Ok so I’ve got a confession: I don’t like going out to brunch that much anymore. I know, I know, revoke my millennial licence and throw me to the wolves.

But no seriously. I just find it’s always a little bit disappointing. Either the toast is cold or you have to queue in the most obnoxiously Melbourne of ways or the food comes before the coffee or they forget you asked to add halloumi but charge you $4 for it anyway… it’s quite the danger zone.

I’ve recently taken to making my own brunches at home, and besides being a fraction of the cost and an Urban-List-fuelled-queue-free-zone, it’s actually WAY more tasty. And hot. Yes the washing up after is a bit of a bugger, but I strongly suggest concocting a reason as to why it’s your partner’s turn to clean up to rid yourself of such responsibility.

Here are my top 3 café breakfasts to make at home on a budget:

Black and Blue Eggs

I genuinely invented this one entirely myself I’m not even kidding.

You will need:

  • Eggs

  • Black pepper

  • Blue cheese

  • Salt

  • Sourdough

  • Olive oil

Lightly oil a frying pan and crack two eggs into the centre. Fry to your liking, and just before the egg white turns from clear to white, crumble in some blue cheese until the white is well covered. Then add a generous scattering of black pepper, and continue to cook the egg to the runny-ness of your choice.

Meanwhile, toast your sourdough and drizzle with olive oil. Add the eggs on top, and season with a little salt.

Café price: $19

Home price: ~$3 per serve

Greens Bowl

I’d be lying if I said I’d ordered a greens bowl since my fitness freak 1000 calories a day phase of 2016, but still. Get it right and it can be pretty darned tasty.

You will need:

  • Broccolini

  • Bok Choy/Asian greens of your choice

  • Sugar snap peas

  • Kale

  • Garlic

  • Sesame oil/peanut oil

  • Hummus of your choice

  • Egg

  • Fresh or dry chilli (optional)

Sauté the greens in a generous splash of oil, and crush 1-2 cloves of garlic in with it. Add chilli if you’re feeling fiery. It’s best to leave them a little crunchy for texture, but if you prefer them soft, add a splash of water and put a lid on the pan to lightly steam them.

Once cooked, put in a bowl and scoop on a generous dollop of your chosen hummus. Garlic/paprika/beetroot ones all work well. Add a poached/fried egg on top, and season with salt and pepper.

Café price: $17

Home price: ~$5 per serve

Turkish Eggs

This is a creamy, spicy, salty vegetarian brekkie that’ll satisfy an everyday bacon lover, meat-free!

You will need:

Buying the Turkish spice mix and the dukkah adds a few dollars to the initial cost at first, but you’ll be able to use them in recipes for ages afterwards!

Crush 2 cloves of garlic into a large cup of yoghurt, and add in some of the mixed Turkish spices.

Poach two eggs, and pan fry 3 slices of halloumi.

Spread a generous, thick blob of the yoghurt mix across your plate or bowl, and sprinkle some dukkah on top. Then add two slices of toasted sourdough (drizzled with olive oil if you have any), and layer on the perfectly poached eggs and pan fried halloumi. Add an extra dollop of the yoghurt dip, a drizzle more olive oil, salt, pepper and another scattering of dukkah. *chefs kiss*

Café price: $21

Home price: ~$5 per serve

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3 Cafe Breakfasts You Can Make At Home