Paulina Cocina welcomes you! If you've ever woken up in a hotel and been lucky enough to be greeted by a table laden with golden croissants, freshly baked breads, steaming coffee, and a buffet of cold cuts, then you know what a continental breakfast is.
But if you've never tried it, or if you want to feel like you're in a hotel without leaving home, then you've come to the right place. Stay tuned, because this article contains secrets, lots of tips, and all the information you need to enjoy a homemade continental breakfast .
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About the continental breakfast
What is a continental breakfast? The name may sound sophisticated, but in reality, a continental breakfast is the European way to start the day with something "light," without so many elaborate preparations, but with quality ingredients. It's the kind of breakfast that invites you to enjoy it on a balcony overlooking the street, reading a newspaper or planning the day's outing.
Unlike the American breakfast , scrambled eggs are not the main feature here. Instead, we find a selection of breads, jams, fresh fruit, cold cuts, and cheeses , accompanied by a good cup of coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice.
The goal is to start the day with energy , but without the heaviness of a heavy meal. That's why the ingredients are fresh and combine a balanced carbohydrate, protein, and fiber diet .
Where does continental breakfast come from?
The name “continental breakfast” comes from Europe , more specifically from the style of breakfast served in hotels on the “continent” (continental Europe, to differentiate it from the British breakfast , which is much more substantial and with savory ingredients such as eggs, sausages and beans).
The idea was to offer a light and elegant option to start the day with something delicious, but without the heaviness of an Anglo-Saxon breakfast dish. The French, Italians, and Spanish preferred this breakfast, with freshly baked homemade bread , homemade jams , and coffee.
The ingredients contained in a continental breakfast
While each country adds its own twist, there are certain essential elements that make up a continental breakfast and that make it unique.
- Fresh bakery: Bread is the foundation of this breakfast. It can be a baguette , toast, croissants , pastries, brioches , or even a good rustic loaf . The key is that it's fresh , crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. In many cases, it's served lightly toasted to enhance its texture and flavor.
- Butter and jams: The classic accompaniment to bread. Butter adds creaminess and a touch of smoothness , while jams add sweetness and freshness . The most traditional are strawberry , peach , and orange , but other homemade varieties or those with fruit pieces can be included.
- Cold cuts and cheeses: For those who enjoy a savory touch at breakfast such as cooked ham , raw ham, mortadella, or tenderloin are added , accompanied by soft cheeses such as cream cheese , Gouda, Brie, or country cheese . In some cases, small sandwiches are made with toasted bread.
- Fresh fruit or natural juice: Fruit is a must. It's served in chunks, salads, or juiced. It always depends on where you're enjoying breakfast and what fruits are in season, but some of the most popular are oranges, apples, bananas, and berries .
- Hot drinks: Every good continental breakfast is accompanied by a hot drink. Classic options include: black coffee or coffee with milk , served piping hot; tea in its various varieties (black, green, herbal); and hot chocolate , more common during colder weather or in sweeter breakfast versions.
- Extras for a special touch: For an even more complete continental breakfast, you can add: Natural yogurt with granola or honey, nuts such as almonds or walnuts, and eggs in their simplest form: boiled or soft-boiled .
How continental breakfast and American breakfast are similar and different
Continental breakfast and American breakfast have some similarities, but also several key differences:
Similarities:
- Both include bread or toast .
- They are accompanied with hot drinks.
- They are usually served in hotels and restaurants.
Differences:
- The American breakfast is much more substantial , with eggs, bacon, sausages and pancakes .
- The continental breakfast is lighter, with sweet options and fruit .
- Maple syrup is commonly used in American breakfasts , while butter and jam predominate .
8 Characteristics of a Continental Breakfast
- Light but nutritious: It's not an overly heavy meal, but it provides enough energy to start the day off right.
- No complex cooking required: Unlike an American breakfast, almost nothing is cooked here, except for coffee or some toast.
- Fresh ingredients: Freshly baked goods and natural fruits are prioritized.
- Ideal for those who prefer a quick breakfast : It can be prepared in minutes and does not require extensive preparation.
- It is versatile: It adapts to local tastes and customs without losing its essence.
- Perfect for sharing: It lends itself to a table with family or friends.
- Pair with coffee or tea: Both options work perfectly for this type of breakfast.
- The order is personal: At a continental breakfast, there are no strict rules about what you eat first . The key is balancing the flavors.
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7 Tips for Making a Perfect Homemade Continental Breakfast
1. Choose fresh, quality bread : Bread is the basis of a continental breakfast, so it is not a minor detail.
- Tip: For a special touch, you can warm the croissants in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will make them fluffier and give them an irresistible aroma.
2. Prepare a good jam (or choose the best): Jam is key to a continental breakfast, and it's always better to opt for artisanal or homemade options, or adapt to different needs, such as offering a sugar-free jam .
- Tip: If you have store-bought jams, you can give them a homemade touch by simmering them in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes with a few drops of lemon juice. This will enhance their flavor and make them more fluid.
3. Pair with selected cold cuts and cheeses: It's not a complete continental breakfast without a good selection of cold cuts and cheeses . The key is to combine flavors and textures:
- Tip : Remove cheeses from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving. This will allow them to reach their ideal temperature and enhance their flavor and texture.
4. Prepare coffee or tea worthy of a café : Coffee and tea are the stars of a good continental breakfast, and there are ways to make them taste even better. Use freshly ground coffee beans for more aroma and serve it in preheated cups to maintain its temperature. For tea, opt for loose leaf tea instead of tea bags for a more authentic flavor.
- Tip: For a frothy latte , you can froth the milk without a machine , or with an electric whisk before serving.
5. Serve freshly squeezed juice : No packaged juices. What really makes a continental breakfast special is orange juice made from fresh, sweet oranges (those in season always taste better). Squeeze them just before serving to preserve all their properties.
- Tip : For fresher juice, leave the oranges in the refrigerator for a few hours before juicing them.
6. Add fresh fruit for a balanced touch : A perfect continental breakfast includes fresh fruit such as banana, apple, mango, watermelon, kiwi, and berries —either sliced or in a salad.
- Tip: If you're making a fruit salad, you can add a few mint leaves or a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
7. Present everything attractively: To serve continental breakfast, you can use white tableware , like hotel tableware, to make the colors of the food pop. Serve cold cuts and cheeses on a wooden board for a rustic touch. Present jams in small jars or bowls, rather than leaving them in the container. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of fruit in the juice for an elegant touch.
- Tip: For a more complete experience, it's great to highlight the table with a special tablecloth and some flowers on the table.
We hope you can excel with these tips, and next weekend or on a day off, you'll be inspired to prepare a homemade continental breakfast , full of homemade treats, lots of fruit, cheeses, cold cuts, and a good dose of love. Voilà!
