Ideas for a cold vegetarian breakfast for guests in warm weather

[dudsville]

We have guests coming, and it's warm. I normally do a big cooked breakfast, but I want to avoid this. It will make me sweat to the point of wanting a shower when everyone sits down to eat - it would only take me 5 or 10 minutes but it feels awkward of precious. So, I'm looking for cold, vegetarian breakfast ideas.

Google suggested these -
Yogurt Parfait Bar: Set out bowls of Greek yogurt, granola, fresh berries, and honey.
Vegetarian Bagel Platter: Arrange sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, capers, and cream cheese.

I think they're good ideas, just checking if anyone has anything else to suggest.

Thanks all, the turkish breakfast sounds right up my street @BillieWiper! DH wouldn't go for it, but I will do this for myself in future. I don't like sweet breakfasts or generally.

It IS roalty @youalright , can't believe you assumed it wasn't😉We like sitting down to a special breakfast when we have guests, for us it's a part of the fun of havimg friends to stay (royal friends that is, the rest can fend for themselves), and it's a more leasurely way to visit in the morning part of the stay. Usually followed by a nice walk.

Ordinarily I'd do seasoned fried potatoes, eggs (scrambled or omelletes with cheese and lots of vegetables), tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, some kind of seasoned beans like butter beans, fried feta, olives (salads with the omellette) etc., with toast, it's quick and easy to do in that I've been doing it for so long I know exactly what I'm doing, but it's far too much to be doing in this weather. I no longer get major hot flushes, but I frequently have waves of warmth, and doing anything can turn that into a proper sauna for me.

There are some great ideas here, thanks all, I've got a good long list now!

My go-to breakfast for a large group is nearly always a help yourself spread of bagels with toppings including cream cheese, smashed avocadoes, hummous (and smoked salmon for non veggies). There is also cereal, cut fruit and yoghurts. Then croissants and pain au choc. Loads of my guests don't usually eat breakfast but as a late event most manage this as brunch.

That sounds absolutely delicious!

If you go for bagels, it’s really easy to make your own flavoured cream cheese in advance so it seems extra fancy.

You get greek yoghurt, strain out the liquid and you’ll be left with lovely cream cheese that seems creamier/fresher than you’d normally get, and then you can add whatever flavours/seasonings you want to it.

eg I’ve made pumpkin cream cheese before, honey and pecan, strawberries, garlic and herbs, etc.

It just makes it look like you’ve made an effort for guests but is actually easy.

Frittata, made in advance. I like it with smoked salmon and vegetables. Best eaten quite soon after making but also can be re-heated gently. I fry the vegetables on a low heat, add the smoked salmon and stir into the beaten eggs before cooking. Add anything that you fancy to the mix. Quick and easy.

Could they have wafer thin ham, Barbara?

I love yogurt (have natural 0% fat as have to keep down sugar and fat intake), berries (frozen are still nice) - and chopped nuts. Plain greek yogurt would probably go best with this, but you could always get some yogurts. Maybe have some a cereal - granola/museli/weetabix and some orange juice. Very simple, and little prep.

Apologies, just remembered you requested vegetarian. Still delicious without salmon. Capers, onion, red peppers all help to enhance flavour.

Sourdough toast = zero hassle

She said she was trying to avoid slaving over a hot stove though! Eggs mushrooms would still need attention

Call me common, but I'm always happy when people just give me Cocopops when I'm staying away.

And let you drink the choclatty milk from the bowl at the end!!!

😅

Enjoying the cereal comments! Fwiw, I don't think it's common, I just don't eat cereal. And as one person surmised, this is a brunch. I start the day with a pot of tea in bed, and invite guests to do the same. No one needs to be chit chatting away at 7 am. And there are always bananas and cereals if they wake hungry. This kind of meal isn't about fuel. It's about visiting and leisure with a bit of something special.

I wouldn’t want to slave over a hot stove either but the only hot bit is stirring ingredients on a low heat in a pan for about 5-7 mins and then put in oven. It’s minimal effort.

One element could be good bread/croissants and a selection of nice jams and spreads?

Will it be a weekend of drinking?

When we have friends to stay, it usually involves trips to the pub and a large amount of beer/prosecco. The morning after we just want white toast, croissants, pastries and coffee after coffee 😊

When I’ve had breakfast in Turkey (which is delicious) it always has honey alongside the cheese etc.

Bruschetta with feta cheese on top of a crusty sourdough

That's exactly what I do for guests.

Croissants especially the bake at home kind

Hi, no it won't be a weekend of drinking, so just good food!

My body can combust holding a cup of tea. No cooking will be done!

Our weekend breakfasts are nice crusty bread
fresh from the bakery with some nice cheeses and I chop up tomatoes and red peppers to put on top my cheese. Served with fresh juices and coffee. If I had guests I would also put some Greek yoghurt and berries on the table. Maybe some pastries.

Avocado and tomato with olive oil on nice bread
smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels (if they eat fish)
veggie sausage bagels or rolls
fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola
pastries
Brioche
French toast with berries
pancakes with toppings