A Full English Breakfast — also known as a “fry-up” — is one of Britain’s most iconic meals. It’s hearty, filling, and rich with variety. This ultimate breakfast platter typically includes bacon, eggs, sausage, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, hash browns or fried bread, and toast. Served with a hot cup of tea or coffee, it’s a comforting and satisfying way to start the day.
Whether you’re recreating a traditional British brunch or just indulging in a cozy weekend breakfast, this guide walks you through everything you need to make the perfect Full English at home — crispy, golden, and cooked just right.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 4 pork breakfast sausages (British-style preferred, such as Cumberland or bangers)
- 4 slices of back bacon (or thick-cut American-style bacon)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup canned baked beans (Heinz baked beans are traditional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini)
- 1 large tomato, halved
- 2 slices bread, for toasting or frying
- 2 frozen hash browns (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Heat your oven to 200°F (95°C) — you'll use it to keep items warm while everything cooks. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Sausages
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook sausages for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Transfer to the oven to keep warm.
3. Fry the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy and golden. This usually takes 4–5 minutes per side. Move to the oven to stay warm.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms
Add a bit of butter or oil to the pan. Toss in sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to the oven.
5. Grill or Fry the Tomatoes
Place tomato halves cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly charred. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Set aside.
6. Cook the Hash Browns (if using)
If using frozen hash browns, cook according to package directions in a separate pan or bake in the oven.
7. Prepare the Baked Beans
Warm the canned baked beans in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Cook the Eggs
Fry the eggs to your preference — sunny side up or over easy are most common. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
9. Toast or Fry the Bread
Toast bread in a toaster or fry it in the pan with a bit of butter or bacon fat for extra flavor.
10. Assemble & Serve
Arrange everything on a large plate: sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, hash browns (if using), and toast. Serve immediately with tea or coffee.
🍽️ Nutrition Estimate (per serving)
- Calories: ~800–1000
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 65g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
(Will vary based on exact ingredients used.)
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use British-style sausages: Look for Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausage if you want it truly authentic.
- Swap for veggie versions: You can easily make this vegetarian using plant-based bacon, sausage, and beans.
- Fried bread vs. toast: Frying bread in bacon grease or butter adds an indulgent crunch and flavor.
- Use a large griddle: A wide surface helps you cook multiple items at once and keeps things warm.
- Make ahead: You can precook some items like hash browns and sausages the night before and warm them up in the oven.
✨ My Personal Touch
The Full English is more than a meal — it’s a tradition. I first experienced it in a quaint pub in the English countryside, and it’s been a weekend favorite in my home ever since. I like customizing it with extras like black pudding (for authenticity), or a splash of hot sauce on the eggs. The variety makes it perfect for sharing, and no one ever walks away hungry.
Pair it with a hot mug of English breakfast tea and enjoy a little bite of Britain right at your own kitchen table.
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