Let’s get cracking.

Bacon, eggs and toast have long been a breakfast staple, but let’s be honest here – the real stars of the show are the eggs. Eggs are awesome: they’re high in protein and low in calories, which means they’ll keep you satisfied longer (i.e. not eating another meal at 11a.m.), and they’re definitely delicious.

They’re also a great healthy option for lunch. Try some hard-boiled eggs in a salad; While your coworkers may loathe you for the smell, your body will thank you for a balanced, filling meal. (You win some, you lose some.)

Here are 5 different egg recipes that are super easy to make, including a personal favorite.

1. The Omelet

Total time: 7 minutes
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. water
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp. butter or 1 tsp. canola oil
• ⅓ cup filling, such as vegetables or cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Whisk eggs, water, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. If using butter: melt in nonstick pan or skillet. If using oil: add 1 tsp. and tilt the pan as it heats up.
3. Pour in egg mixture.
4. As the eggs begin to set around the edge of the pan, push the cooked parts towards the center of the pan. Continue moving cooked portions until no liquid egg remains.
5. When surface is dry, place filling on one side, then fold the omelet in half with a spatula.
6. Serve!

2. The Scrambled Egg

Total time: 5 minutes
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 4 minutes
Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• ¼ milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nonstick spray, canola oil, or 2 tsp. Butter

Directions:

1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add butter/spray/oil (use one, not all) to a medium-sized nonstick pan and heat until hot. Pour in mixture.
3. Stir slowly with a spatula or fork, until no liquid egg remains.
4. Bon Appétit!

3. The Hard Boiled Egg

Total time: 15 minutes for large eggs, 12 minutes for medium eggs
Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs
• Water

Directions:

1. Place eggs in a pot in a single layer. Cover with cold water by 1 inch.
2. Bring water to a boil, and then remove from heat.
3. For large eggs, let it cool for 15 minutes, for medium eggs, let it cool for 12 minutes.
4. Rinse eggs with cool water.
5. Dig in!

4. The Microwaved Egg

This is the perfect recipe for college kids struggling to sustain themselves on dining hall food. All you need is a mug and a microwave!

Total time: 12 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. milk (optional)
• 2 tbsp. cheese (your fav cheese or no cheese)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk all ingredients.
2. Pour into a well-greased microwave-safe mug.
3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir.
4. Microwave on high for another 30 seconds, then stir.
5. Voilà! Enjoy the exotic egg à la microwave.

5. The Dippy Egg

My dad would always make me dippy eggs on the weekends for breakfast when I was in high school and now when I come home from school on breaks it is truly one of the main things I look forward to. I call them dippy eggs because I like to dip toast in the middle and break the yolk. Essentially this is a sunny side up egg, but calling it dippy is way more fun. Who says eggs can’t be fun?!

Total time: 15 minutes
Active time: 5 minutes
Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• Toast, for serving (optional, but strongly suggested)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium nonstick pan for about 5 minutes.
2. Crack an egg and slowly add it to the pan; repeat with other egg on other side.
3. Cover with a fitted lid and cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny (2-2.5 minutes).
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Slide the eggs onto a plate or toast.
6. Enjoy!

♦

If you can perfect these five different egg recipes, then you can call yourself an egg master and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Alicia Barillari is a rising junior at the University of Maryland and a contributor at GlamSalad.com. When she is not obsessing over celeb gossip and pop culture, she can be found tagging her friends in memes or eating chocolate cake.