German Breakfast Platter with Brotchen and Cold Cuts

About This Recipe

A traditional German breakfast leans heavily on good bread and simple, quality toppings rather than a cooked hot dish, brotchen (crusty bread rolls) serving as the foundation for slices of cheese and cold cuts. Soft-boiled eggs, served in their shells in small egg cups and eaten with a small spoon, are a classic addition, their just-set yolks meant to be scooped directly from the shell. Rounded out with a selection of jams, honey and perhaps a bit of muesli or yogurt, this spread reflects the unhurried, ingredient-forward approach many German households take to weekend breakfasts.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4brotchen or crusty bread rolls
• 200 gassorted German cheese (gouda, emmental)(sliced)
• 150 gassorted cold cuts (ham, salami)(sliced)
• 4eggs(soft-boiled)
• 1/4 cupbutter(for spreading)
• 1/4 cupfruit jam
• 2 tbsphoney
• 1cucumber(sliced)
• 2tomatoes(sliced)
• 1/4 cupradishes(sliced)

Instructions

1. 1

   Soft-boil the eggs

   Bring a pot of water to a boil, gently lower in the eggs, and cook exactly 6 minutes for a just-set white and runny yolk.

2. 2

   Cool briefly

   Run the eggs under cold water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking without fully cooling them.

   Time the eggs precisely — even 30 extra seconds turns a properly soft-boiled egg into one with an overcooked yolk.

3. 3

   Warm the rolls

   Warm the brotchen briefly in the oven if desired for a fresher texture.

4. 4

   Arrange the platter

   Arrange the sliced cheese, cold cuts, cucumber, tomato and radish on a large serving board.

5. 5

   Set out condiments

   Place butter, jam and honey in small dishes.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve the eggs in egg cups alongside the platter, letting everyone assemble their own bread and toppings.

Variations

• •

  Adding a selection of pickles (Gewürzgurken) is a common traditional accompaniment.

• •

  Some households include a soft cheese spread like quark alongside the sliced cheeses.

• •

  Muesli or yogurt can be added for those wanting something lighter alongside the bread and cold cuts.

Storage

Best assembled fresh; store components separately, with cold cuts and cheese keeping several days refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions