If you’re the one charged with ordering breakfast for the office, it’s often hard to think outside the bagel box–but if you put some creativity into finding breakfast menu ideas your team will love, you’ll find it’s well worth the effort.

Why? Because breakfast is becoming one of the most popular meals for workplace catering–and with good reason. Many urban breakfast spots have closed in recent years, and cost-conscious employees are skipping on-the-go breakfast and coffee drinks. When breakfast is waiting for you, a tough commute seems much more worthwhile. Plus, breakfast builds appreciation and even loyalty. 

Our list of breakfast menu ideas (that considers dietary restrictions) will earn you a thumbs up in the office.

Scones and muffins

A selection of banana, blueberry, and chocolate chip muffins is a reliable breakfast option, but it’s hard to beat a fresh scone or croissant with clotted cream, grated cheese, and strawberry jam. Your team can cut their baked goods in half, slather butter on them, and start their day on a sweet and satisfying note.

Shakshouka

Some folks want a solid serving of protein in the morning, but scrambled eggs can often appear congealed, gloopy, and unappealing. Shakshouka shows up dressed to impress. A lush, spicy tomato-based sauce surrounds poached eggs, and a fresh, herby garnish lends the dish a delicious fragrance.

Smoothies

Smoothies are always a winner. Team members can fuel up without getting their hands dirty, which is super-convenient for busy meetings. And these vitamin-packed drinks are filling and customizable for vegans. Opt for popular berry and peanut butter flavors if you have too many choices.

Doughnuts

We know these aren’t the healthiest breakfast foods in the world. But are they crowd-pleasers? That would be an emphatic yes. Whether you opt for glazed ring doughnuts or drop doughnuts coated in cinnamon sugar, these fried treats are guaranteed to put a smile on employees’ faces. Look at you, single-handedly changing the mood in the room. 

Pancakes and waffles

You can go sweet or savory. We love a sweet corn and chili muffin loaded with sauteed veggies and cilantro or a gluten-free oat and banana flapjack drizzled with honey and topped with blueberries. Then there’s Southern fried chicken and waffles — ’nuff said. 

Chia pudding

Chia seed puddings are light, but their soluble fiber content helps you feel full. These dairy-free desserts use coconut milk for creaminess and fruit like pomegranate arils for tart sweetness. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with antioxidants.

Fruit salad

Ripe and ready fruits are nature’s candy; when they’re all cut up and combined with a zesty squeeze of citrus or a splash of passion fruit, few can resist. Local or seasonal fruit such as kiwis, grapes, mangoes, papaya, and peaches and humble staples like apples and bananas can set off a mid-morning symphony of flavor on the tongue. Cue the music.

Quiche

With its soft, cheesy, savory custard center and buttery pie crust, this is the kind of meal Grandma would make when you’re having a bad day. When done well, quiche is like a culinary hug. Who wouldn’t want one for breakfast?

Granola

You can order granola two ways. A stack of granola bars comes in handy when schedules get hectic. And a serving of handmade granola with toasted nuts, seeds, craisins, and warm notes of ginger is the perfect crunchy topping for yogurt parfaits. 

French toast

Eggy French toast can be sweet or savory. There’s sheer joy to be had in the gently spiced sweet version with Nutella, berries, and Greek-style yogurt or cream cheese toppings. The savory version can have herbs and hints of chili. If French toast isn’t on the menu, you can opt for soft and crispy grilled cheese sandwiches.

Bagels

Yes, bagels are the go-to, user-friendly breakfast options that works for many, and there are so many ways to make bagel day more interesting. Test whether your millennial cohort loves avocados as much as the memes would have you believe and put out some lime-packed guac. Add cream cheese, smoked salmon, turkey bacon, pastrami, Cheddar slices, and egg salad to the mix for a loaded bagel bar.

Pizza

There ain’t no party like a pizza party. Pizza is a perennial favorite if you’re running low on inspired work breakfast ideas. Just like doughnuts, it instantly, even if temporarily, lifts spirits in an office. You can order pizza marinara for vegans, margarita for vegetarians, and pepperoni for the rest of the crew.

Wraps

Wraps are a little messy, but they sure hit the spot. They’re a great brunch option to carry employees through to the late afternoon and are portable, too. Various fillings check different dietary boxes and make everyone happy. 

Oatmeal

Gluten-free oatmeal with maple syrup is comfort in a bowl and easy on the expense account. But if you lean toward savory rather than sweet, you’ll be on board with trendy porridges that incorporate other whole grains like quinoa and veggies, eggs, and aromatics. 

Tofu scramble

If someone shows up to the office a little bleary-eyed, there’s a good chance they won’t be able to tell the difference between a soft tofu scramble and regular scrambled eggs. A yummy tofu scramble with spices, sauteed onions, and herbs could make the most ardent carnivore sing its praises.

Buffet

Finally, the buffet reigns supreme as far as breakfast menu ideas go. We’re talking pastries, charcuterie, cheese boards with crackers, and colorful crudités with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. It’s a grazer’s dream. You can keep food covered and at room temperature for at least a few hours without issue. Complement the deli meats and substantial snacking with hot buffet items like traditional hash browns and sausages at a fixed time.

Order your favorite breakfast menu ideas through ezCater

Help employees kick off the day on a positive note by fueling their morning with an amazing meal. Our restaurant partners can provide you with stellar breakfast menus covering various cuisines, and can deliver an enticing spread before morning meetings begin. See what local breakfast options are available at ezCater.