How to Make the Perfect English Full Breakfast
British · Medium · 35 min · 2 servings
The full English breakfast is a legendary and indulgent morning spread featuring sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and toast all served together on a single plate. It has been a cornerstone of British food culture for over a century and remains one of the most recognized breakfasts in the world.
Why this recipe works
This English Full Breakfast recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 720 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 links pork breakfast sausages
- 4 rashers back bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can baked beans in tomato sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes halved
- 4 slices thick white bread
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausages and Bacon
Heat a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat without adding extra fat. Add the sausages first and cook for twelve to fifteen minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply browned all over and cooked through. Add the bacon rashers to the pan in the last four minutes of sausage cooking and fry until crispy at the edges.
Step 2: Grill the Tomatoes
While the meat cooks, place the halved tomatoes cut-side up on a baking tray and season with salt and pepper. Place under a hot grill or broiler for five to six minutes until softened, slightly charred, and juicy. Keep warm.
Step 3: Heat the Beans and Fry the Eggs
Pour the baked beans into a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. In the same skillet used for the bacon, fry the eggs in the remaining fat over medium heat until the whites are fully set and the yolks are still runny. Toast the bread slices.
Step 4: Plate Everything Together
Arrange all components on a large warm plate: sausages and bacon on one side, fried eggs in the center, grilled tomatoes alongside, and a ladle of baked beans. Place the toast on the side. Serve everything piping hot immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork sausages → chicken sausages or plant-based sausages for a lighter or vegetarian version
- back bacon → turkey bacon for a leaner alternative with a similar savory flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much oil to the pan before cooking the sausages makes them greasy rather than allowing them to release their own fat naturally
- Cooking all components at the same time without timing them properly means some items will be cold by the time others are ready
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 720 calories, 38g protein, 44g carbs, 42g fat, 8g fiber.
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