I love hosting a good yogurt parfait bar! They are a wonderful way to share breakfast with a crowd of people or a larger family gathering. There is something for everyone! Crunchy granola, smooth yogurt, or delicious fresh berries. Easy to put together for breakfast or brunch.
Looking to make something similar but more grab-and-go? Try these easy overnight oats. Or if you'd like to add a hot brunch dish that is easy to make, serve this easy blueberry cobbler, with just three ingredients!
Table of contents
Why I love hosting a yogurt breakfast bar
There is something for everyone! Use yogurt or granola as the base and add a few favorite toppings. This is a great way to serve people who have different food tastes and preferences. Plus, it's easy to put together. You can even get your fruit ready the night before and place it in their respective serving bowl.
When would you host a yogurt bar?
There are so many options! But here are some ideas.
- Family breakfast or brunch
- Overnight visitors
- Easter brunch
- Christmas morning
- Engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower
- neighborhood coffee
- book club
Yogurt parfait bar ideas
Yogurt
If you know your guest's preferences, there are ways to tailor your yogurt to the crowd. For example, kids often like regular sweetened yogurt (Like vanilla Yoplait). People looking to eat healthier may prefer plain Greek yogurt, with a lower calorie count and a higher protein level. No matter what yogurt you serve, give it a good stir. It looks more appetizing when it's smooth.
If it's a larger group, I might serve two separate bowls of yogurt and label them.
Granola
Get your favorite granola. I like the kinds that have a nice crunchy texture and include things like pumpkin seeds. Granola doesn't need to be expensive but it does need to be good quality.
A variety of fresh berries
I love using fresh berries! Not only are they delicious, appetizing, and healthy, but they are also easy to prepare for the hostess. The last time I served yogurt parfaits, I had blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Buy berries when your grocery store has them on sale. 
Another excellent fresh fruit combination in the summer includes melons. Cut up watermelon, fresh cantaloupe, watermelon, or honeydew melons.
Strawberries are always delicious! Just make sure they are ripe. Sometimes I mix up the variety of toppings based on what is available and sometimes just use a bright color combination.
If fresh fruit is not as available or is expensive, canned fruit (peaches, pineapple, pears, fruit cocktail) and frozen fruit are perfectly acceptable options! Have you seen how nicely berries are frozen now?
Optional toppings
These can be a 'bonus' ingredient to your delicious parfait!
- Honey - available to drizzle on top.
- Nuts - walnuts, pecans, and almonds are my favorites.
- Nutella - yes, please!
- Chocolate syrup - who doesn't love chocolate drizzled on fresh fruit?
Serving dish
I love a pretty serving dish. Perhaps I should call it a glass.
Use fancy martini glasses, wine glasses (for overnight guests, showers, etc) or practical (mason jars, pretty clear plastic cups), or use a small bowl! Use what you have. But, I will share that putting out your cocktail glassware does impress!
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Don't forget a serving spoon in each fruit and topping dish!
Mason jars are also great for this. The big benefit is you could easily make breakfast to go! Perfectly portable. I love crystal ball canning jars. I had a hard time finding them and had to order them online. To see exactly what I ordered, look at these Crystal Jelly Jars. Remember, there are different sizes of mason jars available.
For a larger group, be kind to yourself. There are pretty but inexpensive plastic cups out there, too! You still have the impact with a fraction of the work to clean up.
Serve a variety of beverages
When feeding a group, don't forget to provide a variety of beverages. Nothing fancy, but this is what I would have available for a larger group.
- Coffee (regular and decaf.)
- Tea (a variety of herbal)
- Diet Coke (I could never, but some people have their DC every morning)
- Orange juice
- Water
If you want to invite a group for breakfast, a yogurt bar is a beautiful way to accommodate different tastes. It would be a great way to serve a big family group staying over, too! There is something for every taste.
Breakfast to go
One more important tip. Put a lid on the mason jar, and you have breakfast to go!
Put one of these mason jar storage lids on top, and you have an easy, portable breakfast.
FAQs
Of course! Sometimes, I like using different melons. Just try to do those when they are in season.
If serving guests, I get the best organic yogurt I can find. Sometimes, I'll also serve vanilla yogurt and a stirred-up plain Greek yogurt. That way, guests have a choice. But do label them!
Other breakfast ideas
Yogurt Parfait Bar
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries
- 2 cups Greek style yogurt sweetened or plain
- 1 cup Granola
- Optional toppings include drizzled honey drizzled chocolate syrup, and pecan or walnuts.
Instructions
- Allow guests to serve themselves! Just prior to breakfast or brunch, put out the following items.
- Fresh berries or fruit
- A bowl of your favorite yogurt
- A bowl of good quality granola
Notes
Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
Looking for another good breakfast or brunch recipe?
Originally published Feb. 12, 2016
pestep81
Yum. I love yogurt and granola. Sometimes I make my own granola but it's nice to know there's a quick and tasty option out there. Thanks.