain oats, which are healthier and cheaper than instant oatmeal. Whole grain oats can be made into a variety of delicious combinations such as apples and cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg or brown sugar, pumpkin puree, walnuts, bananas, blueberries and chocolate chips.
11. Hard-Boiled Egg
One of the cheapest and easiest breakfast options is the hard-boiled egg. All you need is an egg, a pot of boiling water, and a timer. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, then carefully lower in the egg with a spoon. Set your timer for 10 minutes and walk away. When the timer goes off, remove the egg from the boiling water using a spoon and run it under cold tap water until it’s cool enough to handle. Peel off the shell and chop up the egg for on-the-go convenience or to make an easy sandwich.
12. Smoothie
Smoothies are a great breakfast option because they’re healthy and convenient. You can make them ahead of time and take them with you on the go. Plus, they’re easy to customize depending on what ingredients you have on hand.
To make a smoothie, you’ll need: a blender, fruit (fresh or frozen), Liquid (milk, juice, yogurt, etc.), sweetener (honey, sugar, etc.)
13. Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches
One of the best things about breakfast sandwiches is that they can be made with pretty much any ingredients you have on hand. This recipe includes fried eggs, which are one of the cheapest and most nutritious breakfast options.
The best part about this recipe is that you can freeze it ahead of time for quick morning meals. All you need to do is pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and you’re good to go!
Another great thing about breakfast sandwiches is that they are so versatile. You can use whatever type of bread, meat, cheese, and vegetables you like. And if you’re feeling creative, why not try making your own sandwich recipes?
14. Homemade Granola Bars
Granola bars are a great way to have a filling breakfast without spending too much money. However, store-bought granola bars can be expensive and unhealthy. Homemade granola bars, on the other hand, are cheap, easy to make, and customizable.
These granola bars are perfect for a crowd–they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. They’re also versatile; you can add whatever ingredients you like to them.
15. Healthy Homemade Bran Muffins
Muffins are a popular breakfast food because they are easy to make and can be frozen for later use. are a type of quick bread that can be sweet or savory. They are typically baked in muffin tins, but can also be made as loaves. Muffins freeze well and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
If you are looking for a healthy breakfast to start your day, look no further than these homemade bran muffins. Most store-bought bran muffins are loaded with sugar, but this recipe is sweetened only with honey. These muffins are also high in fiber and will keep you full until lunchtime.
16. Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic breakfast food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The best part is that it’s easy to clean up, so you won’t have any dishes to wash afterwards.
I like to use a Dollar Tree foil loaf pan for this recipe, as it makes it quick and easy to prepare. You can also wrap the banana bread in foil or place it in the freezer for later on. Another great thing about this recipe is that you can add your favorite toppings, such as nuts or chocolate chips.
17. Energy Balls
If you are looking for a recipe that is easy to make and doesn’t require any baking, then these Energy Balls are perfect for you! With only nine ingredients, including ground sausage, egg and cream cheese, this recipe can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Plus, the tangy flavor will give you an extra boost of energy in the morning.
Whether you’re serving them as part of breakfast or as appetizers at your next gathering, these sausage balls are sure to be a hit. So don’t wait any longer – get started on this easy recipe today!
18. Overnight Oats
There are many overnight oats recipes that you can try. You can make them sweet or savory, and all of them will be delicious. Overnight oats are a great way to start your day because they are healthy and easy to make.
Here are some of our favorite overnight oats recipes:
1) Apple Crisp Oatmeal: This recipe is perfect for fall. It is made with apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices.
2) Enchilada Oats: This recipe is made with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cheese. It is the perfect breakfast for Tex Mex lovers!
3) French Toast Bake: This recipe is perfect for weekends when you have more time to cook breakfast. It takes a little bit longer to make than other recipes, but it’s worth it!
4) Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats: This recipe is super delicious and decadent. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want something a little bit sweeter in the morning.
5) Chocolate Covered Strawberry Overnight Oats: If you love strawberries and chocolate, then this recipe is definitely for you!
19. Breakfast Casserole
This dish is a quick and easy option for breakfast during the week. It is perfect for families who are busy and need something they can prepare quickly. The recipe uses ingredients that you likely have on hand, so it is convenient and easy to make. You can also customize the flavors in this casserole to your liking, making it a versatile option for any morning meal.
The crock pot is used to make this easy recipe for cinnamon roll casserole. It is made with the ingredients you need and ready in under an hour. This dish freezes well, so make extra portions at the beginning of the week to enjoy throughout the week.
So there you have it – five cheap and healthy breakfast ideas to help you start your day off right. Give them a try, and see how delicious (and affordable) eating on a budget can be.