28 Cheap Breakfast Ideas That Use Kitchen Basics

Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers

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

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Migas Breakfast Tacos

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

Air-Fryer French Toast Cups with Raspberries

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

Shakshuka Breakfast Pizza

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

Sheet-Pan Eggs and Bacon Breakfast

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

Breakfast Biscuit Cups

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

Breakfast Scramble

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

Sausage Cheese Puffs

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

Spinach Chicken Frittata

When we were growing up, spinach was one of the few vegetables my brothers and I enjoyed. So our mom found all kinds of ways to include it in meals. This dish is one of my favorites. Be creative; feel free to vary the vegetables, cheeses and meat to suit your tastes and budget. —Paula Tuduri, Bozeman, Montana

Sausage and Egg Grits

I always mix my sausage, grits and eggs together so I thought it would be great to make a casserole that did the same. It’s loaded with downhome flavor without using any butter! —Jeannine Quiller, Raleigh, North Carolina

Spicy Sausage Quiche

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

Breakfast BLT Waffles

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

Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

These sandwiches contain a hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime. —Christine Rukavena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes

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

Greek Salad-Inspired Quiche

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

Upside-Down Bacon Pancake

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

Cast-Iron Scrambled Eggs

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

Slow-Cooker Goetta

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

Cheddar and Chorizo Strata

Stratas are a wonderful way to use up bits and pieces of leftovers you have on hand. You can make them meatless or substitute the cheeses and the meats. This dish can be made a day before baking. If you like more heat, use pepper jack cheese. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes

I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Oh-So-Good Oatmeal

Add extra nutrition to fiber-rich oatmeal by adding chopped apple and 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

Tex-Mex Grain Bowl

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

Hard-Boiled Eggs

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

Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl

This Key lime and coconut smoothie bowl is the most refreshing thing on the planet! —Madeline Butler, Denver, Colorado

Cheesy Vegetable Frittata

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

Breakfast Banana Splits

I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi

Strawberry Overnight Oats

These strawberry overnight oats will be ready and waiting for you in the morning. ThePB&J-inspired breakfast is both gluten-free and dairy-free. Use more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire