There’s nothing more British than this breakfast. This is Englands national breakfast that dates back to the Victorian era (19th century). Popular in pubs and ‘greasy spoon’ cafes.
How to Make a Proper Full English Breakfast
There are usually 5-7 items that make up a traditional English breakfast , depending on which items are included. If I’m going for it, I’m going for all 7, aka the Full Monty (more in this below).
Full English Breakfast Recipe
Before diving into the recipe, let’s shed light on the term “Full Monty” used in British slang. It simply means “everything” or “all of it,” which perfectly describes this hearty breakfast.
Sausage
A good quality pork sausage is key here. Ideally, you’d want British-style bangers. These are typically thicker and more coarsely ground than American sausages, and often have a stronger savory flavor. Luckily, many supermarkets now carry British-style sausages. If all else fails, any of your favorite sausage would work.
Bacon
American bacon, while delicious, isn’t the traditional choice and the right kind for a Full English breakfast. Here in England, we favor back bacon. Cut from the pork loin, it’s similar to Canadian bacon. Unlike American bacon (streaky bacon, as we call it), back bacon has less marbled fat and won’t crisp up as easily. It has a ham-like texture with fat concentrated around the edge, and it’s often unsmoked.
Eggs
For a perfect Full English breakfast, fried eggs are the way to go. Sunny-side up is the classic choice, allowing that glorious runny yolk to mingle with the other flavors on your plate. Scrambled eggs, while delicious, don’t quite fit the bill here – that beautiful runny yolk is essential! (see picture below). Think of it as the breakfast gravy, adding a touch of richness and creaminess to tie everything together.
Beans
For the type of beans in a classic English Breakfast the classic choice is Heinz baked beans. These are a far cry from American barbecue beans – they’re much simpler, bathed in a savory tomato sauce without the smoky sweetness of the barbecue flavor, cooked in a plain tomato sauce. Canned beans are perfectly acceptable, but if you’re feeling adventurous, I have the perfect recipe for homemade British Baked Beans that you have to try.
Tomatoes
For the tomatoes, fresh is the way to go. Simply halve them and sear them flesh-side down until softened and lightly browned. This adds a welcome burst of fresh flavor to this hearty breakfast. In more modern variations, cherry tomatoes are also a popular choice.
Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms, whether brown or white, work perfectly here. No need for anything fancy, just grab your favorite kind from the grocery store. Slice them up and sauté them simply for a delicious addition to your breakfast.
Bread
While buttered toast is a perfectly acceptable option, for the full English breakfast experience, fried bread is the way to go. It’s simply white bread fried in vegetable oil until golden brown – a quick and easy way to elevate your breakfast. Let’s be honest, no one ever claimed this was a health food!
Black Pudding (don’t be afraid)
Black pudding might sound intimidating, but don’t be afraid! It’s a seasoned, all-natural pork sausage (also known as blood sausage), bursting with flavor – not a sweet pudding like the name might suggest. This delicious option adds a richer note to your breakfast for those who enjoy it. Let’s be honest, black pudding isn’t for everyone. But I want to re-iterate that is does tastes savory and good. The apprehension often comes from the name and appearance, not the actual flavor. If you’re aiming for the full English breakfast experience (and for me a personal preference), then black pudding is worth a try.
Hash Browns
While hash browns are a common addition to some Full English breakfasts, it’s not something I grew up with. I prefer the classic English components on my plate, but feel free to add them in if that’s how you like yours!
Condiments/Sauce
No Full English breakfast is complete without the perfect condiments. Brown sauce (HP Sauce brand) is a must-have. It’s a tangy sauce with a depth of flavor, similar to a steak sauce. Ketchup is also an acceptable addition for those who prefer it. And that’s the full scoop on a Full English breakfast recipe! It’s a hearty and delicious meal, best enjoyed occasionally – like a special Sunday morning treat. After all, a breakfast this big can definitely leave you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day.
Variations on the Full Breakfast Around the UK
The Full English breakfast might be the most famous, but it’s not the only game in town! Across the United Kingdom, you’ll find delicious variations on this hearty morning meal:
Full Irish: Similar to the English breakfast, but often featuring white pudding (a sausage without blood) instead of black pudding. Full Scottish: This breakfast includes all the usual suspects, plus some Scottish specialties like tattie scones (potato scones) and haggis (a savory sausage made with sheep’s organs). Full Welsh: A Welsh breakfast incorporates some unique ingredients from the region. Look for cockles (similar to clams) and laverbread, a savory spread made from seaweed.
These are just a few examples, and there may be regional variations within each country. No matter which version you try, you’re sure to be in for a delicious and satisfying breakfast experience. If you’ve tried this Full English Breakfast or any other recipe then please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love to hear from my readers! This full English breakfast recipe was first featured on Food Fanatic, where I am a contributor.
