The classic English breakfast – a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for starting your day off right. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s nothing quite like a full English brekkie to get your taste buds tingling. But with so many delicious options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best of British breakfast cuisine. From classic combinations like crispy bacon and sausages to more adventurous options like baked beans on toast with a fried egg, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipes to inspire your morning meal. So go ahead, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive in!
Full English Breakfast with Crispy Bacon and Sausages
This classic recipe combines crispy bacon, savory sausages, and fluffy eggs for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 4 pork sausages (or 2 Cumberland sausages)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of white bread or toasted English muffins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Grill the sausages for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Fry the eggs in the same pan used for the bacon, or in a separate skillet. Cook to desired doneness.
5. Toast the bread (if using) and serve alongside the breakfast items.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Traditional English Fry-Up with Black Pudding
Start your day off right with a hearty, comforting fry-up featuring black pudding, a traditional British staple. This classic breakfast dish is perfect for weekends or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 4 slices of back bacon (rashers)
– 1 black pudding ring, sliced
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. Set aside.
2. Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced potato and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the back bacon to the pan and cook until crispy, turning occasionally.
5. Slice the black pudding into thin strips and add it to the pan with the eggs. Cook until the eggs are set and the black pudding is heated through.
6. Serve the fry-up hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetarian English Breakfast with Grilled Tomatoes
Start your day with a satisfying vegetarian take on the classic English breakfast, featuring grilled tomatoes and a medley of flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of whole grain toast or English muffins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.
3. Brush the sliced tomatoes and bell peppers with olive oil. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, sauté the mushrooms, onion, and any remaining vegetables in a little olive oil until softened.
5. Cook the eggs in a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat. Scramble to desired doneness.
6. Serve the grilled tomatoes and bell peppers alongside the scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and toast (if using).
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce
Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce: A Classic Breakfast or Brunch Recipe
This elegant breakfast dish consists of toasted English muffins topped with poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and a rich and creamy Hollandaise sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 4 English muffins
– 8 slices Canadian bacon
– 1 cup hollandaise sauce (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and poach the eggs.
2. Toast the English muffins and top with Canadian bacon.
3. To assemble, place an egg on top of the Canadian bacon, then add a toasted English muffin half.
4. Serve with hollandaise sauce spooned over the top.
Hollandaise Sauce Recipe:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time:
– Poaching eggs: 3-5 minutes
– Toasting English muffins: 2-3 minutes
– Assembling the dish: 5 minutes
Total cooking time: approximately 15-20 minutes.
Baked Beans on Toast with a Fried Egg
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this simple yet satisfying recipe: Baked Beans on Toast with a Fried Egg. Sweet and smoky baked beans, crispy toast, and a runny egg come together for a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of baked beans (14.5 oz)
– 2 slices of bread
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray for frying the egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
3. Spread 1/4 cup of baked beans on each slice of toast.
4. Fry an egg in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat, using butter or non-stick cooking spray. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
5. Place the fried egg on top of the baked beans on toast.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Mushrooms with Garlic Butter
Transform plain mushrooms into a savory delight by grilling them with aromatic garlic butter. This simple yet impressive side dish is perfect for your next barbecue or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), cleaned and stemmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Brush both sides of the mushrooms with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Place the mushrooms on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they release their moisture and develop nice grill marks.
5. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Homemade Hash Browns with Herbs
Elevate your breakfast game with this simple yet flavorful recipe for homemade hash browns infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, these crispy, golden potatoes are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or scallions
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean dish towel or paper towels.
3. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the potato mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Stir in chopped herbs and lemon zest (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Elevate your breakfast game with this elegant combination of fluffy scrambled eggs and rich smoked salmon.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup diced smoked salmon (such as Nova Scotia or Scottish)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are almost set (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the diced smoked salmon to one half of the scrambled eggs and gently fold the other half over to create a swirl pattern.
5. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes
Bubble and Squeak with Leftover Veggies
Transforming leftover veggies into a delicious and satisfying meal is easy with this classic British recipe, Bubble and Squeak. This tasty dish is perfect for reducing food waste and using up those pesky vegetable scraps.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed leftover vegetables (e.g., carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peas)
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup butter or oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the oil.
3. Add the diced potato and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Add the mixed leftover vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
5. Use a spatula to shape the mixture into a flat patty. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Muffins
Start your day with a flavorful breakfast treat that combines the savory goodness of sausage and eggs with the convenience of a muffin. These Sausage and Egg Breakfast Muffins are perfect for a quick morning meal or as a grab-and-go option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 cooked sausage link, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Optional: chopped bell peppers or onions for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the crumbled sausage and stir until combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta with Poached Eggs
Elevate your brunch game with this flavorful and visually appealing dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes, basil, and eggs on toasted bread. Perfect for a weekend morning or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 poached eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together diced tomatoes and chopped basil.
3. Brush olive oil on both sides of baguette slices and toast for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Top each toasted bread slice with a spoonful of tomato-basil mixture.
5. Poach eggs by cracking them into simmering water and cooking for 3-4 minutes or until whites are set and yolks are still runny.
6. Place poached eggs on top of bruschetta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Beans on Toast with Worcestershire Sauce
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and savory combination of beans, cheese, and tangy Worcestershire sauce on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread the beans on top of the buttered bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the Worcestershire sauce over the beans.
5. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
6. Place the toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Kedgeree with Smoked Haddock and Rice
A classic British recipe gets a smoky twist with the addition of smoked haddock, making for a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 250g smoked haddock fillets, flaked
– 150g cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the flaked smoked haddock and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the milk and stir to coat the mixture.
5. Add the cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
English Breakfast Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy pancakes smothered in warm maple syrup, just like grandma used to make. These classic English breakfast treats are easy to whip up and perfect for a cozy morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1 minute.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Halloumi with Avocado and Eggs
Elevate your breakfast game with this unique and delicious combination of grilled halloumi, creamy avocado, and rich eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the halloumi block with a little oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, toast some bread or cook some hash browns to serve alongside.
5. Fry the eggs in a separate pan and set aside.
6. Assemble the dish by placing the grilled halloumi on top of the toasted bread or hash browns, followed by sliced avocado and a fried egg.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Breakfast Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry
Start your day off right with these flaky, savory breakfast sausage rolls made with puff pastry and packed with flavorful sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sweet or hot breakfast sausage, casings removed
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut into 4-6 rectangles, depending on desired roll size.
4. Place sausage mixture onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg and fold other half over sausage. Press edges to seal.
6. Use a fork to crimp edges and create a decorative border.
7. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
8. Brush tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Toad in the Hole with Onion Gravy
Toad in the Hole is a beloved British dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe adds an extra layer of depth with a savory onion gravy.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork sausages (preferably bangers or Cumberland)
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausages in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and minced garlic over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and beef broth to make a roux. Add butter and stir until melted.
5. Pour the roux mixture over the cooked onions and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
6. Place sausages in a baking dish and spoon onion gravy over them.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until sausages are cooked through and gravy is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs
This hearty breakfast dish combines the rich flavors of corned beef and onions with a crispy hash, topped with a perfectly fried egg. A comforting start to any day!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover corned beef, diced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the corned beef, flour, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
5. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is crispy and golden brown.
6. Crack in the eggs and scramble them into the hash.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Kick off your day with a hearty English breakfast! This collection of 18 classic recipes features a mix of traditional and modern takes on the iconic morning meal. From crispy bacon and sausages to vegetarian options like grilled tomatoes and scrambled eggs, there’s something for everyone. Indulge in eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce or try your hand at homemade hash browns with herbs. You’ll also find sweet treats like English breakfast pancakes with maple syrup and savory dishes like corned beef hash with fried eggs. Whether you’re a fan of classic fry-ups or innovative twists, this article has got you covered for a satisfying start to the day.
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