eggs image

Three Egg-cellent Recipes to Start the Day

July 24, 2024 Recipes

If you’re looking for a few egg-cellent ways to start your day with eggs, look no further! Packed with protein and quick to whip up, these egg recipes offer the fuel your body needs for those eggs-tra busy days!

Classic Egg Sandwich

Start your day with a quick and easy egg and whole-grain English muffin and you’ll have plenty of protein to keep you going until lunchtime.

PREP TIME: 15 mins | TOTAL TIME: 15 mins SERVINGS: 2

KITCHEN GEAR

  • Small bowl
  • Small nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Plates

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vegetable or olive oil
  • 2 whole-wheat English
  • muffins, split and toasted

Instructions

  • Preheat a small skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, then add the oil.
  • Crack one egg on the rim of the bowl, then empty it into the bowl. Throw away or compost the shell.
  • Slowly slide the egg from the bowl to one side of the skillet.
  • Crack the second egg into the bowl, then slide it onto the other side of the skillet.
  • When the eggs start to set and the edges are solid, use the spatula to flip the first egg, then the second egg.
  • Continue to cook the eggs until the yolks are firm.
  • Put an English muffin half on each plate. Slide an egg onto each muffin, then top with the other muffin halves. Serve right away.

Make it your own!

Scramble your egg, if you prefer, and/or add any of the following to your sandwich:

  • Sliced low-fat cheese (the heat from the egg will melt it a little)
  • A handful of baby spinach (the heat from the egg will cook it a little)
  • A couple slices of avocado and/or tomato
  • Hot sauce
couple gbaby crib in background

Egg Quesadilla

This protein-packed breakfast dish is a mix between a grilled cheese sandwich and a scrambled egg.

PREP TIME: 10 mins | TOTAL TIME: 10 mins
SERVINGS: 1

KITCHEN GEAR

  • Small bowl
  • Fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small pan
  • Spatula

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large egg
  • salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 6-inch corn tortilla
  • 1 tablespoon grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salsa for topping (if you like)

Instructions

  • Preheat pan over medium heat.
    When the pan is hot, add oil, and heat for about 30 seconds.
  • Crack egg into the bowl, add a pinch of salt, then use fork to beat well until the yolk and white are evenly yellow.
  • Add the egg to the pan and let it set for around 10-15 seconds.
  • Put the tortilla on top of the egg and press it down a little — the egg should still be soft enough that the tortilla will stick to it. Let the egg set until it doesn’t look runny, then use the spatula to flip so the tortilla is now on the bottom.
  • Sprinkle cheese over the egg.
  • Cook until cheese is melted, egg is set, and tortilla is nicely browned. Fold in half with egg and cheese on the inside, topped with salsa, if you like, and serve right away.

Get Creative!

get creative

Try adding:

  • a cup of diced green, yellow, or red bell peppers
  • a spoonful of plain yogurt
  • a dash of hot sauce
  • a sprinkle of fresh, leafy herbs such as cilantro, basil, or chives
  • a handful of baby spinach

Green Egg Bake

Give this baked egg dish a try and let the oven do a lot of the cooking for you! This is an easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner casserole that’s just as good cold as it is hot.

PREP TIME: 30 mins | TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
SERVINGS: 8

KITCHEN GEAR

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife (adult needed)
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • 8 x 8-inch baking pan, or 9-inch pie pan
  • Medium-sized skillet
  • Heatproof spatula
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Fork or whisk
  • Pot holders

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups (packed) spinach leaves, chopped
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1⁄2 cup shredded or crumbled cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, feta, or Parmesan
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a clean hand or a paper towel to grease a baking pan with 1 teaspoon oil.
  • Preheat a skillet on the stove over medium heat, and carefully add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil.
  • When the oil is hot, add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, about 7 minutes.
  • Add the spinach, and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Set aside until cool, about 10 minutes.
  • Put the eggs, salt, and pepper in bowl and use fork or whisk to mix well.
  • Add the cooled spinach mixture and cheese, mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into the pan and carefully move it to the oven.
  • Bake until the top is golden and eggs are set, 25–30 minutes. To see if the eggs are set, use pot holders to jiggle the pan back and forth: you should not see the eggs moving around as if they’re still liquid in the center.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.

Add in More Flavors!

  • Instead of spinach, add other favorite greens like shredded kale, chard, or mustard greens.
  • You can also add 1 cup chopped asparagus (raw or cooked), shredded zucchini, diced cooked sweet potatoes, or fresh or frozen corn kernels.
  • Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley leaves, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or mint leaves, or 1 tablespoon chopped dill.
hand-expierence

HAND EXPRESSION

How it works

Use your hand to gently massage and compress your breast to remove milk.

What’s Involved

  • Requires practice, skill, and coordination.
  • Gets easier with practice and can be as fast as pumping.
  • Good if you are not often away from your baby or you need an option that is always with you. All moms should know how to hand express, in case they need to do it unexpectedly.

Average Cost

Free

Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position