Eggs are still one of the easiest ways to get a filling, protein-packed breakfast on the table without spending a ton, even when prices fluctuate. I reach for them all the time because they’re quick, flexible, and actually keep you full without much effort! It doesn’t matter if you’re learning the basics (boiled, fried, scrambled, poached), pulling together a hearty breakfast, or stocking the fridge for the week ahead, these 15 easy egg recipes cover a lot of ground.
Pin this recipe for later!
All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.
Egg Basics
If you’ve ever overcooked scrambled eggs, fought with a stubborn shell, or ended up with wispy poached-egg chaos…been there. These are the foundational ways to cook eggs that make everyday breakfasts (and quick meals) feel effortless once you’ve got them down.
1. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs
Make perfect hard-boiled eggs every time with this simple guide, including how to peel hard-boiled eggs and plenty of recipes to use them in!
Get the Recipe
This hot-water-bath method is all about timing: bring to a boil, turn off the heat, let the eggs sit in the water for the right amount of time until hard-boiled, then dunk them in an ice bath. This method for hard boiled eggs is a super reliable way to avoid overcooked, greenish yolks! Keep a few in the fridge, and you’ve got instant protein for breakfast or snacks.
2. Soft Boiled Eggs
How to Make Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs
Perfect soft boiled eggs with firm whites and liquid gold centers are only six minutes away. Use this easy step by step guide for perfect eggs every time.
Get the Recipe
I love soft-boiled eggs because they feel a little breakfast-special with almost zero effort. You get set whites and a jammy, runny center that’s perfect for buttered toast, an English muffin, avocado toast, or tucked into a breakfast sandwich. The key is timing and cooling them right away so they stop cooking.
3. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled Eggs
Learn how to make Scrambled Eggs with this simple recipe! A delicious and budget-friendly breakfast option that can be easily customized.
$0.83 recipe / $0.41 serving
Get the Recipe
Creamy, fluffy, and simple, this is the low-and-slow method I swear by for keeping the curds tender (and not rubbery). These scrambled eggs are my go-to when I want something comforting and reliably good!
4. Poached Eggs
Poached Eggs Recipe
Follow this simple method and learn how to make Poached Eggs with soft, runny yolks and firm whites every time! Perfect for breakfast or brunch. Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Get the Recipe
Poached eggs look impressive, but the technique is mostly about gentle heat and a little patience. I like this method because it breaks it down into steps that actually make sense. Once you get the timing down, you can pull off that perfect runny yolk whenever you want.
5. Fried Eggs
How to Fry an Egg
There’s more than one way to fry an egg! Learn the techniques and tools needed to get your fried egg exactly the way you like it!
Get the Recipe
Fried eggs are fast, satisfying, and great when you want something hot for breakfast in under ten minutes. This guide covers the different styles, like sunny side up and over-easy, plus how to adjust the heat so you get the whites set without overdoing the yolk.
6. Air Fryer Hard boiled Eggs
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs are the ultimate kitchen hack! Get perfectly cooked eggs every time with this effortless method.
Get the Recipe
When I don’t feel like watching a pot, this is the route I take. You basically let the air fryer do the work, then finish with an ice bath so the eggs cool quickly and peel easier. I discovered this air fryer hard boiled egg technique when I wanted an easy but healthy snack, and I’ve never looked back!
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
When you’re bored with plain eggs but still want something easy and budget-friendly, these hearty egg breakfasts are just what you need. Think: skillet meals, saucy situations, and recipes that feel a little brunch-y at home!
7. Frittata
Easy Frittata
This easy frittata recipe is packed with vegetables, cheese, and fluffy eggs. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of day!
$5.44 recipe / $0.90 serving
Get the Recipe
A frittata is basically the low-stress cousin of an omelette, and it’s great for using up vegetables and odds and ends from the fridge. This one gives you a simple formula so you can swap in what you have without overthinking it.
8. Hollandaise Sauce
Easy Hollandaise Sauce
An easy, no-fail method for making homemade hollandaise sauce in just minutes. Anyone can make this rich and creamy lemon butter sauce!
$0.68 recipe / $0.34 serving
Get the Recipe
This stovetop hollandaise sauce whisks egg yolk, lemon, and butter into a rich, creamy sauce in just a few minutes. Perfect for leveling up whatever you’re serving for breakfast!
9. Shakshuka
Shakshuka Recipe
This simple Shakshuka recipe features poached eggs in a tomato sauce seasoned with warming spices. Easily customized and totally vegetarian!
$10.15 recipe / $2.53 serving
Get the Recipe
Oh, how I love this easy shakshuka recipe. The eggs cook right in a spiced tomato sauce made with fresh and pantry staples, so every bite has flavor without spending much. I use lots of warm spices (like cumin and cardamom) and fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
10. Chorizo Potato Breakfast Hash
Chorizo Breakfast Hash
This simple but tasty Chorizo Breakfast Hash is a breakfast classic. Perfect for your lazy weekend brunch, or even “breakfast for dinner”.
$7.43 recipe / $1.86 serving
Get the Recipe
This chorizo potato hash is a solid option for those mornings when you want a bigger, skillet-style breakfast. It’s a classic breakfast hash with crispy potatoes and eggs, but with added chorizo and built for hearty appetites. I love how the recipe focuses on getting the potatoes properly browned and letting everything cook in stages, so you get nice contrasting textures throughout.
11. Baked Eggs
Baked Eggs
Baked eggs are an easy and affordable lazy weekend breakfast AND a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge.
$3.40 recipe / $0.85 serving
Get the Recipe
These baked eggs with spinach and tomatoes are a super budget-friendly way to turn a handful of pantry/fridge staples into something that feels like breakfast. Eggs do a lot of the heavy lifting nutritionally here too, adding satisfying protein alongside the veggies for an easy, balanced breakfast.
12. Scrambled Eggs with Rice
Scrambled Eggs with Rice
Scrambled Eggs with Rice is a simple and delicious budget-friendly meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
$5.67 recipe / $1.41 serving
Get the Recipe
These scrambled eggs with rice are perfect when you want a filling meal that’s still cheap and fast. You cook the eggs until soft, then stir them into warm rice so everything turns cozy and satisfying. It’s also an easy way to stretch a few eggs into a bigger breakfast bowl!
Meal-Prep Breakfasts
If mornings are chaotic (or you don’t want to cook before coffee), I promise you’ll never regret meal-prepping these recipes. They each help eggs do what they do best: stretch your budget, boost your protein, and make it way easier to grab something nourishing FAST.
13. Egg Muffins
Egg Muffins
These super easy and delicious high protein egg muffins are the perfect meal prep breakfast to make weekday mornings a breeze.Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
$2.80 recipe / $0.47 serving
Get the Recipe
These egg muffins are a great make-ahead breakfast because they reheat quickly, and you can change the mix-ins every time. I like baking a batch when I have random veggies or a partial bag of cheese to use up. They’re portable, high-protein, and easy to portion out for the week. Starbucks who? 😉
14. Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Make ahead breakfast burritos are an easy reheatable and portable breakfast meal prep idea. Including options for vegetarian or other add-ins! BudgetBytes.com
$11.29 recipe / $1.41 each
Get the Recipe
Freezer egg breakfast burritos are one of the most practical ways to prep breakfast in bulk. You assemble them with eggs and fillings, wrap, freeze, and then reheat when you need a real meal quickly. They’re flexible too, so you can keep them simple or load them up with extra veggies!
15. Egg Salad
Easy Egg Salad
This quick and easy egg salad is perfect for busy days or whenever you need a fast, inexpensive, delicious, and filling meal!
$2.98 recipe / $1.49 serving
Get the Recipe
Breakfast might not instantly come to mind when you think egg salad, but pile this into a wrap or between slices of bread and you’ll be set for a quick, filling start to the day! This recipe keeps things simple with chopped eggs, a creamy base, and a little tang to wake up the flavor. It makes a small batch as written, but it’s really easy to scale up!
