Chef Ed brings the iconic Full English Breakfast to life with sizzling precision, balancing hearty ingredients and bold flavors. This classic British meal is more than just breakfast—it’s a satisfying experience that fuels the day with protein, richness, and warmth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in a weekend ritual, this recipe walks you through every delicious component of a proper English fry-up.
Ingredients
Serves 2
- 4 pork sausages (Cumberland or bangers preferred)
- 4 strips back bacon (or thick-cut American bacon if unavailable)
- 2 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup button mushrooms, halved or sliced
- 1 can (7 oz) baked beans (preferably Heinz)
- 4 slices black pudding (blood sausage, optional but traditional)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 slices white or sourdough bread (for toast or fried bread)
- Butter or oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the Sausages
In a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Cook the sausages slowly for 12–15 minutes, turning often to ensure even browning and full doneness. Remove and set aside in a warm oven.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon and Black Pudding
In the same pan, add the back bacon and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy edges form but the meat remains juicy. Set aside with the sausages. Then add the black pudding and cook 2–3 minutes per side until just crisp on the outside. Remove and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Tomatoes
Add a little more butter to the pan. Fry the mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until browned and tender. Place the halved tomatoes cut-side down in the pan and sear until they begin to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Season both with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Heat the Beans
In a small saucepan, gently heat the baked beans over low heat, stirring occasionally. Don’t boil—just warm through to keep the texture creamy.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the skillet and cook sunny-side-up or to your preferred doneness. Keep yolks runny for traditional appeal. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Toast or Fry the Bread
Toast the bread slices or pan-fry them in a bit of butter or reserved bacon fat until golden and crisp.
Plating the Full English
Arrange each component side-by-side on a large warm plate: two sausages, two slices of bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans in a ramekin, and an egg or two on top. Finish with a slice or two of toast or fried bread on the side. Optional additions include hash browns or grilled kippers for regional flair.
Chef Ed’s Tips:
- Keep it warm: Use a low-temperature oven to keep components hot while others finish.
- Use quality meat: British-style sausages and bacon make all the difference in authenticity and taste.
- Balance the plate: The variety of textures—crispy, soft, juicy, creamy—makes this breakfast legendary.
- Add tea: No proper English breakfast is complete without a strong cup of black tea.
Nutrition Note
While indulgent, this breakfast offers high-quality protein from eggs, sausages, and bacon, iron from black pudding, and fiber from beans and mushrooms. To lighten it up, opt for grilled instead of fried components, whole grain toast, and reduced-sodium beans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
- BBC Good Food. (n.d.). Full English Breakfast Recipe. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/full-english
- Oliver, J. (2020). Jamie Oliver’s Full English Breakfast. https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/eggs-recipes/full-english-breakfast/
- McGee, H. (2004). On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. Scribner.
- British Breakfast Society. (n.d.). The Full English Breakfast Guide. https://www.thefullenglishbreakfast.com
- The Kitchn. (2022). How To Make a Full English Breakfast at Home. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-full-english-breakfast-244243