Cheap Microwave Egg and Cheese Burrito Recipe

Craving a filling breakfast without the hassle? Our microwave egg and cheese burrito costs under $2 and cooks in 5 minutes flat.

No stove, no mess—just fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and a warm tortilla hugging it all together. This budget-friendly meal proves fast food doesn’t need drive-thru prices or prep time.

We’ll walk through ingredient swaps, step-by-step microwaving tricks, and storage hacks to keep your mornings stress-free.

Why Make a Microwave Egg and Cheese Burrito?

My dad George once packed 17 of these burritos for a family picnic because, as he put it, “hungry hikers shouldn’t pay café prices.” He wasn’t wrong—this recipe costs less than a vending machine snack and fuels your morning without tying you to the kitchen.

Quick and Affordable Breakfast Solution

With basic ingredients like eggs ($0.20 each), budget cheese ($0.35 per ounce), and flour tortillas ($0.15 each), each burrito clocks in around $1.50. John, my husband, once made six in 12 minutes during a pre-road trip “burrito emergency.” This quick and cost-effective meal idea is perfect for busy days. For an even simpler option, consider using canned chicken to whip up a cheap microwave tortilla canned chicken burrito.

No dishwashing either—we mix eggs right in a coffee mug. Microwave-safe containers keep cleanup to a quick rinse.

Perfect for Microwave Cooking

Microwaves steam eggs evenly at 700-1100W, avoiding the uneven cooking stovetops often deliver. Tortillas warmed for 10-15 seconds become pliable without drying out.

We’ve found wrapping the burrito in a damp paper towel during the final 20-second melt prevents tortilla toughness. John insists this step is “non-negotiable” after his early crispy-wrap experiments.

What Does a Microwave Egg and Cheese Burrito Taste Like?

Imagine a diner-style egg sandwich but hugged by a toasty tortilla instead of bread. The texture? Fluffy scrambled eggs (thanks to proper microwaving intervals) meets gooey melted cheddar. For a quick twist, consider making 2 minute microwave cheesy scrambled eggs, which offer the same delightful flavors in a fraction of the time.

Fluffy Eggs With Melted Cheese

Whisking eggs with 1 tbsp milk or water before microwaving in 30-second bursts creates tender curds. Sharp cheddar adds tang, while Monterey Jack offers creaminess.

Avoid rubbery eggs by stopping the microwave when they look slightly underdone—they’ll finish cooking when wrapped in the tortilla. This technique can come in handy for preparing breakfast burritos, especially while camping. Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or prepped microwave eggs, a delicious breakfast burrito can kickstart your outdoor adventures.

Customizable Flavor Profile

John spikes his with Cholula hot sauce; George swore by diced pickled jalapeños (25¢ per jar). Add leftover roasted veggies, deli meat scraps, or a spoonful of salsa. For an extra kick, consider using microwave jalapeños to enhance your dishes. These quick-to-prepare spicy bites can take your meals to a new level of flavor.

For dairy-free versions, we’ve had success with Violife cheddar shreds. They melt at similar temps (140-160°F) without altering cook times.

Now that we’ve covered the “why” and “how it tastes,” let’s break down the exact ingredients you’ll need—including swaps for dietary needs and budget hacks.

Ingredients for Cheap Microwave Egg and Cheese Burrito

Let’s raid your pantry! This recipe thrives on simplicity—we’re talking 5 core ingredients with wiggle room for creativity. Our test kitchen (a.k.a. my tiny NYC apartment) proves you don’t need gourmet supplies.

Essential Ingredients (With Budget-friendly Options)

Eggs ($2.50/dozen): Bulk buys save here. We’ve used everything from organic to “store brand special” with identical results. Incorporating eggs into quick meals can be both affordable and nutritious. A simple recipe using cheap microwave egg with canned mixed veggies provides a satisfying and easy option for busy days.

Tortillas ($1.99/10-pack): Flour holds better than corn when microwaved. Day-old discount tortillas? Grab ‘em—they’ll steam back to life. For a quick and convenient option, try microwaving corn tortillas. They soften nicely and can be used for various delicious meals.

• Shredded cheese ($3/lb block, self-grated)
• Milk or water (2 tsp per egg)
• Salt/pepper (a pinch does wonders)

Cheese and Egg Substitutes (Dairy-free or Low-cost Alternatives)

John’s lactose intolerance led us to discover nutritional yeast ($4/jar)—it adds cheesy umami without dairy. For egg-free versions, crumble firm tofu ($1.50/block) and season with turmeric for color.

• Dairy cheese swap: Violife shreds melt at 45 seconds
• Egg swap: 1/4 cup chickpea flour + 3 tbsp water per egg

Also See: How to Microwave Cornbread Mix in 90 Seconds

How to Make a Microwave Egg and Cheese Burrito

George once taught me to “microwave like a DJ”—adjust power levels and pause frequently. Let’s break down his wisdom into foolproof steps.

Step 1: Whisking Eggs for Microwave Cooking

Beat 2 eggs + 1 tbsp milk in a 12-oz mug until uniform. No milk? Water works. This aerates the eggs, ensuring fluffiness despite rapid cooking. For a quick breakfast, this method can be incorporated into a delicious 2-minute microwave bacon egg breakfast mug recipe. Adding crispy bacon to the eggs creates a hearty and flavorful start to your day.

Step 2: Microwaving Eggs Perfectly (Timing Tips)

Microwave on high 45 seconds. Stir. Cook 15 more seconds. Eggs should be set but glossy. Residual heat finishes them—overcooking now = rubber later. For best results, using the microwave to cook eggs can be a quick and convenient method. Experimenting with different times can help you find the perfect consistency for scrambled eggs in the microwave.

Step 3: Warming Tortillas for Flexibility

Nuke tortillas between damp paper towels for 10 seconds. This prevents the “crunchy surprise” John endured during his first attempt.

Step 4: Layering Cheese, Eggs, and Extras

Place 1/4 cup cheese center-left on the tortilla. Top with eggs, leaving a 1-inch border. Add leftovers here—deli ham scraps or yesterday’s sautéed onions. This simple tortilla creation can be elevated with a quick microwave technique. When you’re in the mood for a cheap microwave tortilla cheese melt, just pop it in for a minute to have a delicious, gooey snack.

Step 5: Securing the Burrito for Microwaving

Fold sides inward, then roll from the bottom up. Place seam-side down on a plate. A tight wrap prevents egg escape during the final melt. Cooking eggs in the microwave can be a quick and easy way to enjoy a meal. There are many delicious egg recipes that can be made in just a few minutes using a microwave.

Step 6: Final Microwave Melt (Avoiding Sogginess)

Cover burrito with a damp paper towel. Microwave 20 seconds—just enough to fuse cheese without steaming the tortilla into mush. For a quick and tasty meal solution, consider a lazy microwave frozen burrito hack that can elevate your snack game without much effort.

Also See: 2-minute Microwave Banana Bread Protein Mug

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Burritos

We make eight every Sunday. Why? Because adulting is hard before coffee.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Wrap cooled burritos in foil. They’ll last 3 days fridge-side. Reheat 60 seconds at 50% power—prevents cheese volcanoes.

Freezing for Meal Prep

Individually wrap burritos in wax paper, then stash in a zip-top bag. Frozen, they keep 2 months. Reheat from frozen: 90 seconds, flip, 30 seconds more. To ensure your burrito is perfectly heated, keep an eye on the microwave’s time, especially when reheating from frozen. Mastering the ideal microwave frozen burrito time makes for a quick and satisfying meal.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore wallet-friendly twists—like adding leftover taco meat or turning up the heat with pantry spices.

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip One Up!

We’ve walked through every step—from whisking eggs to securing that perfect fold—so you’re fully equipped to make your own cheap microwave egg and cheese burrito. Whether you’re rushing out the door or craving a lazy weekend bite, this recipe delivers flavor without fuss.

Got a twist on the classic? Toss in leftover veggies, swap cheeses, or crank up the heat with hot sauce. The microwave’s your shortcut to a satisfying meal. Let us know how yours turns out!