10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Transform Eggs into Delicious Meals
Eggs are such an affordable ingredient that can be a lifesaver for anyone on a budget. Packed with protein and nutrients, eggs can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering dishes without breaking the bank. As much as I love eggs, I want to share some budget-friendly ways to transform eggs into delicious meals.
During the avian flu challenges, eggs became more expensive, but now, you can buy them are very reasonable prices. I’ve been buying the 5-dozen pack at Costco and have been very happy with the price and quality.
1. Classic Scrambled Eggs
One of the simplest and most economical ways to enjoy eggs is by making classic scrambled eggs. All you need are eggs, a dash of milk, salt, and pepper. This quick and easy dish can be customized with your favorite ingredients such as melty cheese, fresh herbs, or leftover vegetables. Serve it on toast or with a side of rice for a fulfilling and budget-friendly meal. In my opinion, this is one of the best easy egg recipes when you want budget-friendly ways to transform eggs into a delicious meal! Three Easy Ways To Make Hard-Boiled Eggs
2. Budget-Friendly Omelets
Omelets are another fantastic way to make eggs that are both budget-friendly and versatile. You can use various fillings like cheese, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Omelets are not only a great option for breakfast but can also be enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or dinner, making them a cost-effective choice for any meal. 20 Incredibly Cheesy Recipes
3. Egg Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice and eggs into a delicious and economical meal with egg-fried rice. Simply scramble eggs and mix them with cooked rice, soy sauce, and your choice of vegetables. This budget-friendly dish is not only quick to make but also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients in your kitchen. How To Stock A Pantry Here is my Egg Fried Rice Recipe
4. Egg Sandwiches
Egg sandwiches are a classic and inexpensive option for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer a simple egg and cheese sandwich or a more elaborate version with veggies and condiments, this dish is a budget-friendly alternative to eating out. Make it even more cost-effective by using affordable bread and buying eggs in bulk. 8 Types of Eggs You Can Eat and Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe
An egg sandwich doesn’t have to be one of the breakfast ideas for eggs, you can enjoy them any time. I do make a habit of having eggs as one of the ingredients in my breakfast sandwiches, but I also spice them up with spinach, cheddar cheese, avocados, and even sweet potatoes at other meal times.
5. Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce
For a flavorful and budget-friendly meal, try baking eggs in tomato sauce. This dish, also known as shakshuka, involves poaching eggs in a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to use up canned tomatoes and other pantry staples. Serve it with crusty bread for a hearty and economical meal. Dehydrating Tomatoes and Tomato Powder
6. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic party appetizer, but they can also be a budget-friendly snack or light meal. With simple ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika, you can turn hard-boiled eggs into a tasty and economical treat. Deviled eggs are perfect for gatherings or as a quick and satisfying snack at home. Classic Deviled Eggs
7. Egg and Potato Hash
Combine eggs with potatoes and your favorite seasonings to create a hearty and cost-effective egg and potato hash. This dish is not only filling but also a great way to use up leftover potatoes. Simply sauté diced potatoes until golden brown, add eggs, and cook until the eggs are set. Top it with cheese or salsa for extra flavor. 8 Paramount Lessons Budgeting Has Taught Me
8. Egg Drop Soup
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy eggs in a soup, try making egg drop soup. This simple and comforting dish involves slowly pouring beaten eggs into hot broth, creating silky ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup. Enhance the flavor with soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for a delicious and economical meal. How To Make Egg Salad Sandwiches
How can you make cheap meals more budget-friendly than using eggs with broth and some flavoring? Talk about a healthy and tasty meal on a cold day!
9. Spanish Tortilla
A Spanish tortilla is a tasty and budget-friendly way to make eggs using simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and eggs. Slice the potatoes and onions thinly, cook until tender, and then mix them with beaten eggs. Cook the mixture in a pan until golden brown and set for a delicious and economical Spanish-style omelet. How To Make Flour Tortillas From Scratch
10. Egg and Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-frying eggs with an assortment of vegetables is a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly way to enjoy this protein-packed ingredient. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, add some soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce, and serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying and economical meal. You Need These 21 Utensils In Your Kitchen
What are some other cost-effective ways to make use of fresh eggs?
Some other egg dishes to consider are:
- Breakfast Tacos
- Egg Casserole
- Poached Eggs
- Fried Egg and Toast
- Baked Egg Recipes Like Quiche in Your Oven
- Sliced Hard-Boiled Egg on a Side Salad
- A Wrap with Egg Filling
Cooking Items I Recommend
More Tips
- 15 Surprising Uses for Eggshells
- How Fresh Eggs Are Different From Store-Bought Ones
- 11 Easy Ways To Prepare Eggs
Final Word
Eggs are an affordable ingredient that can be made into various budget-friendly meals. Whether you prefer classic scrambled eggs, omelets, or more adventurous dishes like shakshuka, there are plenty of creative ways to make eggs without breaking the bank. What are some budget-friendly ways you transform eggs into delicious meals? Experiment with these recipes and let me know what you think! May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Scrambled Eggs Bacon and a Biscuit AdobeStock_290642443 By Joshua Resnick
This is a good article, it reminded me of something mom used to make when dad lost his job. My mother would make a thin milk based sauce or roux and add several sliced hard boiled eggs to it and we would have that over buttered toast for dinner. It was one of the many “depression” dishes (as she called them) she would cook up to feed us back then.
Kathy, my mom called that Egg a la Goldenrod and to this day it’s one of my favorite dishes. I do add a bit of crisp bacon from time to time.
Hi Ray, oh yeah add some bacon to it and it’s a game changer! LOL! Everything is good with bacon! Linda
Ray
That sounds yummy, I’ll have to try it with bacon. I’m hosting the family reunion this year. Might have to do that for breakfast for the gang.
I love creamed eggs on toast! My MIL took it up a notch and separated the cooked yolks and whites. Chop the yolks finely or mash with a fork, put the chopped whites in the white sauce. Sprinkle the yolks on top and voila, you have goldenrod eggs! Family tradition for Easter breakfast or brunch.
Hi Jan, oh my gosh, what a great idea!!! Thanks for the tip on how to make Goldenrod Eggs! Linda
Hi Kathy, I was raised on that very same recipe with eggs and a roux milk gravy. It’s so fun to think back about the meals some of us grew up with. We will be eating those again, so we may as well teach the world some ways to use eggs. Great reminder, thank you. Linda
Thank you Linda, I keep reading your articles and it’s amazing how they stir up the memories of the foods I grew up with. I think we all ate simpler back then and have gotten away from basic food preparation. So glad DH and I taught both boys how to cook from scratch and they are passing that down to the grands. Grand daughter1 is a freshman in college and her roomie is astounded at what she can whip up in their dorm room. She asked for and got a mini air fryer for Christmas this year. We had given her a microwave tea kettle and a “survivor” gift basket of things( along with some other things for her room) she can use the kettle for IE packets of soup, hot chocolate,etc., you know for exam times and when she doesn’t want to walk across campus(in the winter) for lunch LOL. They have a mini fridge and microwave as well.
Linda, a most excellent article. Eggs are one of my favorite foods–good thing since my chickens produce more eggs than Jane and I can eat. Egg sandwiches, often with sliced ham or bacon, are standard fare here.
Hi Ray, what a blessing to have those chickens. Mark and I eat a lot of egg salad sandwiches, adding bacon would be awesome! Linda
OH you bring up soooo many memories! Especially the one with egg and tomatoes. Since I was very young I used to have tomato soup (traditional condensed) with eggs. Heat soup and milk to a simmer then crack a couple eggs in it and wait till the yolks were done. Great after shoveling snow…
HI Bill-Bill, oh yeah that would be so good after shoveling snow! I love hearing you grew up on the one with tomato soup and eggs! Great memories, thank you for sharing! Linda
Ramen with egg – sort of like egg drop soup but not really. Get a good ramen – preferably from an Asian grocery. Cook it per the directions (if you can read them!!) and when the noodles are done to your liking, add an egg – egg can be just broken into the boiling broth or you can beat the egg like you would for scrambled then while stirring the noodles and broth, stir in the beaten egg.
Some might say nay to ramen but if you are thinking of Top Ramen, I might say the same. But they are very inexpensive and if you add chopped leftover meat (chicken, pork or beef) and some chopped or small bits of veggies and an egg, well it just is NOT the same! My preference, however, is Korean ramen with a bit of spice! You can add spice to your Top Ramen as well but still not the same. Oh and always add a splash or two of toasted sesame oil.
As for eggs, don’t forget about: Breakfast burritos (tortilla, egg, cheese and whatever else you might want in a breakfast burrito) and of course, a dessert of custard – custard pie (add some steamed rhubarb – yum), creme brulee. Custard pie was a go-to in our household when I was growing up – fresh eggs and fresh cream!!
HI Leanne, oh I love the Asian stores, they have the best stuff! I still use Snack Ramen if I can’t get the good noodles. It’s filling and I love the texture of the noodles. And the Asian stores have the best sauces. I can;t read the ingredients but it takes so little to spice up a dish, it’s all good! LOL! Linda
Thank you Linda, for so many good ideas to use eggs. I buy mine at Costco also!!
I love an oven pancake/Dutch baby…….one of my favorite ways to use eggs……
HI Janet, oh I love those oven pancake/Dutch Baby ones. We call them Popeye pancakes but they sound similar! Everyone loves them! Linda
Popeye pancakes, what a fun name!! I like that. Again, thank you Linda, for all you do to help so many of us.
Hi Janet, thank you for your kind words. We call them Popeye Pancakes because they have “muscles” when they come out of the oven!! In other words they puff up and the kids squeal! LOL! Linda https://www.foodstoragemoms.com/popeye-pancakes-recipe/