20 Cheap and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Hectic Mornings

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, a healthy and affordable breakfast can often feel like an unattainable luxury. Many of us resort to skipping the most important meal of the day or grabbing an expensive and often unhealthy option on the go. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly breakfast every day of the week. This article provides a roundup of 20 cheap and easy breakfast ideas that can be prepped in advance, saving you time and money on busy mornings.

Oat-Based Powerhouses

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are the ultimate time-saver for busy mornings. This no-cook recipe is endlessly customizable and provides a balanced and filling start to your day.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ Tbsp brown sugar
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon
• ½ Tbsp chia seeds
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a jar or container with a lid. Stir or shake well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. In the morning, give it a stir and add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of yogurt. 

2. Baked Oatmeal

Warm, custardy, and comforting, baked oatmeal is like having a healthy cake for breakfast. A single batch can provide breakfast for the entire week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup of fruit (fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or bananas)

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently fold in the fruit. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool before slicing into portions. Store in the refrigerator and reheat individual slices in the microwave.

3. Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please! These are not your average sugary dessert. Packed with whole grains, healthy fats, and fruit, they are a perfectly acceptable and delicious way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup add-ins (chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts)

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in your chosen add-ins. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

4. Granola Bars

Skip the store-bought granola bars, which are often high in sugar and preservatives. Making your own is easy, cheaper, and allows you to control the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts and/or seeds
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup peanut butter or other nut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and peanut butter over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into bars.

5. Homemade Muesli

Muesli is a traditional European breakfast cereal made from a base of raw rolled oats and other wholesome ingredients. It’s incredibly simple to make a big batch to last you for weeks.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• ½ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax)
• 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions: In a large airtight container, combine all the ingredients and shake well to mix. To serve, scoop a portion into a bowl and soak with milk or yogurt for at least 15 minutes, or overnight for a softer texture. Top with fresh fruit.

Eggy Delights

6. Egg Muffins

These high-protein, low-carb muffins are a meal-prepper’s dream. They are easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.

Ingredients:

• 10 large eggs
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups chopped add-ins (spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cooked sausage, feta or cheddar cheese)

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Distribute your chosen add-ins evenly among the muffin cups. In a blender, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the add-ins in the muffin tin. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Let them cool slightly before removing from the tin.

7. Freezer Breakfast Burritos

A hearty, portable breakfast that will keep you full all morning. Make a big batch on the weekend and have a quick breakfast ready for the whole week.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs, scrambled
• 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8-10 large flour tortillas

Instructions: Sauté the bell pepper and onion until soft. In a large bowl, combine the scrambled eggs, cooked sausage/bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese. Lay out the tortillas and spoon the filling into the center of each. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Wrap each burrito in parchment paper or foil and store in a freezer bag. To reheat, remove the wrapping and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

8. Mini Quiches

These elegant little quiches are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a fancy brunch. A store-bought pie crust makes them incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup milk or cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 cup add-ins (cooked bacon, spinach, Swiss or Gruyere cheese)

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles that will fit into a muffin tin. Press the crust circles into the greased muffin cups. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in your add-ins. Pour the egg mixture into the crusts. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

9. Breakfast Casserole

This is the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or for having a hearty breakfast prepped for several days. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your family’s tastes.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bread, cubed
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese in the dish. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set.

10. Breakfast Scramble

While a scramble is quick to make fresh, you can also prep the components ahead of time to make your morning even faster. Simply chop your veggies and cook your meat in advance.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs per person
• Splash of milk
• Diced vegetables (onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach)
• Cooked meat (sausage, bacon, ham)
• Shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions: In the morning, simply whisk the eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Sauté your pre-chopped veggies in a pan until soft, add the eggs and cooked meat, and scramble until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Top with shredded cheese.

11. Shakshuka

This flavorful Middle Eastern and North African dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce is a fantastic and impressive breakfast that can be partially prepped ahead.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 large eggs
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions: The tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. To make it, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a skillet. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each one. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Bountiful Baked Goods

12. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic for a reason. It’s a delicious way to use up overripe bananas and it makes the whole house smell amazing. It’s also a perfect make-ahead breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Breakfast Biscuit Cups

These savory cups use refrigerated biscuit dough as a shortcut, making them incredibly easy to assemble.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated biscuits
• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Press each biscuit into a cup of a greased muffin tin, forming a cup shape. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sausage and cheese. Pour the egg mixture into the biscuit cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and the eggs are set.

14. Blueberry Muffins

A classic muffin that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch on Sunday for an easy breakfast all week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries. Fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

15. French Toast Casserole

All the flavor of French toast without the hassle of standing over a hot skillet. This overnight casserole is perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• For the topping: ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions: Arrange the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, make the topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.

Other Creative Ideas

16. Chia Seed Pudding

This simple, no-cook pudding is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It’s a light yet filling breakfast that can be prepped in minutes.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: In a jar or bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Serve chilled with your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.

17. Breakfast Tacos

Who says tacos are just for dinner? Breakfast tacos are a fun, customizable, and easy way to start the day.

Ingredients:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Scrambled eggs
• Toppings: black beans, avocado, salsa, cheese, cilantro

Instructions: Prep all your toppings in advance. In the morning, simply scramble some eggs and warm up the tortillas. Let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite toppings.

18. Sausage Cheese Puffs

These savory, bite-sized puffs are dangerously addictive and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 2 cups baking mix (like Bisquick)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, baking mix, and cheese. Mix with your hands until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

19. Huevos Rancheros

A classic Mexican breakfast that is both hearty and flavorful. The ranchero sauce can be made ahead of time for a quick assembly in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
• Corn tortillas
• Fried eggs
• Toppings: black beans, avocado, cotija cheese

 

Instructions: To make the sauce, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the tomatoes and green chiles, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. In the morning, reheat the sauce. Lightly fry the corn tortillas and top with a fried egg. Spoon the warm sauce over the top and add your favorite toppings.

20. Sheet Pan Pancakes

This genius method allows you to make a large batch of pancakes at once, with customizable toppings for everyone.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Toppings: berries, chocolate chips, sliced bananas

Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease an 11×17-inch rimmed baking sheet. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Sprinkle with your desired toppings. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Slice and serve. 

With these 20 cheap and easy breakfast ideas, you can say goodbye to hectic mornings and hello to delicious, homemade meals. By taking a little time to prep your breakfasts in advance, you’ll save money, eat healthier, and start your day off on the right foot.