5 Delicious, Budget Breakfast Ideas

A nutritious breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day. When you’re wondering what healthy breakfast to check out, you can save time and money with a little kitchen preparation.

Skip the drive-through line, conserve gas, and put more dollars back into your wallet with these cheap breakfast ideas. The answer to what healthy things to eat for breakfast is simple with these meals.

1. In-season fruit salad

Fruit salad’s a great breakfast to meal prep, since you can keep it in the fridge for three to five days with the right preparation.

First, use fruits like peaches, oranges, mangoes, blueberries, pineapple, and nectarines, which store well for a few days and can be cut up in advance. You can also slice and store cut apples, but make sure to add a citrus juice like orange mixed with lemon to preserve them.

If you want to mix in sliced bananas, cut them up the day you’re eating, because they can spoil if they sit after being sliced. Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries should also be mixed in the morning of so that they don’t become mushy.

Experiment by building new fruit combinations for a colorful, nutrient-packed breakfast. Shop fruit that’s in season to reap more savings.

2. Fancy toast

A couple of pieces of bread, or a sliced English muffin or bagel, plus some fun toppings turn plain old toast into a restaurant-worthy dish. Check out some of our favorite combinations:

• A schmear of hummus, smashed avocado, cucumber slices, olive oil, and sea salt
• Almond butter (or your favorite nut butter) topped with sliced banana and chia seeds
• Greek yogurt, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey

You can whip up this dish in a few minutes and savor delightful flavor profiles with each bite.

Bonus idea: Melt a slice of cheddar cheese on your toast, then pile on blueberry jam, fresh blueberries, and honey. This sweet and savory combo is a must-try!

3. Elevated oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the most budget-friendly breakfast staples that stores well in your pantry. There are so many ways to jazz it up! Make this breakfast classic downright exciting with these ideas. Create your own combinations for a new dish every time.

• For the cooking liquid, use herbal tea or chai tea instead of water.
• Sweeten your oatmeal with agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey.
• Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, or turmeric.
• Cook your oats with fresh or frozen fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Mix in yogurt or cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Sprinkle on granola, dried fruit like goji berries, or toasted coconut for some crunch or chewiness.
• Top oatmeal with nuts and seeds, like pepitas, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds.
• Swap sugar for natural sweetness from diced apples, apricots, or chopped dates.

You can also add some protein, by mixing the oatmeal with a broken poached egg or some nut butter. Oatmeal can go the savory route for breakfast, too, with some roasted sweet potatoes or squash. Again, shop what’s in season for a lower price tag.

4. Egg-cellent scrambles

If you’re an egg lover, there are countless ways to turn a simple scramble into a one-of-a-kind dish. Next time you whip up eggs for breakfast, kick it up a notch with these 5-star scramble ideas.

• Make ‘em creamy: As you scramble your eggs, you can use thick sour cream, heavy cream, or crème Fraiche to thicken them up. You can also add a dash of milk to make your scramble extra-fluffy or mix in some sparkling wine to lighten up their consistency.
• Citrus-ify the dish: Did you know orange juice goes with eggs? We’re not just talking about the drink to wash down your meal. Try it yourself: mix in OJ as you scramble for a sweeter and citrusy take on eggs.
• Pepper in fresh herbs: Dice up herbs like basil or chives to add some color and a flavor punch. Mix in the herbs with your beaten egg mixture, then scramble it up.
• Go cheesy: Just about any shredded cheese that your taste buds love will work with scrambled eggs. Shred cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even parmesan for a cheesier egg dish.
• Spice it up: Add more flavor and a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or chopped red chili. We also love drizzling hot sauces like Tapatio and Cholula onto a scramble.

You can also mix in leftovers, like sliced steak or chicken, diced veggies, or guacamole into your scramble. It’s a great way to use the ingredients you have on hand and create something new.

5. Build a bowl

Smoothie bowls are another easy breakfast idea that you can whip up based on what’s in your kitchen and what’s in season at the grocery store. Start with a thick smoothie, pour it into a bowl (we’re using a spoon for this smoothie!), and add your favorite complementary ingredients.

You can use just about any smoothie you love as the base, from a green veggie-based smoothie to a classic strawberry-banana combo. You can make your smoothie thicker by blending up frozen fruit or adding protein powder.

Then, top your smoothie bowl with ingredients that diversify the texture and flavors. Add ingredients like:

• Seeds: chia or flax
• Nuts: slice almonds or cashews
• Granola or cereal
• Fruit: freshly sliced or dried
• Sweetener: a drizzle of honey or stevia simple

Feeling a little indulgent? Sprinkle on mini chocolate chips for some crunch and a special treat to start the day.

Shop what’s in season to save even more

As you prep for your budget breakfast recipes, check out what’s in season first and build around those ingredients. Fresh, in-season produce typically costs less, since it’s more abundant. Use those items to guide your recipe creations.

Be sure to check your weekly Save mailer for coupons on groceries that will help you start your day deliciously.