A Make-Ahead Breakfast, Scandinavian-Style.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked and under-planned meals of the year is Thanksgiving Day breakfast. We’ve been guilty of rolling out of bed and straight into the kitchen to get cooking, fueled solely by caffeine. But, this year we’ve resolved to change all of that. Hungry tummies—the cook’s included—will have this healthy, easy Thanksgiving breakfast spread to fill up on. Suited for all kinds of dietary needs, you can dress it up or down, and it requires absolutely no cooking. Meaty, cheesy, and oh-so-pretty, this tasty breakfast spread will delight your family and house guests alike and bolster you for kitchen escapades to come, because (dare we say?) even on Thanksgiving, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Everything You Need to Create a Scandinavian Breakfast
A breakfast like this is all about balance and contrast. On Thanksgiving, we’re staring down a dinner that’s notoriously heavy, so we like to start the day with at least a little lightness and brightness. That means:
- Slices of a mild cheese like Provolone or Havarti.
- A wedge of fancier cheese: Brie, sharp white cheddar or aged gouda will do the trick.
- Unsalted butter. for slathering on bread. It’s Thanksgiving Day—it’s all about indulgence, right?
- Plain Greek yogurt.
- Seasonal fruit: pears, apples, clementines, grapes or berries.
- Bread! A few loaves—something grainy and healthy, and fluffy airy challah are our faves.
- Fruit preserves—any kind you love! You could buy a jar, or even just put out a little of the cranberry chutney that you’re going to serve with dinner, since it’s lovely with cheese, too.
- Honey. A little drizzle over a crumbly, salty slice of aged gouda is all the breakfast we need. Maybe ever.
How to Create a European Breakfast Spread
The beauty of this cold European breakfast spread is that it literally takes five minutes to put together, which is a must on the marathon-cooking day that is Thanksgiving. Here’s how to do it:
- Lay out the cold cuts, cheeses, and sliced bread on your favorite platter.
- Add fruit preserves (we just pop the lid off the jar and set it out) and fruit.
- Spoon the Greek yogurt into a bowl and set near the platter with a big spoon for serving.
- Make yourself a plate, and tell everyone to help themselves (and to wash their dishes when they’re done—more dishes to wash is the last thing you need!).
- Roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen—fueled up for real, and ready to go!
Tools You’ll Need:
Other Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas
Any of these easy make-ahead breakfast recipes would make excellent fodder for Thanksgiving breakfast:
Thanksgiving Morning Has Never Looked So Effortless
We can’t wait to hear about how much your guest loved this Swedish-inspired breakfast. Snap a pic and post it to Instagram tagging @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
