Who says you need a stove to whip up a hearty breakfast? This microwave egg and potato scramble cooks in under 5 minutes and costs less than a dollar per serving. Seriously—no pans, no cleanup, and no last-minute grocery runs required.
We’re talking fluffy eggs, tender potatoes, and whatever leftover veggies are lurking in your fridge. Perfect for dorm rooms, tight budgets, or mornings when even using a spatula feels like too much work.
We’ll walk you through nailing the texture, avoiding rubbery eggs, and customizing this scramble without breaking the bank.
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Cheap Microwave Egg and Potato Scramble
Course: BreakfastCuisine: American2
5
minutes5
minutes350
kcal10
minutesIf you're looking for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition, this microwave egg and potato scramble is what you need. Packed with protein and vitamins, it's a simple solution for busy mornings or a late-night snack. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish in no time and keep your budget in check.
Ingredients
eggs
frozen diced potatoes
salt and pepper to taste
shredded cheese optional
olive oil or butter
green onions or herbs for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the frozen diced potatoes and olive oil or butter.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until the potatoes are thawed and warm.
- Stir to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl with the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then whisk together until well combined.
- Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute.
- Stir the eggs gently, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the eggs are fully cooked to your liking.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the eggs and potatoes, then microwave for another 15-20 seconds until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave carefully and let it cool for a minute.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or herbs if desired, and serve immediately..
Notes
- Feel free to customize your scramble by adding cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese or vegan alternatives to suit your dietary preferences. This recipe is extremely versatile and can be adjusted based on what you have on hand!
What is a Microwave Egg and Potato Scramble?
Picture this: my grandpa once hosted a surprise birthday brunch using only a microwave and a $5 grocery haul. His star dish? This scramble. It’s diced potatoes and eggs cooked in waves, not on flames—think of it as your microwave’s way of saying, “I’ve got your back, hungry human.”
We layer raw spuds with a splash of water, zap them until tender, then add beaten eggs for a protein punch. No oil, no fancy tools—just a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Grandpa called it “lazy man’s hash,” but we prefer “genius in a dish.”
What Does Microwave Egg and Potato Scramble Taste Like?
Imagine buttery Yukon Gold potatoes hugging fluffy, lightly set eggs—like a diner skillet meal without the grease. Microwaving keeps eggs surprisingly creamy if you nail the timing (more on that later). The potatoes soften but hold shape, offering gentle resistance with each bite.
Grandpa always tossed in a pinch of paprika “for personality.” You’ll catch earthy notes from the taters, a whisper of pepper, and whatever extras you raid from the fridge. Try shredded cheddar or hot sauce for a kick. It’s cozy, carb-y comfort that sticks to your ribs—not your wallet.
Ready to rummage through your pantry? Let’s break down what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Microwave Egg and Potato Scramble
We’ve made this scramble with everything from fancy farmer’s market spuds to a half-used bag of freezer fries. All you need are eggs, potatoes, and a microwave-safe bowl. The convenience of using a microwave is especially perfect for quick meal solutions. One great option for a lazy day is a microwave instant mashed potato bowl, which requires minimal effort and tastes delicious. Let’s break it down.
Essential Ingredients &Amp; Substitutes
Yukon Gold potatoes (1 medium) work best—their waxy texture holds up to microwaving. No Yukons? Russets or even 1/2 cup frozen diced potatoes (thawed) work. Use 2 large eggs or 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute for binding. Spice it up with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or whatever’s in your spice drawer. For a quick and delicious meal, consider microwaving Yukon Gold potatoes to enhance their natural flavor and creaminess. Microwave Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still want a hearty dish.
Budget-friendly Alternatives
Swap fresh herbs for dried—they’re cheaper and last months. Use leftover deli ham instead of bacon bits, or skip meat entirely. Got stale bread? Tear it into chunks for a carb-loaded “panzanella” scramble. We’ve even used canned diced potatoes (drained!) during finals week survival mode.
Also See: Easy 5-minute Microwave Oreo Cheesecake in a Mug
How to Make Microwave Egg and Potato Scramble
My college roommate once burned ramen in a microwave. This recipe is foolproof-er. Just three steps between you and breakfast. If you’re looking for a quick meal option, a microwave ramen noodle recipe could be just the thing. With minimal ingredients and time, you can enjoy a warm bowl of noodles in no time.
Step 1: Prep and Microwave Potatoes
Dice 1 potato into 1/2-inch cubes. Smaller = faster cooking. Toss into a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 tbsp water. Cover with a plate (steam is key!). Microwave on high 2 minutes. Stir. Repeat until fork-tender (~4-5 mins total at 1000W) (especially when using for dishes like cheap microwave egg and potato scramble).
Step 2: Cook Eggs and Combine
Beat 2 eggs with a fork in a separate mug. Pour over cooked potatoes. Microwave uncovered 45 seconds. Stir gently—eggs will look half-set. This prevents rubberiness. Cooking eggs in the microwave can be a quick and convenient method for busy mornings. Add a cheese slice if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 3: Seasoning and Final Microwave
Mix in 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, and any add-ins (chopped spinach, diced onions). Microwave 15-30 seconds more until eggs fully set but still glossy. Let sit 1 minute—they’ll finish cooking off the heat. Top with hot sauce or ketchup packets. For a different twist, try making microwave poached eggs; it’s a quick method that offers a perfectly cooked egg in no time.
Also See: 4 Quick Microwave Meals for a Taste Of the Med
Pro Tips for Perfect Microwave Scrambles
We’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to. Rubber eggs? Crunchy potatoes? Not on our watch.
Avoiding Rubbery Eggs
Microwaves vary—start with 30-second egg intervals. Stir after each burst. Eggs continue cooking post-zap, so pull them when slightly underdone. Add a tsp of milk to beaten eggs for extra fluff. Trust us, it’s a dorm-room game changer.
How to Adjust Potato Texture
For softer taters: add 1 extra tbsp water before microwaving. Need crunch? Skip pre-cooking—toss raw diced potatoes with eggs and zap 1 minute longer. Test at 30-second marks with a fork. Too firm? Cover and nuke another minute. Combining canned diced potatoes with eggs in the microwave can create a quick and inexpensive meal. This method not only saves time but also offers a delicious way to enjoy cheap microwave egg canned diced potatoes.
Now that you’re a scramble savant, let’s tackle keeping leftovers fresh (yes, it’s possible!).
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers? Toss them in an airtight container (we’ve used rinsed yogurt tubs in a pinch). Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Pro tip: Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent rubbery eggs from drying out.
Reheating is a 60-second dance: microwave at 50% power with 1 tsp water. Stir every 20 seconds. Prefer crispier potatoes? Pan-fry leftovers in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Adds a diner-style crunch without extra oil. For even better results, try reheating baked potatoes in the microwave, which is a quick and easy method for leftovers. Microwaving not only saves time but also helps maintain the potato’s moisture and flavor.
Easy Recipe Variations
We’ve turned this scramble into 37 different meals (college boredom breeds creativity). Here are our top two wallet-friendly twists.
Spicy Southwest Version
Stir in 2 tbsp canned black beans, 1 tbsp frozen corn, and a pinch of chili powder before the final microwave. Top with salsa salvaged from last week’s takeout. No jalapeños? A dash of hot sauce works.
Total cost bump: $0.15 if using pantry staples. Bonus points for crumbling tortilla chips on top. Adds crunch and uses up crumbs at the bottom of the bag. For an even tastier option, consider adding some cheese to your cheap microwave tortilla chips. Melting cheese over the chips can elevate the flavor and make for a quick, delicious snack.
Cheesy Microwave Scramble
Add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (or that mystery cheese blend in your fridge’s drawer) after Step 2. Microwave 10 seconds longer to achieve gooey perfection. Dairy-free? Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy vibe for half the price. It’s a great little hack that can extend beyond just mac and cheese, like in a cheap microwave egg and potato scramble.
For extra creaminess, mix 1 tbsp cottage cheese into beaten eggs. Sounds weird, tastes like a diner omelet. We’ve converted three skeptics with this move. You can also try making quick egg dishes in the microwave for a fast option. There are many simple egg recipes that can be prepared in just minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
Now that your scramble game is strong, let’s geek out on why microwaves are the unsung heroes of budget cooking. Interestingly, many foods actually taste better when microwaved than baked. For example, reheating pizza in the microwave can keep the crust soft and the cheese gooey, making it a tasty option for a quick meal.
Now It’s Your Turn to Scramble!
This cheap microwave egg and potato scramble proves that fast, budget-friendly meals don’t have to skimp on flavor or nutrition. With just a mug, microwave, and a few staple ingredients, you’ve got a protein-packed breakfast ready in under 5 minutes.
We’d love to hear how your scramble turns out – share your favorite add-ins or seasoning twists in the comments! Whether you go classic, cheesy, or spicy, this microwave hack will become your new morning lifesaver.
