Who knew breakfast could be so affordable? These cheap breakfast ideas use pantry staples to create satisfying frittatas, breakfast sandwiches and burritos—no extra grocery shopping required.
27 Cheap Breakfast Ideas Made with Pantry Staples
Updated on May 19, 2025
1/27
Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It's similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 426 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 251mg cholesterol, 1114mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
2/27
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about wholesome and quick! You’ll be satisfied right up until lunchtime with these peanut butter banana overnight oats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
3/27
Cast-Iron Scrambled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love these easy cast-iron scrambled eggs that use fresh ingredients I usually have on hand. They make a quick and simple breakfast! —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 217 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 446mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
4/27
Breakfast Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think
of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 424 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 295mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
5/27
Air-Fryer French Toast Cups with Raspberries
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These air-fryer French toast cups make any morning special. I made this recipe for my mom on Mother's Day, and we both enjoyed it. —Sandi Tuttle, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 406 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 221mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 11g fiber), 14g protein.
6/27
Granola Recipe
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
The fiber-rich oats in this granola will quell your cravings with just a small serving. Keep some handy in a small airtight container for moments when your stomach takes over. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 102 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/27
Chia Seed Pudding
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy, nutritional and delicious—what more could you ask for in a dessert? Chia seeds soak overnight in unsweetened coconut milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract to create a creamy, flavorful treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 166 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 8g fiber), 4g protein.
8/27
Sheet-Pan Breakfast Quesadillas
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to have family and friends over for brunch on the weekends. These cheesy breakfast quesadillas are everyone's favorite. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 525 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1166mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
9/27
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add extra nutrition to fiber-rich oatmeal by adding chopped apple with the peel and chopped almonds. My two boys demand seconds! At 1-1/2 cups per serving, it's hearty and filling. And at zero cholesterol, what's not to love? —Danielle Pepa, Elgin, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 253 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
10/27
Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I turned traditional shakshuka into a fun morning pizza. Its sweet, spicy and crunchy ingredients make it perfect for morning, noon or night. —Phillipe Sobon, Harwood Heights, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 336 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
11/27
Sheet-Pan Eggs and Bacon Breakfast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw this sheet-pan eggs and bacon recipe on social media and decided to re-create it. It was a huge hit! Use any cheeses and spices you like—you can even try seasoned potatoes. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 446 calories, 30g fat (13g saturated fat), 246mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
12/27
Breakfast Biscuit Cups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made these cups, my husband and his assistant coach came into the kitchen right as I pulled the pan from the oven. They devoured the biscuits! —Debra Carlson, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit cup: 303 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
13/27
Breakfast Scramble
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One weekend morning, my husband and I were craving a breakfast without the traditional sausage or bacon. I reached for the ground beef and tossed in other ingredients as I went about cooking. This was the heavenly result! —Mary Lill, Rock Cave, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 310 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
14/27
Sausage Cheese Puffs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People are always surprised when I tell them there are only four ingredients in this easy sausage ball recipe. Cheesy and spicy, the golden morsels are a fun novelty at a breakfast or brunch, and they also make yummy party appetizers. —Della Moore, Troy, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 89 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
15/27
Spicy Sausage Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 quiches (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fantastic recipe for an office potluck. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, then mix together and pop it in the oven the next morning. — Pamela Williams, Meridian, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 357 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
16/27
Breakfast BLT Waffles
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 382 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
17/27
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled until lunchtime. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
18/27
Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These blueberry cornmeal pancakes are one of my family's favorite breakfasts. No time to make it from scratch? No problem! My grandmother's standby of store-bought corn muffin mix makes quick work of the job. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 251 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
19/27
Greek Salad-Inspired Quiche
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using my cast-iron skillet to create this meatless family-sized Greek quiche for a quick meal. Just add a green salad and some pita bread, and dinner is on the table with little fuss and no extra dishes to wash! — Donna M. Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 354 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
20/27
Upside-Down Bacon Pancake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a big impression when you present one family-sized bacon pancake. The brown sugar adds sweetness that complements the salty bacon. If you can fit more bacon in the skillet and want to add more, go for it! —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without syrup and butter): 265 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
21/27
Slow-Cooker Goetta
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandfather, a German, introduced goetta to me when we first got married. I found a slow-cooker recipe and changed some of the ingredients to make this the best goetta around! Now, many people request the recipe. It makes a lot of sausage, but it freezes well. —Sharon Geers, Wilmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
22/27
Cheddar and Chorizo Strata
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 370 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 192mg cholesterol, 946mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
23/27
Eggs and Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love having breakfast for dinner, especially this combination of eggs, potatoes and cheese. I start cooking it in a skillet on the stovetop, and then I pop it into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 395 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 461mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
24/27
Tex-Mex Grain Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Tex-Mex grain bowl is special because it is not only healthy but also delicious. Oatmeal is one of those dishes often eaten sweetened. People rarely think about using it in a savory dish—but they really should! —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
25/27
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg: 75 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
26/27
Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This ultra refreshing bowl is the best way to start a summer morning! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 325 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
27/27
Cheesy Vegetable Frittata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy, flavorful egg bake is packed with veggies. My husband and I enjoy it just as much for late-night suppers as we do for brunch. Swap in an egg substitute if you’re cutting the fatin your diet. A simple side of fresh fruit makes a perfect refreshing complement for this dish.—Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 390mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
Cheap Breakfast Ideas FAQ
What low-cost breakfast options are healthy?
Healthy means different things to different people, but dishes like oatmeal bowls, smoothies, pancakes, chia seed puddings and veggie and egg scrambles are generally considered healthy breakfast options. Heart-healthy breakfasts are nutrient-rich and contain wholesome, minimally processed ingredients. Try including nuts or nut butters, seeds, sugar-free yogurt, frozen fruits or canned beans to add nutrients and still keep your budget in check.
How can I save money on breakfast?
To save money on breakfast, start with affordable staples like oats, eggs, bread and frozen fruit. You can buy these versatile ingredients in bulk and use them for multiple meals. Batch-cooking options, such as healthy granola recipes or freezer breakfast burritos, are another way to save money while saving time during busy mornings. You can also swap in homemade options for store-bought breakfast bars, muffins, egg bites or granola. For added savings, use seasonal ingredients and check for sales and deals at the grocery store.
What affordable breakfast recipes can be made ahead of time?
Make-ahead breakfast recipes like overnight oats, freezer sandwiches and make-ahead breakfast casseroles can be made in large batches, saving time and money. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days (or in the freezer for up to three months). Pro tip: Label your containers with dates to keep them fresh and make them easy to grab on the go.
