11 Low Cost Egg Dishes That Are Still Tasty

Eggs offer many possibilities for making delicious, budget friendly meals that won’t break the bank. From simple scrambles to hearty soups, these protein packed ingredients can change into satisfying dishes using basic pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a family on a tight budget or looking for quick meal solutions, eggs provide the foundation for countless tasty combinations that prove eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

1. Classic Scrambled Eggs

Simple ingredients combine to make this breakfast staple that costs pennies per serving. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, season with salt and pepper, then cook slowly over low heat for creamy results. Add leftover vegetables, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs to stretch the dish further while boosting flavor. The key lies in gentle cooking and constant stirring to prevent overcooking. This versatile meal works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and takes less than five minutes to prepare them.

2. Budget Friendly Omelet

Practice this technique and you’ll have a reliable meal that adapts to whatever ingredients you have available. Beat eggs until smooth, pour into a heated pan with a little oil, then let the bottom set before adding fillings. Cheese, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers make excellent additions without adding much cost. Fold the omelet in half once the eggs are almost set but still slightly wet on top. Each omelet uses just two to three eggs and can easily feed one person as a main course or be shared as a side dish.

3. Egg Fried Rice

Leftover rice gets a new combination when combined with scrambled eggs and basic seasonings in this Asian-inspired dish. Heat oil in a large pan, scramble the eggs first, then add cold cooked rice and break up any clumps. Soy sauce provides the main flavor, while frozen vegetables or whatever fresh ones you have on hand add color and nutrition. The dish comes together in under ten minutes and uses ingredients most people already have. Old rice works best because it’s drier and won’t get mushy when stir fried with the other ingredients.

4. Egg Sandwiches

Few meals offer such satisfaction for so little money as a well made egg sandwich using basic bread and fresh eggs. Cook the egg however you prefer – fried, scrambled, or hard-boiled – then layer between slices of toasted bread. Mayo, mustard, or ketchup add moisture and flavor without significant cost. Add lettuce, tomato, or cheese if your budget allows, but the sandwich remains filling with just egg and bread. Buy eggs in bulk and use affordable bread to keep costs under a dollar per sandwich while still getting quality protein and carbohydrates.

5. Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce

Middle Eastern flavors are shown in this hearty dish that changes canned tomatoes and eggs into something restaurant worthy. Simmer diced tomatoes with onions, garlic, and basic spices like cumin and paprika until thickened. Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs directly into each depression, then cover and cook until whites are set but yolks remain runny. The dish serves multiple people from one pan and pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. Canned tomatoes cost less than fresh ones and provide consistent results, making this an economical choice for feeding a crowd.

6. Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs become an elegant appetizer when transformed into this classic preparation that stretches a dozen eggs to feed many people. Boil eggs for exactly ten minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking and make peeling easier. Remove yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth, then pipe or spoon back into the white halves. A sprinkle of paprika adds color and mild flavor to finish the presentation. These can be made hours ahead and actually taste better after the flavors have time to meld in the refrigerator.

7. Egg and Potato Hash

Potatoes and eggs form a filling combination that can easily feed a family for just a few dollars. Dice potatoes into small cubes and cook them in oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Push potatoes to one side of the pan and crack eggs into the empty space, or scramble them separately and mix ingredients together. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you have available. This dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be customized with whatever vegetables need to be used up from your refrigerator.

8. Egg Drop Soup

Chinese restaurants charge several dollars for this soup, but you can make it at home for pennies using chicken or vegetable broth and eggs. Heat the broth and season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for authentic flavor. Beat eggs thoroughly, then slowly drizzle them into the simmering broth while stirring gently to create silky ribbons. The technique takes practice but results in restaurant quality soup at a fraction of the cost. Add green onions, mushrooms, or tofu to make the soup more substantial while keeping the overall cost very low per serving.

9. Spanish Tortilla

This thick, dish from Spain uses just potatoes, onions, and eggs to make a meal that can feed several people. Slice potatoes and onions thinly, then cook them slowly in oil until tender but not browned. Beat eggs and mix with the cooked vegetables, then pour ingredients back into the pan and cook until set on the bottom. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges like a pie, and enjoy as a main dish or appetizer that costs very little to make.

10. Egg and Veggie Stir Fry

Whatever vegetables are about to go bad in your refrigerator can be rescued and turned into a nutritious meal with eggs and basic seasonings. Heat oil in a large pan or wok, then add harder vegetables first and softer ones later. Scramble eggs separately and add them back to the pan with the cooked vegetables, tossing ingredients together with soy sauce or your preferred stir-fry sauce. The dish cooks quickly and uses ingredients that might otherwise be wasted. Serve over rice or noodles to make it more filling, or eat it on its own for a lighter, vegetable meal.

11. Egg Salad

Hard-boiled eggs become a creamy, fulfilling spread when mashed with mayonnaise and seasonings that cost almost nothing to prepare. Boil eggs until fully cooked, cool them completely, then peel and chop into small pieces. Mix with enough mayonnaise to bind everything together, then season with salt, pepper, and mustard for tangy flavor. Add chopped celery or onions if you have them for extra crunch and freshness. Serve on bread for sandwiches, with crackers as a snack, or over lettuce for a light lunch that provides plenty of protein at minimal cost.