Name: Full English Breakfast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 2 pork sausages; 2 slices of back bacon; 1/2 cup canned baked beans; 1 tomato, halved; 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 slices of bread (for toasting); 2 tsp butter (for toast); 2 tbsp oil or butter (for frying); Salt and pepper to taste

A Full English Breakfast is a comforting and hearty way to start the day, loaded with classic British staples like sausages, eggs, bacon, baked beans, and toast. It’s the kind of meal I reach for when I want something truly satisfying—whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a midday pick-me-up that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With rich, savory flavors and a variety of textures, it’s a timeless favorite that never fails to hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large eggs

2 pork sausages

2 slices of back bacon

1/2 cup canned baked beans

1 tomato, halved

1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 slices of bread (for toasting)

2 tsp butter (for toast)

2 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. I add the sausages and cook them for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through.

I push the sausages to one side of the pan and add the bacon. I fry each slice for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden and crispy.

Once the meats are cooked, I remove them from the pan and keep them warm.

I add a little more oil if the pan looks dry, then toss in the mushroom slices and the halved tomato (cut side down). I let the mushrooms cook for 5–6 minutes until they’re nicely browned and soften the tomatoes for about 3–4 minutes. A little salt and pepper here brings out the flavor.

While that’s cooking, I warm up the baked beans in a small saucepan over low heat.

I toast the bread slices and spread them with butter once they’re golden.

Finally, I fry the eggs in the same pan with a bit of oil or butter, cooking them just the way I like—sunny side up is my favorite, but I sometimes go for over-easy too.

I arrange all the elements on a large plate and serve it hot, just the way a proper Full English should be.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 610 kcal

Variations

There’s plenty of room to make this my own. Sometimes I add black pudding for a more traditional touch. I might swap the back bacon for streaky bacon when I want extra crispiness. I’ve also used hash browns or fried bread in place of toast. If I’m skipping meat, I go with veggie sausages and a grilled portobello mushroom to keep things hearty. And when I’m in the mood, I throw in some sautéed spinach or grilled halloumi for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

I usually enjoy this fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store each item in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the sausages, bacon, and beans in a pan over medium heat or microwave them individually. The eggs don’t keep well, so I prefer making those fresh. Toast is best fresh too, but I’ve reheated it in a toaster oven with decent results.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Full English and a traditional American breakfast?

A Full English typically includes sausages, back bacon, eggs, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast, while an American breakfast often focuses on pancakes, hash browns, and streaky bacon. I like both, but the Full English has a more savory, hearty feel.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I often swap the meat for vegetarian sausages and skip the bacon. Grilled halloumi and extra mushrooms make great additions to keep it filling and flavorful.

Is it okay to cook everything in one pan?

Absolutely. I cook the elements in stages using one large frying pan. It saves time and dishes, and I love how the flavors build up in the same pan.

Can I prepare anything in advance?

I sometimes pre-cook the sausages and bacon the day before, then reheat them when I’m ready. I also chop the mushrooms and halve the tomatoes in advance to speed things up.

What kind of bread works best?

I prefer thick slices of white or sourdough bread, but any bread I can toast nicely will work. Sometimes I use fried bread for an even richer bite.

Conclusion

A Full English Breakfast is one of those meals I turn to when I want something warming, filling, and nostalgic. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether for a relaxed brunch or a hearty start to a busy day, this classic British dish is a keeper in my recipe rotation.

Recipe:

Full English Breakfast

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Halal

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Description

A Full English Breakfast is a hearty and comforting traditional British meal featuring sausages, eggs, bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a satisfying start to the day.