Full English Breakfast Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty and utterly satisfying, the Full English Breakfast delivers pure comfort and tradition in every bite. With crisp bacon, sizzling sausages, golden eggs, juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and warm, buttery toast, this plate is truly the epitome of a British morning feast. It’s a meal meant to linger over, share with loved ones, and relish in all its customizable glory. No wonder the Full English Breakfast has fans around the globe and a well-deserved spot in the hall of fame of great breakfast traditions!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Full English Breakfast lies in its humble but crucial ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—flavor, texture, color, or nostalgia—making every forkful a celebration of contrasts and balance.
- Pork sausages: Choose your favorite thick, juicy links—they’re the hearty backbone of the breakfast and soak up all the best flavors as they cook.
- Back bacon: Thicker and meatier than American bacon, these slices bring perfectly balanced saltiness and just the right amount of chew.
- Large eggs: Fry them to your preference for that essential creamy, runny yolk or satisfyingly set bite; they tie everything together beautifully.
- Baked beans: The sweet, tangy sauce provides lovely contrast, moisture, and a touch of British comfort.
- Mushrooms: A short skillet sauté brings out their earthy flavor, soaking up all those savory juices.
- Tomatoes: Halved and seared, they add vibrant color and a juicy burst of freshness that keeps the plate from feeling too heavy.
- Bread for toast: A hearty country loaf or classic sandwich bread turns golden and crisp, the perfect vehicle for mopping up every last bit.
- Butter: Essential for both frying and slathering your toast—don’t skimp, it adds rich, creamy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch elevates every element and allows each flavor to shine.
- Optional: black pudding: Slices add traditional British flavor, a bit of spice, and a lovely meaty richness.
- Optional: hash browns or fried bread: For those who crave extra crunch and heartiness, these make a classic breakfast even more extravagant.
How to Make Full English Breakfast
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
Start by heating a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the pork sausages in the pan and let them sizzle away for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want a deep golden color and a juicy center, so don’t rush this step—the sausages are the star!
Step 2: Add the Bacon
Once the sausages are nearly done, push them to the edge of the pan and lay in your back bacon slices. Cook them to your favorite level of crispiness, flipping once or twice. Some love a tender chew, others crave a deep crunch—there’s no wrong answer, just delicious bacon!
Step 3: Warm the Baked Beans
While your sausages and bacon cook, pour your baked beans into a small saucepan and heat them gently over low heat. Give them an occasional stir so they don’t stick, and keep them warm until serving. The beans add that essential saucy element to the Full English Breakfast plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms and Tomatoes
In the same large skillet with a bit of fresh butter added, toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn golden and soak up all the savory goodness in the pan. Next, add tomato halves cut-side-down and cook for just a few minutes, until their edges caramelize and they become soft and juicy.
Step 5: Fry the Black Pudding or Hash Browns (Optional)
If using, add black pudding slices or hash browns to the skillet, giving them a couple of minutes per side until crisp and heated through. These are lovely extras that make a Full English Breakfast even more authentic and luxurious!
Step 6: Fry the Eggs
Finally, fry your eggs in a dab of butter right in the pan until the whites are just set and the yolks are gloriously runny (or flip for over-easy if that’s your style). Don’t forget a generous season of salt and pepper!
Step 7: Toast the Bread
Pop your bread in the toaster or under the broiler until crisped to perfection. While still warm, slather each slice with a good amount of butter. A Full English Breakfast isn’t complete without golden, buttery toast to soak up every last bite.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
To plate, arrange each component neatly on a warm plate—sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, and any extras you love. Serve immediately to enjoy everything at its piping-hot, flavorful best.
How to Serve Full English Breakfast
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley or chives, or grind just a touch more black pepper on the eggs. A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of tangy brown sauce is a very British way to personalize your Full English Breakfast plate.
Side Dishes
Consider balancing the richness with a simple arugula salad, fresh-squeezed juice, or grilled asparagus. You can also serve your Full English Breakfast alongside tea or strong, milky coffee for the ultimate morning ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Crowd coming over? Try making mini Full English Breakfast sliders on toasted buns, or arrange all the components as a build-your-own breakfast board so everyone can assemble their perfect plate. Individual ramekins for beans and a sprinkle of micro-greens lend a modern, brunch-worthy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps everything retain its individual texture and flavor without blending or becoming soggy.
Freezing
The sausages, bacon, black pudding, and hash browns freeze beautifully after cooking. Cool them first, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Avoid freezing cooked eggs or tomatoes, as their texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm sausages, bacon, and hash browns in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot. Beans and mushrooms do best gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Fry a fresh egg and toast for a meal that tastes just-made.
FAQs
What makes a Full English Breakfast different from other breakfasts?
This breakfast stands apart with its varied, hearty components all served together—sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast—creating a full meal that’s satisfying and comforting.
Can I make a vegetarian Full English Breakfast?
Absolutely! Swap the meats for your favorite plant-based sausages and bacon, add extra mushrooms, and keep the beans, toast, and eggs (or use tofu scramble) for a vegetarian-friendly feast.
What’s the best type of bread for toast in a Full English Breakfast?
Thicker slices of country-style bread or sourdough are perfect, as they hold up well to butter and all the delicious juices. But honestly, any bread you love will do the job beautifully!
Do I have to use baked beans from a can?
Not at all! While canned baked beans are traditional for convenience and authentic flavor, you can make your own from scratch or jazz up canned beans with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hit of pepper.
Can I prepare parts of a Full English Breakfast in advance?
You sure can. Cook the sausages, bacon, and even mushrooms ahead and store them in the fridge. Warm everything gently just before serving, and fry fresh eggs for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making a Full English Breakfast at home, this is your invitation—gather your favorite people, embrace the mess, and prepare for a morning plate that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Trust me, one bite and you’ll want to make it a weekend tradition!
Print
Full English Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a classic and hearty Full English Breakfast that brings together all the essential components for a satisfying morning meal. This traditional British breakfast includes sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, and all the optional extras like black pudding, hash browns, or fried bread.
Ingredients
Sausages:
4 pork sausages
Bacon:
4 slices back bacon
Eggs:
4 large eggs
Baked Beans:
1 cup
Mushrooms:
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
Tomatoes:
2 medium tomatoes (halved)
Toast:
4 slices bread
Butter:
2 tablespoons butter (for frying and spreading)
Salt and pepper:
to taste
Optional:
black pudding slices, hash browns, or fried bread
Instructions
- Cook Sausages and Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sausages for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Add bacon and cook until crispy.
- Warm Baked Beans: Heat baked beans in a pan over low heat.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Tomatoes: Cook mushrooms in butter until browned. Add tomatoes, cut-side down, and cook until softened.
- Cook Optional Items: Fry black pudding if using.
- Fry Eggs and Toast Bread: Fry eggs and toast bread, then assemble all components on a plate. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- A true Full English can include black pudding, hash browns, and fried bread.
- To save time, cook multiple items in the same skillet and keep warm in an oven while finishing the rest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 full plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
