Budget-Friendly Breakfasts You Can Batch Prepare for Under $1 a Serving – Episode #44

When it comes to saving money on groceries, breakfast is one of the easiest meals to plan and prepare in advance. Not only can you make breakfast items in bulk, but you can also ensure each serving costs less than $1. In this post, we’ll explore four delicious and budget-friendly breakfast options: French Toast Sticks with Syrup, Mini Banana Pancakes with Syrup, Egg and Cheese Muffin Sandwiches, and Egg and Cheese Burritos. These recipes are perfect for busy mornings, and with a little batch preparation, you’ll have a week’s worth of meals ready to go.

1. French Toast Sticks with Syrup

Ingredients

– 6 slices of bread (preferably whole wheat or a budget-friendly option)
– 3 large eggs
– ½ cup milk (any kind you prefer)
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Cooking spray or butter for greasing
– Syrup for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread into sticks, about 1 inch wide. You can use day-old bread for a better texture.

2. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon until well combined.

3. Soak the Bread: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated but not soggy.

4. Cook the Sticks: Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and grease with cooking spray or butter. Cook the bread sticks in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.

5. Serve: Let the French toast sticks cool slightly before serving with syrup.

Tips for Success

– Freeze for Later: Allow the cooked sticks to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Reheat in the toaster or oven.

– Customize: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon before serving for extra flavor.

2. Mini Banana Pancakes with Syrup

Ingredients

– 2 c cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
– Syrup for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, mashed banana, and melted butter or oil. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

2. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour small amounts of batter to form mini pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

3. Serve: Let the pancakes cool, then serve with syrup.

Tips for Success

– Freeze and Reheat: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the microwave or toaster.

– Add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips or berries to the batter for a fun twist.

3. Egg and Cheese Muffin Sandwiches

Ingredients

– 6 large eggs
– 6 English muffins
– 6 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– 6 slices of ham or bacon (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. OR crack each egg in it’s own cup to cook in a fry pan.

3. Cook the eggs until cooked through.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the English muffins and toast them. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each muffin. Top with an egg muffin and, if using, a slice of ham or bacon (optional). Add the top half of the muffin.

5. Serve: Wrap each sandwich in foil or parchment paper for easy grabbing.

Tips for Success

– Freeze for Convenience: Wrap the sandwiches individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

– Customize: Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the egg mixture for added nutrition.

4. Egg and Cheese Burritos

Ingredients

– 8 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 8 flour tortillas
– 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Cook the Eggs: In a skillet, scramble the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper until fully cooked. Stir in the cheese until melted. If using, mix in the cooked sausage or bacon.

2. Assemble the Burritos: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Spoon the egg mixture onto the center of each tortilla and roll up tightly, folding in the sides as you go.

3. Serve: Wrap each burrito in foil for easy storage and grab-and-go convenience.

Tips for Success

– Freeze and Reheat: Wrap burritos individually in foil and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

– Add-ins: Customize with salsa, avocado, or chopped vegetables for added flavor.

Preparing breakfast in bulk is a fantastic way to save time and money, especially when each serving costs less than $1. By batch preparing French Toast Sticks, Mini Banana Pancakes, Egg and Cheese Muffin Sandwiches, and Egg and Cheese Burritos, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and frugal meals throughout the week. These recipes are not only easy to make but also versatile and customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Try these budget-friendly breakfast ideas and see how they can simplify your mornings while keeping your grocery budget in check. Happy cooking!