Description
A traditional British breakfast, hearty and satisfying, the Full English Breakfast includes a variety of favorites such as crispy bacon, sausage, eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, black pudding, and toast. It’s a filling and flavorful meal that’s perfect for starting your day off right or as a weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Full English Breakfast:
- 2 large eggs: The star of the breakfast, eggs are typically fried sunny-side up or poached, but scrambled is an option too.
- 2 rashers of bacon: British-style back bacon is the traditional choice, known for its leaner cut and flavor. You can also use streaky bacon for a crispier texture.
- 2 sausages: Traditional British sausages, like Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages, are preferred. These sausages are seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a flavorful bite.
- 2 slices of black pudding (optional): A classic addition, black pudding is a type of blood sausage made with oats, herbs, and spices. It’s a key component of many Full English breakfasts.
- 2 slices of bread: Thick-cut white bread, toasted or grilled, is a must for soaking up the runny egg yolks and juices from the other ingredients.
- 2 tomatoes, halved: Grilled or fried, tomatoes add a burst of freshness and balance the richness of the other components.
- 1/2 cup baked beans: British-style baked beans, often in a tomato sauce, provide a comforting, sweet element to the breakfast.
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms: Mushrooms sautéed in butter add earthiness and depth to the dish.
- Butter or oil: For frying the ingredients and ensuring they’re cooked to perfection.
Optional Garnishes and Extras:
- Chives or parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous touch.
- HP Sauce or brown sauce: A tangy, spiced sauce that pairs perfectly with the Full English Breakfast for an added layer of flavor.
Instructions
First Step: COOK THE SAUSAGES
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil or a knob of butter. Let it heat up.
- Cook the Sausages: Add the sausages to the pan and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You want them golden and cooked through. To check if they’re done, insert a meat thermometer into the center—sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove and Set Aside: Once the sausages are fully cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. Keep them warm by covering them loosely with foil.
Second Step: FRY THE BACON
- Fry the Bacon: In the same pan (add more oil or butter if necessary), place the bacon rashers and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re crisp and golden brown.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Third Step: COOK THE TOMATOES AND MUSHROOMS
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved tomatoes to the pan, cut side down. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and char slightly. You can season them with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring they cook through and become tender. If desired, add a knob of butter for extra richness.
- Remove and Set Aside: Once the tomatoes and mushrooms are cooked, set them aside on a warm plate.
Fourth Step: COOK THE BLACK PUDDING AND EGGS
- Cook the Black Pudding: If you’re including black pudding, slice the sausages into rounds and add them to the pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until it’s crisp and golden. If you prefer a non-crisp version, you can cook them for slightly less time.
- Fry the Eggs: In a clean frying pan, heat a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer your eggs cooked more through, you can flip them gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Fifth Step: ASSEMBLE THE FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST
- Toast the Bread: While everything is cooking, toast the slices of bread. You can grill or fry them in a bit of butter to make them extra crispy.
- Warm the Baked Beans: Heat the baked beans in a small saucepan or microwave until they’re warm. If you prefer, you can add a little seasoning or a splash of vinegar to taste.
- Arrange on Plates: Begin arranging everything on your plate. Place the sausages, bacon, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans neatly on the plate.
- Top with Eggs: Place the fried eggs on top of the other components, letting the yolks remain intact for a classic touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the eggs and serve with your choice of sauce, such as HP Sauce or brown sauce, on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 40g