Buzz
Summer heat is a given. No one expects it to be anything but sweltering. However, this summer, and the one before it, have been unusually scorching. My city just set a new record for 'consecutive days with temperatures 95℉ or higher,' and my lone air conditioner is struggling to keep my living room below 80℉. (Not to mention, my fridge is broken. Fun times!)
Needless to say, cooking isn’t exactly a joy at the moment, but my love for food persists. Making breakfast or brunch dishes like sizzling bacon, eggs poached in boiling water, and heaps of hot pancakes feels almost unbearable, but I refuse to give up my weekend breakfast and brunch rituals.
Luckily, there are plenty of breakfast-friendly options that taste amazing when served cold or at room temperature, all without needing to fire up the oven or stove.
Create a breakfast salad
Breakfast salads are extremely popular here at Mytour for a variety of reasons. Not only do they allow you to kick off your day feeling good (healthy!), but they’re also incredibly tasty. I have a guide for creating your perfect breakfast salad here, but the secret to crafting one during the hot months is to pick ingredients that don’t require cooking, or at least not right before serving: Boil your eggs the night before, when the temperatures cool down, and refrigerate them overnight; swap bacon for prosciutto if you’re craving cured pork. After that, it’s your usual salad-making process. Whip up an acid-forward dressing—like this bacon fat vinaigrette—and add as many fresh summer veggies (or fruits) as possible. If you must have croutons, try the humble tater tot, but be sure to cook it in the air fryer, which generates minimal heat.
Embrace the Three Cs: Charcuterie, cheese, and chilled seafood
A breakfast board is essentially a charcuterie and cheese board with a breakfast twist, and it’s one of my go-to weekend treats. Un-deviled eggs are a key feature, paired with plenty of salty meats. I’m also a big fan of breakfast pâté, as spreads are such a luxurious touch. If you want it to feel even more breakfast-y, finish it off with fancy croissants, store-bought scones, good jam, and plenty of fresh seasonal fruit. (Looking for a theme for your breakfast board? I have several ideas here.)
In addition to meats and cheeses, don’t overlook the treasures of the sea. Oysters are a fun way to start your day (especially with a blood orange and bacon mignonette), a shrimp or crab cocktail with a horseradish kick is perfect alongside a Bloody Mary, and caviar sits perfectly on a bed of breakfast carbs. (What are blini, if not tiny pancakes?) Just be sure to cook your blini during the cooler evening hours the day before (or simply buy them). And don’t overthink it: Bagels and lox remain a classic no-cook breakfast for a reason.
Serve cold fried chicken
One of my go-to breakfasts, no matter the temperature, is leftover cold fried chicken. I’ve shared my love for the cold bird before, but just to refresh your memory:
Cold fried chicken is simply divine. Unlike other once-hot-now-cold fried foods, like french fries, fried chicken maintains its crunch. The grease solidifies, forming a delicate layer I affectionately call “chicken butter,” and the seasonings pop even more once they’re no longer competing with hot grease for space on the palate. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I prefer cold fried chicken to freshly fried (though it’s a tough choice).
Grab a large box or bucket of chicken from your favorite spot, pop it in the fridge overnight, and serve it up with some bread and honey, tomato slices as red as a summer sunset, and lots of bright bubbly.
Don’t forget the drinks
Everyone is likely a bit dehydrated right now, so drinks are even more essential than usual. Mimosas and Marys are great, but they should be accompanied by a large pitcher of water (add some lemon and cucumber slices to make it more inviting), or chilled cans of seltzer.
If you’re serving coffee, make it iced, and consider adding a pitcher of iced tea to the mix. While tea isn’t as hydrating as plain water, it’s definitely more hydrating than champagne and orange juice, and in this heat, every drop of hydration counts.
