40 Easy Breakfast Ideas with 5 Ingredients or Less

Updated: Jul. 23, 2024

Who says breakfast has to be complicated? With just five ingredients or fewer, these quick and easy breakfast recipes are super simple to make.

In the morning, we don’t often have extra time to make the best breakfast. This is where easy breakfast recipes come in handy. Lucky for you, our easy and no-fuss breakfast ideas are as quick as they are delicious. Want something sweet like a yogurt parfait? We’ve got that. In the mood for something savory and rich? There are classic recipes here, like omelets, breakfast sausage and even grab-and-go options. Trust us—there’s something for everybody.

1 / 40

Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pork sausage, crescent rolls, mozzarella, eggs
Level:
Beginner

This easy breakfast recipe is the perfect savory way to start your day. To simplify your morning even more, put this casserole together the night before.

I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Recipe contributor Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas

2 / 40

Ham and Swiss Omelet

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, ham, Swiss cheese
Level:
Beginner

This omelet will put pep in your step all morning long. The addition of cheese makes it even more decadent.

This easy omelet will be a snap to fix for breakfast or dinner. —Recipe contributor Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

3 / 40

Rise and Shine Parfait

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Vanilla yogurt, peaches, blackberries
Level:
Beginner

Not a savory breakfast person? Try something sweet! This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. You can always add even more fresh fruit, like blackberries or cherries.

Start your day with a smile. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Recipe contributor Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois

4 / 40

Stuffed Ham & Egg Bread

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, ham, French bread, cheddar cheese
Level:
Intermediate

This comforting stuffed bread is full of cheesy goodness. The French loaf pairs well with ham and eggs. Feel free to sub in other meats like turkey bacon or sausage.

My son, Gus, loves all things ham and eggs, so I created this comforting stuffed bread with him in mind. I later added tomatoes to the recipe, and he still gave it a big thumbs-up. —Recipe contributor Karen Kuebler, Dallas, TX

5 / 40

Italian Cloud Eggs

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, Italian seasoning, basil
Level:
Beginner

These cloud-like eggs offer you the breakfast of your dreams. Pinch yourself—it’s real.

Drop egg yolks on nests of whipped Italian-seasoned egg whites, then bake in a cast-iron skillet. Dreamy! —Recipe contributor Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

6 / 40

Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes, coconut Greek yogurt, apple
Level:
Beginner

Who says you can’t enjoy sweet potatoes for breakfast? Top them with breakfast favorites like cheese and protein to power up your morning.

Baked sweet potatoes aren’t just for dinner anymore. This easy breakfast recipe is a delicious and fun way to incorporate it into your breakfast. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

7 / 40

Fruity Waffle Parfaits

Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Multigrain waffles, strawberry yogurt, strawberries
Level:
Beginner

Waffles are a breakfast staple, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. This take on a classic offers you even more textures and flavors with yogurt and fresh strawberries.

This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great. —Recipe contributor Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California

8 / 40

Waffle Sandwich

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Bacon, egg, multigrain waffles, cheddar cheese
Level:
Beginner

Breakfast for lunch or dinner? It’s a definite yes when the recipe’s this easy! For an extra crunch and protein, add pistachios or almonds.

I like to serve this easy breakfast recipe with some crisp, juicy sweet apples. Sometimes, I add raisins and nuts to the filling of the waffle sandwich for sweetness and crunch. —Recipe contributor Michele McHenry, Bellingham, Washington

9 / 40

Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon

Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Bacon, cornflakes, evaporated milk
Level:
Beginner

If you think regular bacon is the best thing to have for breakfast, think again. Cornflake-coated bacon strips are perfectly crispy and are easy to whip up in a matter of minutes.

I’ve loved my aunt’s crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now, I’ve shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning and many other days throughout the year! —Recipe contributor Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma

10 / 40

Cream Cheese & Chive Omelet

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chives, cream cheese, eggs
Level:
Beginner

Make no mistake, this is no ordinary omelet. With cream cheese and chives, every bite bursts with savory, creamy goodness.

The first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Recipe contributor Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey

11 / 40

Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Rhubarb, plain Greek yogurt, sliced almonds
Level:
Beginner

This tart yet sweet dish is a great way to use leftover yogurt and any fruit you need to use up. Feel free to add more toppings like chopped pecans or shredded coconut.

My Grandma Dot used to make rhubarb compote and always had some in the freezer when I visited. This breakfast is a tribute to her. No two rhubarb stalks are exactly alike, so make sure to taste the compote before you chill it. It should be tart, but sometimes it needs a little extra sugar. —Recipe contributor Michael Hoffman, Brooklyn, New York

12 / 40

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pancake mix, banana, old-fashioned oats
Level:
Beginner

These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Stretch the mix further with banana, oats and walnuts.

In our house, we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners’ sugar because the fruit is so sweet you don’t need syrup. —Recipe contributor Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey

13 / 40

Breakfast Bread Bowls

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Hard rolls, pancetta, eggs, Gruyere or fontina cheese
Level:
Beginner

You can mix and match the fillings of these breakfast bread bowls to satisfy everyone at the breakfast table. The carnivores and vegetable-lovers will all be satisfied!

The best part about these creative and convenient bread bowls is that you can fill them with whatever you want. This is one of our favorite breakfasts. —Recipe contributor Patrick Lavin, Jr., Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

14 / 40

Almond-Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Plain Greek yogurt, almond butter, granola with fruit and nuts
Level:
Beginner

This crunchy, creamy parfait makes a perfect option when you want dessert for breakfast. You can also make this overnight to grab and go in the morning.

I’m a night-shift nurse. When I get home, I make a crunchy parfait with yogurt for a protein boost before heading off to a good day’s sleep. —Recipe contributor Meredith Brazinski, Neptune, New Jersey

15 / 40

Marmalade French Toast Sandwiches

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Whipped cream cheese, sourdough, orange marmalade, eggs
Level:
Intermediate

These comforting sandwiches are a great way to mix up your breakfast meals. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make with no fuss.

I change up these warm, filling sandwiches to be sweet or savory but always a treat. All it takes is a different jelly or jam. Try hot pepper jelly when you want a little sizzle. —Recipe contributor Danielle Loring, Lewiston, Maine

16 / 40

Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, mushrooms, baby spinach, provolone cheese
Level:
Beginner

You’re in for a morning treat with a mix of spinach and mushrooms. Plus, these eggs will perk you up in no time.

My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Recipe contributor Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas

17 / 40

Eggs & Chorizo Wraps

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chorizo, eggs, flour tortillas
Level:
Beginner

Spicy sausage, eggs and cheese come together beautifully in this wrap. This recipe is perfect for early mornings when you have no time to spare.

My husband grew up in Southern California and loves chorizo. We use the spicy sausage in these chorizo and egg wraps that our children call Daddy’s Eggs. —Recipe contributor April Nissen, Yankton, South Dakota

18 / 40

Toad in a Hole

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, maple breakfast sausage links, 2% milk, flour
Level:
Beginner

This unique breakfast is a fun and filling meal. Top with butter and maple syrup and serve with fresh fruit.

I have fond memories of my grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called The Boat. Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Recipe contributor Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

19 / 40

No-Bake Cereal Bars

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Cheerios, Chex, peanut butter
Level:
Beginner

These bars could be dessert! Kids will especially love these easy bars for school.

With two kinds of cereal and peanut butter, these bars taste almost like candy. —Recipe contributorPauline Christiansen, Columbus, Kansas

20 / 40

Maple-Bacon Grits Puff

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Bacon, grits, maple syrup
Level:
Beginner

This dish has everything you could want for breakfast. The maple syrup also adds a touch of sweetness—be sure to buy the real stuff.

Bacon and maple add salty sweetness to a grits dish that puffs, tastes yummy and is beautiful to look at. —Recipe contributor Lotte Washburn, Sebring, Florida

21 / 40

Southwest Tortilla Scramble

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, corn tortillas, salsa
Level:
Beginner

If you want a burrito without the added carbs, try this scramble. It’s even better topped with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, bacon bits and, of course, all the cheese you want. Explore more of our favorite breakfast burrito recipes.

Here’s my version of a deconstructed breakfast burrito that’s actually good for you. Go for hefty corn tortillas in this recipe. Flour ones can get lost in the scramble. —Recipe contributor Christine Schenher, Exeter, California

22 / 40

Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Southwest-style egg substitute, feta cheese, whole wheat tortillas
Level:
Beginner

This dish is super easy to make and won’t take you too long. It’s healthy and packed with protein.

My daughter jokes that I am so predictable when dining out. I always order chicken souvlaki. So I thought, why not incorporate my favorite Greek dish into a breakfast wrap? It’s healthy, tasty and easy to make. —Recipe contributor Mary Jo Kempf, West Seneca, New York

23 / 40

Blueberry Muffin French Toast

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Blueberry muffins, French vanilla nondairy creamer, cinnamon
Level:
Beginner

We all love French toast for mornings when you want to stay in bed. Try this elevated blueberry French toast for an easy twist on a classic.

My 13-year-old daughter and her friends asked for French toast at a sleepover, but we were out of bread. I used muffins instead, and they loved it. Double or triple this recipe for a holiday brunch. —Recipe contributor Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona

24 / 40

Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups

Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Fresh fruit, yogurt, honey
Level:
Beginner

This easy breakfast recipe is so quick and extremely versatile. Use your favorite fresh fruit—or whatever’s in season—and opt for your go-to yogurt flavors like strawberry, lemon or vanilla.

A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

25 / 40

Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Vanilla almond milk, steel-cut oats, dried cherries
Level:
Beginner

This recipe is so easy to make the night before. Just make hot cereal and add your toppings. In the morning, you’ll be happy you won’t have to do anything but eat breakfast!

Would you like breakfast ready for you when the sun comes up? If so, try my hot cereal. It’s so simple—just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on before bed. In the morning, enjoy a healthy, warm and satisfying dish. —Recipe contributor Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

26 / 40

Chorizo Salsa Omelet

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chorizo or sausage, chunky salsa, eggs
Level:
Beginner

Have a Mexican-styled breakfast with this chorizo goodness. The salsa adds a spicy kick to the omelet, too.

Just a few ingredients jazz up a basic omelet and make it delish! —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

27 / 40

Berries in Yogurt Cream

Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Plain yogurt, heavy whipping cream, assorted berries
Level:
Beginner

With simple ingredients like fresh yogurt and fruit, your tastebuds will thank you whenever you make this delicious parfait.

Yogurt, cream, brown sugar and fresh fruit are all you need to wake up your taste buds on mornings you’d rather sleep in. Save time by having guests assemble their own parfaits. —Recipe contributor Michelle Stillman, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

28 / 40

Andouille Sausage Hash

Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Andouille sausage or smoked kielbasa, frozen O’Brien potatoes, double-cheddar cheese sauce
Level:
Beginner

You can throw this meal together in a snap! No one will know it took you less than 30 minutes because it tastes so great.

I threw this hash together last minute for a church brunch. Folks liked it so much that they asked me for the recipe, so I scrambled to write it down. —Recipe contributor Paulette Heisler, Tampa, Florida

29 / 40

Star-Spangled Parfaits

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Strawberries, blueberries, vanilla or strawberry Greek yogurt
Level:
Beginner

Even when it’s not the Fourth of July, you can still enjoy a red, white and blue treat. The strawberries and blueberries are bursting with sweetness.

The best time for this dessert is midsummer when blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Recipe contributor Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts

30 / 40

Baked Egg & Stuffing Cups

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Stuffing, eggs, salt, pepper
Level:
Beginner

Use leftover stuffing for cute-as-can-be baked egg cups for a quick breakfast. They’re great for a cozy, sit-down brunch with family.

Save your leftover stuffing to make shells to hold baked eggs. This is a hearty breakfast that keeps us going for the marathon shopping trips. —Recipe contributor Karen Deaver, Babylon, New York

31 / 40

Fresh Corn Omelet

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, corn, cheddar cheese, salsa
Level:
Beginner

This is a summer-inspired omelet is made with fresh corn for unexpected sweetness.

I throw in homegrown corn and from-scratch salsa when I make this super summertime omelet. Sprinkle on onions, mushrooms, peppers and breakfast meat to customize it. —Recipe contributor William Stone, Robson, West Virginia

32 / 40

Pecan Bacon

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Bacon, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans
Level:
Beginner

This recipe offers a sweet take on bacon. With crunchy pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon, this will be a welcome surprise for anyone who gets a taste.

Crispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it “special breakfast.” The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Recipe contributor Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina

33 / 40

Grits & Bacon Casserole

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Grits, eggs, bacon, Gouda cheese
Level:
Beginner

This is an easy Sunday breakfast to whip up for your family or a fun brunch.

A Mississippi home cook gave me her recipe for grits casserole. It baked like traditional custard. I garnish it with parsley, crumbled bacon and cheese. —Recipe contributor Theresa Liguori, Elkridge, Maryland

34 / 40

Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits

Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Vanilla yogurt, bananas, peanut butter multi-grain Cheerios
Level:
Beginner

We can’t think of a better combination than vanilla yogurt, bananas and peanut butter. This parfait will taste like dessert in a cup!

For a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids. —Recipe contributor Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana

35 / 40

Easy Gingerbread Pancakes

Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pancake mix, molasses, cinnamon, ginger
Level:
Beginner

Make pancakes even more fun with the addition of spices and molasses. Every bite will taste like the holidays!

Molasses and spices turn an ordinary pancake mix into a special breakfast. These are so easy to make that you can have them any day of the week. —Recipe contributor Trina Stewart, Yacolt, Washington

36 / 40

Brunch-Style Portobello Mushrooms

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Portobello mushrooms, frozen creamed spinach, eggs
Level:
Beginner

With simple ingredients like mushrooms and bacon, this easy breakfast idea will be a new staple in your rotation.

I’ve always loved portobellos for their “stuffability.” I combined my favorite ingredients for this rich, savory main dish that’s wonderful for breakfast, brunch or even dinner! —Recipe contributor Sylvia Waldsmith, Rockton, Illinois

37 / 40

Spanish Omelet

Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Eggs, refried beans, salsa
Level:
Beginner

With warm refried beans, salsa and shredded cheese, this dish is full of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in 15 minutes flat.

Wake up your taste buds with the yummy flavors of warm refried beans, salsa and shredded cheese. Spice it up with a hot salsa, or add sizzling cooked bacon for a smoky twist. —Recipe contributor Teresa Gunnell, Lovettsville, Virginia

38 / 40

Cuban Breakfast Sandwiches

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Hard salami, deli ham, Swiss cheese
Level:
Beginner

Yup, that’s a Cuban sandwich for breakfast—and it’s so easy to make. For extra zip, add sliced pickles!

Grab a hold of breakfast time by serving these warm, energy-boosting sandwiches. The hearty helping of protein will help keep hunger at bay, and they travel well on hectic mornings. —Recipe contributor Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas

39 / 40

Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie

Total Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Lemonade, lemon yogurt, frozen strawberries
Level:
Beginner

When you want breakfast done in a jiffy, the blender saves the day. Simply toss in the ingredients, blend for a few seconds, and you’ll have a sweet and tangy beverage to take on the go.

We love the perfect blend of sweet and citrus in this refreshing smoothie. It’s so easy to throw together, I often find myself making one for breakfast or a midday snack. —Recipe contributor Jamie King, Duluth, Minnesota

40 / 40

Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Buttermilk pancake mix, cinnamon, applesauce
Level:
Beginner

These cinnamon applesauce pancakes are sweet and satisfying. The recipe calls for chunky cinnamon applesauce, but you can sub in apple butter if you have it.

These applesauce pancakes are so good that you just might skip the syrup. They were created for Christmas morning but have since wowed folks at church breakfasts and— family and friends. The cinnamon is a delightful touch. —Recipe contributor Richard DeVore, Gibsonburg, Ohio