When I want a breakfast that goes above and beyond a simple slice of toast, nothing beats a Full English Breakfast—especially with a few personal touches like turkey bacon and customizable eggs. This plate is the definition of a satisfying start to the day: savory, warming, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Whether you’re gearing up for a busy weekend, hosting a cozy brunch at home, or simply craving a traditional English-style spread, this version balances classic elements with a few modern swaps for a hearty, comforting meal that leaves nothing out.
Why This Full English Breakfast Is Worth the Effort
Let’s be honest—this is no quick grab-and-go breakfast. But when you want something truly satisfying and a little indulgent, this dish is 100% worth it. Here’s why I love making it:
- A complete plate: Protein, veggies, carbs, and savory flavor in every bite.
- Customizable to your preferences: Choose your favorite type of sausage, style of egg, and skip or keep the black pudding.
- Feeds a crowd or makes epic leftovers: Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or feeding hungry guests.
- Balanced comfort: It’s rich without being overwhelming, especially if you mix in lighter ingredients like turkey bacon or poached eggs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached)
- 2–3 slices of turkey bacon (British-style back bacon if available)
- 2 sausages (Cumberland or your favorite)
- 1 tomato, halved
- ½ cup British-style baked beans
- 1–2 slices black pudding (optional but traditional)
- 4–5 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 slices of toast or fried bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How I Cook This Breakfast (Step-by-Step)
1. Start with the Sausages
In a large skillet, I cook the sausages over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. I remove them and keep them warm while I move on to the next item.
2. Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, I lay in the turkey bacon and cook until crispy or browned at the edges. Depending on the cut, this usually takes 3–4 minutes per side. I set it aside once it’s done.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
I add a little butter to the skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms, and cook for 4–5 minutes until they’re golden and tender. A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way here. Once cooked, I remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Tomatoes
I place the halved tomatoes cut-side down in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the flesh is soft. I season them lightly and then set them aside.
5. Optional: Fry the Black Pudding
If I’m including black pudding (which adds a deep, earthy flavor), I fry the slices for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through.
6. Warm the Baked Beans
In a small saucepan, I gently heat the baked beans on low until they’re warmed through—no boiling needed.
7. Cook the Eggs Your Way
This is where I go by mood—fried sunny-side-up, soft-scrambled, or a gently poached egg all work wonderfully. I cook them in the same skillet for maximum flavor, seasoning with salt and pepper just before serving.
8. Toast the Bread (or Go Full English with Fried Bread)
I either toast the bread or go all-in by frying slices in butter until golden and crispy. Fried bread is traditional and incredibly satisfying, especially when it soaks up egg yolk or baked beans.
Plating the Perfect Full English
Once everything is ready, I arrange it all on a large plate: sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding (if using), beans, and bread. It’s a beautiful and bountiful plate with something for every craving.
For the full English experience, I serve it with:
- Strong English breakfast tea or a dark roast coffee
- HP Sauce or ketchup on the side for dipping
- Optional: buttered toast soldiers or extra toast rounds to mop up every last bit
Tips From My Kitchen
- Prep ahead: Roast or cook your sausages and beans the night before and reheat for a quicker morning.
- Use a griddle pan or two skillets to save time when cooking for more than two people.
- Poach the eggs last if you want runny yolks to stay warm and intact.
- Add more veggies: Grilled zucchini, wilted spinach, or sautéed kale are all great add-ons.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use veggie sausages, omit the bacon and black pudding, and bulk it up with more mushrooms or a veggie hash.
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: Thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or even a hearty whole grain loaf all work well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough for frying if you go that route.
Q: Can I skip the black pudding?
A: Of course. It’s traditional but not essential—this breakfast still shines without it.
Q: How do I keep everything warm while cooking?
A: Place cooked components on a tray in a low oven (200°F/90°C) until everything’s ready to serve.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again (and Again)
This Full English Breakfast is more than a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of plate that satisfies every kind of craving, from crispy and creamy to savory and sweet. It’s rich without being too much, filling without feeling heavy, and endlessly customizable to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you need a breakfast worth sitting down for.
Classic Full English Breakfast with a Twist – A Hearty Morning Feast Made Easy
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- 4 eggs (any style)
- 2 tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup baked beans
- 4 slices of black pudding (optional)
- 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
- 4 slices of toast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the turkey bacon to the pan and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the same pan, add the mushrooms and tomatoes and sauté until tender.
- If using black pudding, add it to the pan for the last few minutes of cooking.
- In a separate pot, heat the baked beans over medium heat until warmed through.
- Meanwhile, fry the eggs in the same pan to your desired doneness.
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- To serve, place the turkey bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and black pudding on each plate, alongside a serving of baked beans and toast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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