Between lectures and deadlines, the last thing I want to do is spend time cooking. However, it can be difficult to find recipes that are easy, quick, and affordable. Whether it’s meal prep or guided meal plans, I often find that I’m missing ingredients the recipes call for, or I like to switch things up halfway through the week. So, I’ve been on a mission to find easy, cheap and quick breakfast options that are versatile and tasty.

A yoghurt parfait is a quick and delicious recipe, and one you can switch up when you feel like it. Start out with your favourite yoghurt, and layer on granola or cereal of your choice. If you have more time, you can also make your own granola, and it’s really simple! Just oats, oil and sweetener in the oven or air fryer – you can even add dried fruit and nuts if you like. Finally, add your toppings. These can range from chocolate chips to fruit to peanut butter. I love to use frozen berries and a drizzle of honey, as they’re long-lasting and affordable to keep in stock.

If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’re bound to have seen the current chia seed craze taking hold of meal inspo posts. If you’re like me and you’re easily influenced to buy these ‘gut-health’ foods but struggle to actually use them, try adding chia seeds to a handful of microwaved berries. They make for a tasty and nutritious jam to top your parfait. Additionally, try soaking them overnight in milk or water for an easy chia seed pudding. This base is incredibly flexible! For example, you could make a banoffee pudding with caramel and bananas, or a luxurious chocolate one with a spoon of Nutella.

If you prefer to snooze your alarm, then overnight oats are a great option. Just add oats to milk or water in a container, like a recycled pasta jar, and then leave them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, add your favourite toppings and enjoy. You could also leave out the liquid, and add it later. Dry jars can last for months in the cupboard, making them a great on-the-go breakfast. Heat your oats in the microwave for a few minutes, or if you have the time, stir them for a few minutes in a saucepan until they thicken. It’s that easy!

Every now and then it’s nice to have something more indulgent, without spending half your maintenance loan at a fancy bakery. French toast is the perfect choice. Simply combine eggs and milk, then let your bread of choice soak for a few seconds before cooking it in a pan. This recipe also works in the air fryer, so it can also be made quick if you’re craving it but not craving the effort. Add ingredients like vanilla extract and cinnamon if you have them to make it even more delicious. I like to top mine with a handful of berries and maple syrup, for the ultimate French toast experience.

If you prefer savoury over sweet, try making breakfast muffins. They’re cheaper, easier, and more delicious than a McMuffin. Also, they’re great to freeze for later, if you fancy something else or want to make them in advance. This option is also student-budget friendly! Muffins, sausage patties, eggs and cheese come to just £4.96 for 6 servings at Aldi. Furthermore, they are really versatile depending on what you like. Swap out the muffins for bagels, or the sausage for turkey, and you have a filling breakfast made in minutes. You could also add other things such as avocado, tofu, or salmon.

When you’re not sprinting out the door for a morning lecture, spending a little longer on a breakfast burrito is definitely worth it. Try layering a tortilla with eggs, beans, chorizo and guacamole for a breakfast you’ll dream about. A hearty and delicious option, you can swap- out ingredients you don’t like, and add in what you do! For example, I enjoy adding bacon and hot sauce instead of chorizo. Moreover, these store really well for later. So, once you’ve made them, wrap them up for the fridge or freezer.

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are another great option, as they can be made with pretty much anything you like. Cottage cheese, mangoes, spinach, oats… literally anything! They are perfect for mornings where you might not want something heavy to start your day, or ones where the cupboards are looking a little bare. I like to freeze a banana beforehand, for a creamy and filling smoothie.

Sticking to meal plans can be difficult, but using these options as a baseline can make it easier. They are perfect for switching up week after week, depending on what you have at home or what you’re craving. This results in good food and less trips to the shop.

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