Easy breakfast board

This easy breakfast board with bacon, eggs and fresh fruit is the perfect fuss-free, versatile breakfast or weekend brunch for serving a crowd.

Entertaining guests for breakfast is always a source of panic for me. Not only am I NOT a morning person, but who has the time in the morning to cook a full meal for guests? That’s where make-ahead recipes or easy assembly jobs come in handy. I always turn to Charcuterie boards or a grazing board when I need to entertain so the thought of a breakfast charcuterie board of sorts is right up my alley.

So this easy breakfast or brunch board has become my go-to for fuss-free breakfast entertaining or fun family brunches. It’s perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, baby showers and everything in between. Guests can make up their own breakfast plates leaving you to enjoy a cup of coffee and bask in the glory of being the hostess (or host) with the mostess.

What to put on a breakfast board

• Pastries. Using store-bought waffles, croissants, donuts, mini muffins, bagels, mini cinnamon rolls and Danish pastries are a great way to keep a breakfast board as simple as possible. I like adding some wholegrain toast for avocado toast with egg on top. Adding a stack of pancakes (or mini pancakes) or French toast is also a good idea.
• Eggs. I used hard-boiled eggs here but you can make scrambled eggs, fried eggs or poached eggs.
• Protein. Bacon is a breakfast necessity for us but you can swap it out for breakfast sausage patties, pork sausages, etc. Other forms of protein like smoked salmon, slices of ham or charcuterie like salami or prosciutto all work well too.
• Yogurt. I added little pots of Greek yogurt with fruit compote in the bottom to my board. Other forms of dairy like cream cheese (essential if you’re serving bagels) and cheeses are a good idea too. Brie, grated cheddar cheese, gouda etc.
• Jams and spreads. Toast isn’t complete without jam, right? Strawberry jam, apricot preserves or fig jam in small bowls or simply in their jars are all delicious. Peanut butter is also a good idea if you’re adding toast to your board. Don’t forget maple syrup or honey for the pancakes and waffles! If you’re serving salmon, adding capers is a great idea. Other pickles and olives are also a delicious addition.
• Fruit. Oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries,  watermelon, sliced bananas, cantaloupe, kiwis, apples and grapes all add freshness to an otherwise indulgent breakfast board.

How to build an easy breakfast board

1. Prepare the hot foods: Cook the bacon (or any meat) that you’ll be adding. I love cooking bacon in a hot oven on a sheet pan when I’m feeding a crowd. Boiled eggs can be made the night before as can poached eggs. Make them ahead and keep in a bowl of water in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Scrambled eggs are best made right before serving to prevent them from becoming dry and rubbery. Heat up the pastries that are better served warm like waffles, pancakes and croissants.
2. Assemble the board: Using your biggest platter or board, place pots of jam or spreads, cheeses, yogurt, berries and avocado along with pastries, toast, etc. This can be done up to an hour or two before serving and kept loosely covered at room temperature. Add the warm pastries, bacon and eggs and serve immediately.

What should I make for breakfast guests?

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd and need some prep-ahead recipe inspiration or you’re cooking for a small group and want something a little fancier, these breakfast recipes are all absolutely delicious and simple to put together.

1. Easy breakfast egg crêpes
2. Breakfast yogurt fruit jars
3. Roasted cheesy breakfast potatoes
4. Low carb berry breakfast parfaits
5. Easy breakfast egg crêpes
6. Chai spiced oatmeal with caramelized apples