Affordable Farm-Fresh Egg Recipes for Any Occasion

As a small family farm that raises free-range chickens for eggs and uses raw milk as a staple in our diet, we understand the importance of being mindful of our budget while still being able to provide delicious, nourishing meals for our family. One of the benefits of raising our own food is that we have access to fresh, high-quality ingredients at a lower cost than purchasing them from a store.

One of our go-to meals is a simple frittata made with our farm-fresh eggs and any vegetables we have on hand. Frittatas are easy to make and can be customized to include whatever ingredients you have available. They’re also a great way to use up any odds and ends in the vegetable crisper.

To make a frittata, you will need:

• 6-8 eggs
• 1 cup of milk (we like to use raw milk from our own cows, but any milk will do)
• 1 cup of diced vegetables (such as onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach)
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the butter or oil and let it melt.
4. Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle with cheese, if using.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let the frittata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This frittata is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.

Another budget-friendly meal that we love is homemade mac and cheese using raw milk and our own farm-fresh eggs. This recipe is a little more time-intensive than the frittata, but it’s worth it for the creamy, comforting results.

To make mac and cheese, you will need:

• 1 pound of elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of milk (we recommend using raw milk for the creamiest texture)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the flour and whisk together to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture starts to turn a light golden color.
6. Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and smooth.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the cheese sauce to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
10. Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
11. Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a few cracks of black pepper.

There are other times when you need something a little simpler. 

Here are a few recipes that you can make with eggs and raw milk that don’t take long, and children also enjoy:

1. Scrambled eggs: This is a simple, quick breakfast option. Crack a few eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a splash of milk. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. Serve the scrambled eggs with toast or a side of fruit.
2. French toast: This is a tasty breakfast or brunch option. Beat together a few eggs, a splash of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. Dip slices of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Place the bread in the skillet and cook until both sides are golden brown. Serve the French toast with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
3. Quiche: This is a great option for a light lunch or dinner. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out a pie crust and place it in a pie dish. In a bowl, whisk together a few eggs and a cup of milk. Add in any desired fillings, such as diced vegetables, cooked meats, or shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings and bake the quiche for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the quiche is set.
4. Omelette: This is another quick and easy breakfast option. Crack a few eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a splash of milk. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook until the bottom is set. Add any desired fillings, such as diced vegetables, cooked meats, or shredded cheese. Fold the omelette in half and cook for an additional minute, until the filling is heated through.
5. Pancakes: This is a classic breakfast option that kids love. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pancake batter onto the griddle in small circles and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are golden brown. Serve the pancakes with syrup, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.