How to Make an Israeli Breakfast

Confession: I’ve never understood sweets for breakfast. Pancakes? Donuts? Cinnamon rolls? How are those not considered desserts?! Now now, before you write me off, you have to understand that my judgy palette is nothing more than a product of my childhood. Raised in a culture that takes its breakfasts very seriously, I can’t help but feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to the most important meal of the day.

It’s been said that the Israeli breakfast is Israel’s contribution to world cuisine, and if you caught my shakshuka recipe a couple weeks ago, you’re already one step closer to understanding what all the fuss is about. I’d been dying to host a full-on breakfast for the team for a while now, but it wasn’t until we teamed up with one of our favorite brands — The Citizenry, that I knew the meal would be blog worthy. They work with artisans around the world to create modern, globally inspired decor pieces, so it was a perfect fit for this breakfast. Using their gorgeous tableware, I was able to transport these gals to Tel Aviv for a bonafide Israeli breakfast…

*photography by Ashleigh Amoroso

Our spread was largely inspired by neutral colors and natural textures. Stoneware plates in taupe and cream, grey and navy colored napkins, and metallic flatware perfectly set the modern scene.

pictured: Belmont Napkins

Since we still hadn’t properly broken in Camille’s newly redecorated patio, it was the obvious choice for our al fresco team meal location. We threw down a linen runner, tossed a few gorgeous pillows onto the sofa, and placed white roses in water to create a space that was simple and refreshing.

pictured: Ceniza Lumbar Pillow; Espadin Pillow; Halston Bowls

The formula for setting up a classic Israeli breakfast is simple. You just need:

• Eggs, prepared however you like
• An abundant selection of breads and pastries
• A few different cheeses
• Tons of Middle Eastern salads, toppings and spreads

pictured: Avoca Serving Board

Here, I filled The Citizenry’s Pizca Measuring Cups with marinated olives, hummus, and roasted bell peppers.

Carmen and Laura kicked back and enjoyed their coffee while we put the finishing touches on the breakfast table.

pictured: Halston Mugs

Every head turned when Camille brought out the breakfast’s main attraction, a piping hot shakshuka. If an egg dish like this is too involved, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelette totally work as substitutes.

Click here to get our shakshuka recipe!

You might be wondering what exactly is in each of those little bowls scattered on the table. While there are no strict rules as to which salads and toppings should be served, these dishes are some of the usual suspects you can expect to see on an Israeli breakfast table:

• hummus
• tahini
• baba ganoush
• Israeli salad (diced tomato and cucumber, with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper)
• tabouli
• roasted bell pepper
• herby eggplant salad
• olives

Don’t feel like making all of that from scratch? Head to your nearest Middle Eastern market to find it all pre-made.

pictured: Monduff Serving Board

No breakfast spread is complete without a few great cheeses. Labneh (strained yogurt) and feta cheese (Bulgarian feta, specifically!) are two musts.

pictured: Vega Marble Tray; Rowan Apron 

A breakfast like this is too gorgeous not to document!

I had tested the girls’ patience long enough… it was finally time to eat! We each scooped an egg from the shakshuka onto our plate, then filled in with anything else on the table that caught our eye.

And there’s no wrong way to make a plate! The refreshing, herb-filled components can be enjoyed in any combination, making the perfect savory breakfast.

pictured: Vega Marble Trays

Even Carmen (our resident picky eater!) couldn’t get enough of the spread. With so many different elements, the Israeli breakfast has something for everyone.

pictured: Espadin Pillow