$pent Millennial

I LOVE homemade breakfast! Especially on weekends, when I can get creative and take some time crafting an exciting homemade, restaurant-quality (if I do say so myself) breakfast! 

I am sharing an easy and delicious recipe that I made for my partner and myself this morning using just a handful of affordable ingredients and needs-to-go veggies. 

Next time you are craving a savory breakfast out, consider turning up your favorite podcast, gathering the (not-so) fresh produce you have on hand and getting creative trying your hand at crafting a homemade experience right in your own kitchen!

Follow this recipe with your own preferences and twists to whip up a Food-At-Home Veggie and Cheese Omelet served with crispy home fries.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Dollar Tree Pepper Stir Fry 
• Assorted ‘needs-to-go’ veggies (use whatever you have on hand)
• 1 lb frozen french fries 
• 8 eggs
• Cheese: I used 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese & 2 slices Swiss cheese, 1 slice per omelet. (Substitute cheese of preference/ what’s in your fridge)
• 2 slices bread (rye is our preference) 
• Butter (for the omelet)
• Oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Preparing the Pepper Stir Fry:

1. Saute the Pepper Stir Fry: In a large skillet, sauté the Dollar Tree Pepper Stir Fry (or other veggies) in oil. Saute on medium-high to high if using frozen vegetables. Saute and cook down until excess water evaporates. 
2. Once excess water is cooked off, add in any extra (not-so) fresh veggies that you have on hand. I used half a white onion, and power greens nearing their expiration over medium heat. This not only infuses extra flavor but also makes use of veggies that might be nearing their end. 
3. Sauté until the peppers are tender and the greens have wilted. Set aside once cooked.

Making the Crispy Home Fries:

1. Bake the Fries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pre-seasoned frozen french fries on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are par-baked. (You can start this while you saute the veggies!) 
2. Break Up the Fries: Take the par-baked fries out of the oven and break them up into small, home fry-sized pieces.
3. Fry the Potatoes: In a skillet, add a little extra oil and seasoning if using plain fries. I used pre-seasoned fries this time. Toss the potatoes in the skillet until they’re nicely coated.
4. Finish in the Oven: Place the potatoes back on the baking sheet and in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fries are perfectly crispy. 
5. Optionally, once fries are crisp, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Turn off the oven and put the cheese-covered potatoes in the oven to melt the cheese and keep the potatoes warm and crispy. 
6. Toast the Bread: Place the two slices of rye bread on the baking sheet with the fries and put it in the (now off) oven. Leave in the oven to melt and toast while you prepare the omelets.

Crafting the Omelets:

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs per omelet. Season with your favorite herbs and spices.
2. Butter the Pan: Melt a bit of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook the Omelet: Pour the whisked eggs into the pan and let them cook until they start to bubble.
4. Add Cheese and Veggies: Add cheese ( I used half cheddar-jack and half Swiss) over one half of the omelet. Add your assortment of veggies.
5. Fold and Flip: Gently fold the omelet in half and flip it. Cook through until both sides are lightly browned.

Plating:

• Arrange the Dish: Plate your crispy home fries and place the omelet on top.
• Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with any extra veggies or herbs you have on hand, and dive into this budget-friendly, flavorful meal!

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There you have it, a delicious and affordable meal using low-cost ingredients and veggies that need to go!  Don’t be afraid to get creative with your veggies and seasonings to make this recipe your own. Happy  home cooking!