How to Make Breakfast in Bed

Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 20, 2022 References

If you’re celebrating a holiday or you just want to make someone feel special, breakfast in bed is a great way to do it. While the standard breakfast-in-bed fare is pretty straightforward—you make breakfast and put it on a tray or table so that the person can put it on their lap—it's more fun to go the extra mile. Here are some tips for making breakfast in bed extra sweet for your favorite person.

1

Grab a sturdy tray with small sides.

It will contain the food securely and minimize spillage. You can find specialty breakfast in bed trays, or you can use a laptop desk instead. Set your tray out on the table before you start cooking so you can load your food on it as you go.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can also grab your silverware and a napkin for the tray, too.

2

Go classic with eggs and toast.

You can never go wrong with scrambled eggs. Crack a few eggs into a bowl and add a splash of milk, then whisk it all together with a fork. Pour your eggs along with some butter into a hot pan, then cook them until they’re light and fluffy. Toast a few pieces of bread in the toaster and add some butter on the side for a simple yet sweet breakfast.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If your loved one has a sweet tooth, try adding jelly or jam on the side.

3

Whip up pancakes or waffles.

Make your breakfast extra tasty with a hearty main dish. Think about what your recipient would love—where do they fall on the pancakes vs. waffles debate? Grab a premade batter or whip up your own for an easy breakfast that’s fun to make.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Don’t forget to add a little syrup or powdered sugar on the side

4

Add some protein with bacon or sausage.

Choose the recipients’ favorite and get to cooking! It’s not a complete breakfast without a little bit of protein. You could fry up strips of bacon or cook some links of sausage for a tasty addition to their meal.^{[4]
X
Research source}

5

Make a fun pastry.

Cinnamon rolls, scones, or biscuits are great breakfast foods. If you have the time, try starting these the night before so they have time to rise before you bake them. Or, get up early so your loved one can have fresh, hot pastries to enjoy for breakfast.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If baking isn’t your thing, try picking some up from your local bakery instead.
- Make sure that you offer lots of condiments like butter and jam spreads.

6

Try a full English breakfast for some variety.

Combine all your favorites in one dish. You can include sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, sliced tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding, kippers, mushrooms, and potatoes in your full English. Don’t forget the ketchup or the hot sauce on the side!^{[6]
X
Research source}
- A full English breakfast makes a ton of food, so feel free to dig in yourself.

7

Garnish your plate with fresh fruit.

Cut up some strawberries or cantaloupe for your tray. Sprinkle the fruit into a small bowl or on the side of the plate for a refreshing yet sweet treat. You could also add blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or pineapple chunks.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you made French toast or pancakes, add the fresh fruit on top.

8

Squeeze a glass of orange juice.

It will taste so much better than orange juice from a bottle. Cut an orange in half and press it onto a juicer. Keep pressing oranges until you have a full glass of juice for your special person. Fill up the glass about 3/4 of the way full so you don’t have to worry about spills.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If your breakfast in bed recipient enjoys mimosas, you could even top it off with a little champagne. However, if two or more people are sharing the breakfast in bed, make sure that all the recipients are over the legal drinking age in your area.

9

Make a fruit smoothie.

It’s a sweet treat to go along with your breakfast. Add some frozen fruit like pineapple, raspberries, or blackberries into your blender along with ice, milk, and a few bananas. Blend your ingredients together until they’re smooth, then pour them into a glass for your loved one to enjoy.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For an extra fun treat, add some whipped cream on top!

10

Brew a mug of coffee or tea.

Give them a warm drink to sip on as they enjoy breakfast. Figure out if your breakfast in bed recipient is a coffee or tea kind of person (what do they usually drink in the mornings?). If it’s coffee, get fancy and use a French press to make them a hot cup of coffee. If they prefer tea, grab your nicest teapot and a few fancy teacups to serve it up.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If it’s warm out, try making iced coffee instead of a hot cup.

11

Deliver the breakfast in bed.

Plate it all on your serving tray before you go. Add some cloth napkins and a vase of fresh flowers to get a little fancy! Let your loved one lounge in bed and set the tray right on their lap.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You could even grab your own breakfast and sit next to them to eat a meal together.

12

Clean up the kitchen.

Don’t leave the mess for your breakfast recipient! After they’re done eating, make sure you clean up the area and any dishes that you dirtied. Load up your dishwasher or start washing by hand to leave a nice, clean space for your special person.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you have any little helpers (like your kiddos), you can get them to help clean up, too. It will teach them that the job’s not done until the mess is clean!

Expert Q&A

Question

What should I make my girlfriend for breakfast in bed?

JoAnna Minneci
Professional Chef
JoAnna Minneci is a Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With more than 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specializes in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She has also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control.

JoAnna Minneci

Professional Chef

Expert Answer

Choose foods and drinks that aren't too crumbly and won't spill too much. For instance, a Quiche Lorraine with Swiss cheese and ham could be nice, along with muffins or some kind of pumpkin, zucchini, or banana bread. You could also make a crepe filled with Nutella or lemon curd with strawberries—it's not too messy, and will hold together if you pick it up with a fork.
Question

What is a good sort of breakfast to have in bed?

Community Answer

Choose something that isn't messy, such as: eggs and bread; eggs, cinnamon roll with coffee, toast, waffles, or pancakes. Avoid cereal or anything served in a bowl with a liquid, since it can spill easily.
Question

What if I don't have the energy to get up and make the breakfast?

Community Answer

Think about how happy the person you're making breakfast for will be and how much they will appreciate it. It will be worth it, just get up and do it!