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.
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain 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
Ham and Swiss Omelet
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Rise and Shine Parfait
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Stuffed Ham & Egg Bread
Total Time: 45 minutesMain 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
Italian Cloud Eggs
Total Time: 25 minutesMain 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
Breakfast Sweet Potatoes
Total Time: 55 minutesMain 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
Fruity Waffle Parfaits
Total Time: 10 minutesMain 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
Waffle Sandwich
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon
Total Time: 45 minutesMain 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
Cream Cheese & Chive Omelet
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Rhubarb Compote with Yogurt & Almonds
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Breakfast Bread Bowls
Total Time: 40 minutesMain 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
Almond-Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Marmalade French Toast Sandwiches
Total Time: 25 minutesMain 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
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Eggs & Chorizo Wraps
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Toad in a Hole
Total Time: 35 minutesMain 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
No-Bake Cereal Bars
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Maple-Bacon Grits Puff
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutesMain 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
Southwest Tortilla Scramble
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Blueberry Muffin French Toast
Total Time: 25 minutesMain 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
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Total Time: 10 minutesMain 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
Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutesMain 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
Chorizo Salsa Omelet
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Berries in Yogurt Cream
Total Time: 5 minutesMain 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
Andouille Sausage Hash
Total Time: 50 minutesMain 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
Star-Spangled Parfaits
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Baked Egg & Stuffing Cups
Total Time: 35 minutesMain 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
Fresh Corn Omelet
Total Time: 25 minutesMain 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
Pecan Bacon
Total Time: 40 minutesMain 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
Grits & Bacon Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutesMain 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
Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time: 5 minutesMain 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
Easy Gingerbread Pancakes
Total Time: 10 minutesMain 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
Brunch-Style Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time: 30 minutesMain 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
Spanish Omelet
Total Time: 15 minutesMain 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
Cuban Breakfast Sandwiches
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie
Total Time: 5 minutesMain 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
Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes
Total Time: 20 minutesMain 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
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
