Breakfast for One: 15 Hot Little Breakfasts That Use One Pan and Leave No Leftovers

Breakfast for one should be simple, but most recipes are written for a family of four. If you live alone, are an empty nester or just eat before everyone else wakes up, you know the problem: half a pan of leftovers you never wanted. Small breakfasts are having a moment online. One video showing how to pour an egg on a tortilla passed 800,000 views in under two weeks, and quick single-serving breakfasts are pulling hundreds of likes on MSN. Below you will find hot little breakfasts sized for one plate, most made in one pan in about 5 to 15 minutes. To shrink any recipe, think one egg per person and a small 6 or 8-inch skillet. Which one will you make tomorrow morning..

Breakfast for One: Your Table for One, Done Right

Most recipes feed four. If you cook just for yourself, you end up with leftovers you never wanted. These little breakfasts fit one plate, use one pan, and are ready in about the time it takes the coffee to brew. The secret is a small skillet. A 6 or 8-inch pan keeps one or two eggs from spreading thin, browns potatoes faster and means less to wash. Keep a few basics on hand: eggs, tortillas, a potato, cheese, frozen peas and bread. Ready for your first one..

You will need: A 6 or 8-inch skillet (cast iron or nonstick), a small ramekin, a lid that fits the skillet, eggs, bread or tortillas, cheese, butter, 1 potato, frozen vegetables and your favorite hot sauce.

How to make it: 1. Buy eggs and bread in small sizes or freeze half the loaf. 2. Keep cooked rice and potatoes from dinner for quick hashes. 3. Use one egg per serving when you shrink a recipe. 4. Cut baking times by about a third for small pans and check early. 5. Cover the pan to set eggs fast. 6. Clean up while the coffee finishes.

Breakfast for One: The Egg and Tortilla Flip

This is the breakfast all over YouTube right now, and it really is that easy. Pour one or two beaten eggs into a small skillet, lay a tortilla right on top while the eggs are still wet, then flip the whole thing. The egg glues itself to the tortilla. Add cheese and a little ham, fold it in half and you have a hot wrap in five minutes. Have you tried this trick yet?

You will need: 1 or 2 eggs, 1 tbsp milk, salt and pepper, 1 small flour tortilla (8 inch), 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1 slice ham or a few spinach leaves, 1 tsp butter, salsa for serving.

How to make it: 1. Beat the eggs with milk, salt and pepper. 2. Melt the butter in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat. 3. Pour in the eggs and lay the tortilla on top right away. 4. Cook 1 minute, then flip. 5. Add cheese and ham to one half and fold. 6. Cook until the cheese melts and serve with salsa.

Crispy Potato and Egg Skillet

One potato, one egg, one pan. Grate or dice a small potato, press it into a hot skillet and let it get really crispy before you crack an egg on top. Cover the pan for a couple of minutes and the egg steams right on the potatoes. It tastes like a diner breakfast for one with a fraction of the dishes. Runny yolk or cooked through?

You will need: 1 small russet or Yukon gold potato, 1 tbsp oil or butter, 1 egg, salt, pepper, paprika, 1 tbsp grated cheese, chives.

How to make it: 1. Grate or finely dice the potato and pat it dry. 2. Heat the oil in a small skillet. 3. Spread the potato in a flat layer, season and cook 5 to 6 minutes until golden. 4. Flip in sections and make a small well. 5. Crack the egg in the well, cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes. 6. Top with cheese and chives.

Cheesy Corn Fritters for One

A popular corn fritter cup video on MSN showed how a few spoonfuls of corn, egg and cheese turn into a quick breakfast for one. The skillet version is even faster: mix a small batter in a mug, drop two or three spoonfuls into a hot pan and fry until golden. Top with a spoon of sour cream and salsa. It is a smart way to use the last of a can of corn. Sweet or spicy?

You will need: 1/2 cup corn (canned, frozen or fresh), 1 egg, 3 tbsp flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp shredded cheddar, 1 green onion (sliced), salt and pepper, 1 tbsp oil, sour cream and salsa.

How to make it: 1. Stir the egg, flour and baking powder in a mug. 2. Fold in the corn, cheese, onion, salt and pepper. 3. Heat the oil in a small skillet. 4. Drop in 2 or 3 spoonfuls and flatten a little. 5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. 6. Top with sour cream and salsa.

Breakfast for One: 5-Minute Eggs and Zucchini

This is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel good for the rest of the morning. Half a zucchini, two eggs and a sprinkle of cheese cook in one small pan in about five minutes. It is a great way to use the zucchini that always seems to be waiting in the fridge. Add a slice of toast and breakfast for one is done. Do you sneak vegetables into breakfast?

You will need: 1/2 small zucchini (diced), 2 eggs, 1 tsp olive oil or butter, 1 small garlic clove (minced), 2 tbsp grated parmesan or feta, salt, pepper, pinch of chili flakes.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook the zucchini and garlic for 3 minutes. 3. Beat the eggs with salt and pepper. 4. Pour the eggs over the zucchini. 5. Stir gently until just set. 6. Top with cheese and chili flakes.

Mini Breakfast Quesadilla

A quesadilla is the easiest way to turn leftovers into breakfast. Scramble one egg, spoon it onto half a tortilla with cheese and whatever is left from dinner, like beans, peppers or a little cooked sausage. Fold it and toast it in the same pan until crisp. Cut it in triangles and dip it in salsa for an easy breakfast for one. Which filling would you choose: A) bacon, B) sausage, C) black beans or D) just cheese?

You will need: 1 small flour tortilla, 1 egg (scrambled), 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 2 tbsp black beans or cooked sausage, 2 tbsp diced peppers, 1 tsp butter, salsa or sour cream.

How to make it: 1. Scramble the egg in a small skillet and set it aside. 2. Wipe the pan and melt the butter. 3. Lay the tortilla in the pan. 4. Add cheese, egg, beans and peppers to one half. 5. Fold and cook 2 minutes per side until crisp. 6. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa.

One-Egg Fried Rice With Last Night’s Rice

If you live alone, you probably have a container of leftover rice in the fridge right now. Cold rice is perfect for a fried rice breakfast for one, and one cup plus one egg makes a filling breakfast in about seven minutes. A splash of soy sauce and a handful of frozen peas is all it needs. Top it with a fried egg if you are extra hungry. Have you ever had rice for breakfast?

You will need: 1 cup cold cooked rice, 1 egg, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp frozen peas, 1 green onion (sliced), 1 tsp soy sauce, a few drops of sesame oil, optional chopped ham or bacon.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oil in a small skillet or wok. 2. Scramble the egg and push it to one side. 3. Add the rice and peas and fry 3 to 4 minutes until hot. 4. Stir the egg into the rice. 5. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil. 6. Top with green onion.

Breakfast for One: Shakshuka in a Small Skillet

Shakshuka sounds fancy, but it is just eggs gently cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. For one person, use half a can of crushed tomatoes in a 6 or 8-inch skillet, make two little wells and drop in the eggs. Cover the pan so the whites set while the yolks stay soft. Bring a piece of crusty bread for dipping. Save the other half of the can for pasta night. Mild or spicy?

You will need: 1/2 can (7 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, 1/4 small onion (diced), 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, pinch of chili flakes, 2 eggs, salt, parsley or cilantro, crusty bread.

How to make it: 1. Soften the onion and garlic in the oil for 3 minutes. 2. Stir in the spices, then the tomatoes. 3. Simmer 5 minutes until a little thick. 4. Make 2 wells and crack in the eggs. 5. Cover and cook 4 to 6 minutes until the whites set. 6. Top with herbs and serve with bread.

Single-Serve Baked Oatmeal in a Ramekin

Baked oatmeal is usually made in a big dish, but a single ramekin is perfect for one. Stir oats, milk, an egg and a little maple syrup right in the dish, add berries or banana and bake while you get ready. It comes out warm and cakey, like a soft muffin you eat with a spoon. You can mix it the night before and bake it in the morning. Berries or banana?

You will need: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg (or 2 tbsp yogurt), 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup berries or sliced banana, a few chopped nuts.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven or air fryer to 350 F. 2. Butter a 10 to 12 oz ramekin. 3. Stir the oats, milk, egg, syrup, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in the ramekin. 4. Top with fruit and nuts. 5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until set in the center. 6. Cool 5 minutes before eating.

Egg in a Basket With Melty Cheese

Egg in a basket, egg in a nest, one eyed toast: every family has its own name for this one. Cut a circle out of a slice of bread, toast it in butter, and crack an egg into the middle. Lay a slice of cheese on top for the last minute so it melts over the toast. Do not forget to toast the little circle too. What did your family call it?

You will need: 1 thick slice bread, 1 tbsp butter, 1 egg, 1 slice cheddar or American cheese, salt and pepper, a few cherry tomatoes or radishes on the side.

How to make it: 1. Cut a 2 to 3 inch circle out of the bread with a glass. 2. Melt the butter in a small skillet. 3. Toast the bread and the circle for 1 minute. 4. Flip and break the egg into the opening. 5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until the white sets. 6. Add the cheese, cover for 1 minute and serve.

Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs on Toast

Cottage cheese is having a big moment, and stirring a spoonful into scrambled eggs is one of the best ways to use it. The eggs turn extra creamy and soft, and you get a nice protein boost without any extra work. Pile them on a slice of toast with a handful of greens. It is a breakfast for one that keeps you full until lunch. Have you tried it?

You will need: 2 eggs, 2 tbsp cottage cheese, 1 tsp butter, salt and pepper, 1 slice sourdough or whole grain toast, a handful of arugula or spinach, chives.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the eggs with the cottage cheese, salt and pepper. 2. Melt the butter in a small nonstick pan over low heat. 3. Add the eggs and stir slowly with a spatula. 4. Take the pan off the heat while the eggs are still a little wet. 5. Pile onto the toast. 6. Top with greens and chives.

Breakfast for One: Potato and Sausage Hash

A hash is the best way to use up one leftover potato and a single sausage link. Dice everything small so it cooks fast, let it brown without stirring too much, then top it with an egg. It feels like a weekend breakfast but takes less than 15 minutes. Use a baked potato from dinner and it is even quicker. What makes the best hash: A) crispy edges, B) lots of onion, C) a runny egg or D) hot sauce?

You will need: 1 small cooked potato (diced), 1 sausage link or 2 slices bacon (chopped), 1/4 onion (diced), 1/4 bell pepper (diced), 1 tsp oil, 1 egg, salt, pepper, paprika.

How to make it: 1. Cook the sausage in a small skillet until browned. 2. Add the oil, potato, onion and pepper. 3. Spread out and cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning only a few times. 4. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. 5. Make a well and add the egg. 6. Cover and cook until the egg is done the way you like it.

Mini Dutch Baby in a Small Skillet

A Dutch baby is a big, puffy oven pancake that looks amazing and takes almost no skill. Scale it down to one egg and a 6-inch skillet, and it puffs up into a golden bowl in about 15 minutes. Squeeze on lemon and dust with powdered sugar, or fill the middle with fruit. It is the most fun breakfast for one on this list. Lemon and sugar or berries and syrup?

You will need: 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp sugar, pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp butter, lemon wedge, powdered sugar, berries.

How to make it: 1. Put a 6-inch oven-safe skillet in the oven and heat to 425 F. 2. Blend or whisk the egg, milk, flour, sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth. 3. Carefully add the butter to the hot skillet to melt. 4. Pour in the batter. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden. 6. Top with lemon, powdered sugar and berries.

Smoked Salmon and Egg Toast

This one feels like a brunch out, but it is ready in under ten minutes at home. Toast a thick slice of bread, add a few ribbons of smoked salmon and top it with a soft poached or fried egg. A spoon of cream cheese or a squeeze of lemon pulls this breakfast for one together. A small pack of smoked salmon covers several breakfasts for one. Poached or fried?

You will need: 1 thick slice sourdough or rye, 1 tbsp cream cheese, 2 oz smoked salmon, 1 egg, a few capers or a squeeze of lemon, dill or chives, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Toast the bread. 2. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer for poaching, or heat a pan for frying. 3. Cook the egg until the white is set. 4. Spread the toast with cream cheese. 5. Lay on the salmon and top with the egg. 6. Finish with capers, dill and pepper.

French Toast for One

French toast does not need a whole loaf. One egg and a splash of milk are enough to soak two slices of bread, and the whole thing is done in about eight minutes. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Top with berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy weekend breakfast for one. For more ideas when cooking small, see our easy mug meals. Syrup or powdered sugar?

You will need: 2 slices thick bread (day-old), 1 egg, 3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp butter, berries, maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the egg, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a shallow bowl. 2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. 3. Dip each slice for 10 seconds per side. 4. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. 5. Move to a plate. 6. Top with berries and syrup.