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, 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. And this easy breakfast board has become my go-to for fuss-free breakfast entertaining or fun family brunches. 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, muffins, bagels and Danish pastries are a great way to keep a breakfast board as simple as possible. Adding a stack of pancakes are also a good idea.
• Eggs. I used boiled eggs here but you can make scrambled eggs, fried eggs or poached eggs.
• Bacon. 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 all work well too.
• Yogurt. I added little pots of 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.
• Jams and spreads. Toast isn’t complete without jam, right? Strawberry jam, apricot preserves or fig jam are all delicious. Don’t forget maple syrup for the pancakes and waffles!
• Fruit. Oranges, strawberries, melon 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 and fruit. 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?

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