Thrifty Meals – More Breakfasts!

 

There are so many wonderful and economical breakfast ideas that I just couldn’t fit them into one post so I figured I’d better do another one.

 

Breakfast Breads – when my children were young and I was a hard working mama breakfast breads were not only delicious and nutritious, but also very handy because you could cut a slice and put it in a Ziploc bag and head out the door.  They are very portable.  I would always make mine using half all purpose and half whole wheat flour to make zucchini, pumpkin or banana bread.  From there you can add nuts, dried fruits or switch out the zucchini or bananas for finely diced or shredded apples or some applesauce.  Vary the spices, add chocolate chips (my kiddo’s favorite), add raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, chopped dried apricots.  Pair a slice of this bread with a scrambled egg, maybe a slice of ham or bacon.

 

Mini Quiches or Egg Cups – again very portable if that is something you need.  Our favorite is a zucchini egg cup that uses grated zucchini, carrot, onion, cheese and bacon bits.  Another favorite is to make them with browned sausage and a bit of grated cheese.  They are easy to pull together and the options for flavors are endless.

 

Breakfast Casseroles – these are a great way to utilize leftovers, extra potatoes and even stale bread.  At this time in my life I don’t need to make these on a regular basis so I don’t, but if I was feeding a crowd this could easily be my go-to.  French toast casserole uses up cubed stale bread, a few eggs and some milk with added cinnamon and vanilla.  Baked to puffy perfection you simply cut it into squares and serve with warm pancake syrup.  Another is to shred or dice up some potatoes, onion and leftover ham.  Pour three well beaten eggs mixed with a cup of milk and seasoned with a salt and pepper over the top.  Bake until set and serve.  Again, you have endless possibilities with these.

 

Breakfast Burritos – this is one of my favorites.  I scramble a couple eggs with either diced bacon, ham or some ground and browned sausage plus some diced onions and bell pepper.  Divide amongst three warm flour tortillas and top with cheese and salsa or hot sauce.  Roll them up and you are good to go.  Another portable option as well.  I like to make these when I’m out camping.

 

Omelets – simple beat up an egg or two and pour into a well greased skillet over medium heat until the egg is set.  Add whatever you happen to have on hand – leftover sausage, ham or bacon, vegetables and some grated cheese.  Fold in half and place on a plate.  Let it sit for a bit to allow the cheese to melt.  These are also very good for dinner.  I find by making a three egg omelet and cutting it in half it is the perfect amount for two people.  Serve with a buttered slice of homemade toasted bread.  So good!

 

Fruit Salad – when we had extra fresh fruit to use up I’d cut it all into bite size pieces, slice a banana and then toss it with some homemade yogurt.  By adding some thawed frozen blueberries the yogurt takes on a pretty lavender color or frozen raspberries will make it pink.  Sometimes I’d add a can of drained mandarin oranges or sliced peaches cut up in smaller pieces.  Fruit cocktail is also nice.  Serve on the side or with muffins, scones or a slice of breakfast bread as the main dish.  Perfect!

 

Kuchen or Coffeecake – I will often make one of these if I have company.  There are so many wonderful ways to prepare a kuchen which I will make to use up extra jars of homemade jam or apple butter.  Coffeecake with a crumb topping is a timeless wonder.  On its own or served with scrambled eggs it is hard to beat.

 

I’m sure I could come up with more ideas for thrifty breakfast ideas but this will have to do for now.  Do you make any of these?  What is your favorite breakfast?  How about breakfast for dinner?  Yum!