Productive work days start with a hearty breakfast, but don’t assume your teams are coming in well-fed. 60% of employees skip this most important meal at least twice a week, often because scrambling to get ready in the morning leaves no time for scrambled eggs and other satisfying staples.

If you don’t want workers showing up tired and hangry, you need breakfast catering. Delicious, nourishing treats in the workplace, like freshly brewed coffee, savory bagels, and fruit smoothies, allow everyone to fuel up, even on hectic mornings. The proper fuel can leave employees feeling satiated, energized, and good-humored — improving productivity and morale. 

Now is your chance to be the breakfast hero your crew needs. It’s a big responsibility, so we put together these team breakfast ideas to help. Let’s dig in.

The best team breakfast ideas for work

Catering menus are full of delicious morning staples. Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Stick with these crowd-pleasing breakfast ideas.

1. Coffee bar

Do-it-yourself coffee stations are a great way to treat employees. Stock the bar with hot brewed coffee, cold brew, and a couple of bottles of syrup. Then, let everyone get creative with their drinks.

2. Fruit and veggie juices

For a caffeine-free alternative, go with fruit and veggie juices. Orange, apple, cranberry, kale, and carrot are popular choices. Bursting with healthy vitamins and minerals, they pair nicely with all kinds of sweet and savory team breakfast ideas.

3. Breakfast sandwiches

When it comes to food, breakfast sandwiches are the most frequently ordered breakfast item on ezCater. It’s easy to see why: they’re satisfying and easy to eat at a desk. You can’t go wrong ordering classic bacon, egg, and cheese combos, but don’t forget to include options for meat-free eaters as well.

4. Avocado toast

Avocado toast is a beloved open-faced sandwich. It’s been a trendy brunch staple for a few years, in part because it’s so good for you. Since avocados are rich in healthy fats, eating them can improve cognitive function. If your crew could use a boost to their creativity, focus, and memory, make sure to include avocado toast in your Meatless Mondays breakfast menu.

5. Bagels

Feeding a big crowd? Consider a build-your-own bagel station. Order a few different types of bagels, a handful of toppings, and some spreads. Then, encourage employees to go through the assembly line. This is a smart catering setup because everyone eats food they like, and you don’t have to worry about pleasing mixed palates.

6. Shakshouka

Shakshouka is one of the more unique team breakfast ideas on our list. This North African tomato stew is spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Because it’s naturally vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free, shakshouka is inclusive. Served in large trays, it brings employees together to share a meal and build connections.

7. Fruit pastries

Blueberry danishes, apple turnovers, and berry tartlets are easy to eat, which makes them ideal for morning meetings. They taste even better with a strong cup of coffee.

8. Oatmeal bowls

If you’re looking for a bit more sustenance, try ordering oatmeal bowls. High in fiber, they keep workers satiated for hours and beat the dreaded afternoon energy crash. Add fresh fruit, granola, nuts, and seeds as toppings for a flavor and nutrition boost.

9. French toast

French toast is an old-style dish perfect for celebrating milestones as a team. Sweet and custardy, it’s a real treat. Let employees customize their eggy slices with an assortment of toppings. Berries, yogurt, maple syrup, hazelnut spread, and bacon all work well here.

10. Smoothie bowls

Sunny spring and summer days call for refreshing team breakfast ideas. Smoothie bowls fit the bill. They feature a thick blend of fruits topped with nuts, seeds, granola, and other wholesome ingredients. Every spoonful is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that protect the body from damaging stress. That’s something we all need more of to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

11. Yogurt parfaits

American-style parfaits feature layers of Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and crunchy granola. Sometimes, they’re sweetened with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Even though parfaits look like a light snack, they’re surprisingly filling. You can thank protein and fiber for that. If your team is about to face a busy day at work, parfaits could deliver the long-lasting boost of energy they need.

How to make breakfast safe for people with food allergies

Allergies are surprisingly common, so remember to include allergen-safe foods in your order. Fortunately, most caterers have plenty of allergen-free team breakfast ideas on their menu.

When you’re ready to serve, set up allergen-free stations to lower the risk of cross-contamination. For example, you could have different serving spoons for dairy and non-dairy yogurt, or keep a separate toaster just for gluten-free goodies. Making accommodations for employees with food allergies allows them to enjoy their morning feast worry-free.

Breakfast must-haves you can’t forget

You’re almost all set to fuel your employees for success. Just one last thing: are you missing anything? Some essentials are easy to forget.

• Milk and creamer: Let workers turn black coffee into lattes with dairy and non-dairy options. Keep them cold (below 40°F) for food safety reasons.
• Condiments: Hot sauce, ketchup, honey, maple syrup, and jam don’t always come with catering orders but go well with dozens of team breakfast ideas.
• Utensils: Ask the restaurant or caterer for plastic utensils if you don’t have reusables at work.

Consider breakfast catering today

Focusing on complicated tasks, collaborating as a team, and solving problems creatively is so much easier after a nourishing meal. Ready to enjoy all these perks? Browse local breakfast catering menus and see for yourself how delicious food turns everyone into a morning person.