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English Breakfast
BreakfastBritish

English Breakfast

English Breakfast is a classic British breakfast that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Sausages, Bacon, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Black Pudding, Eggs and Bread, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. True to traditional British cooking, the dish focuses on satisfying, traditional, and highlighting slow-simmered savory gravies.

In authentic British tradition, English Breakfast is best presented with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens.

If you enjoy authentic British cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Full English Breakfast.

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Ingredients

  • Sausages2
  • Bacon3
  • Mushrooms2
  • Tomatoes2
  • Black Pudding1 Slice
  • Eggs2
  • Bread1 Slice

Step-by-Step Instructions

29 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1🍲 Simmer

Heat the flat grill plate over a low heat, on top of 2 rings/flames if it fits, and brush sparingly with light olive oil.

Step 2

Cook the sausages first.

Step 3⏱️ 15-20 minutes

Add the sausages to the hot grill plate/the coolest part if there is one and allow to cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden.

Step 4⏱️ 10 minutes

After the first 10 minutes, increase the heat to medium before beginning to cook the other ingredients.

Step 5

If you are struggling for space, completely cook the sausages and keep hot on a plate in the oven.

Step 6

Snip a few small cuts into the fatty edge of the bacon.

Step 7🍳 Fry⏱️ 2-4 minutes

Place the bacon straight on to the grill plate and fry for 2-4 minutes each side or until your preferred crispiness is reached.

Step 8

Like the sausages, the cooked bacon can be kept hot on a plate in the oven.

Step 9

For the mushrooms, brush away any dirt using a pastry brush and trim the stalk level with the mushroom top.

Step 10

Season with salt and pepper and drizzle over a little olive oil.

Step 11⏱️ 1-2 minutes

Place stalk-side up on the grill plate and cook for 1-2 minutes before turning and cooking for a further 3-4 minutes.

Step 12

Avoid moving the mushrooms too much while cooking, as this releases the natural juices, making them soggy.

Step 13

For the tomatoes, cut the tomatoes across the centre/or in half lengthways if using plum tomatoes , and with a small, sharp knife remove the green 'eye'.

Step 14

Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.

Step 15⏱️ 2 minutes

Place cut-side down on the grill plate and cook without moving for 2 minutes.

Step 16

Gently turn over and season again.

Step 17⏱️ 2-3 minutes

Cook for a further 2-3 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.

Step 18

For the black pudding, cut the black pudding into 3-4 slices and remove the skin.

Step 19⏱️ 2 minutes

Place on the grill plate and cook for 1½-2 minutes each side until slightly crispy.

Step 20

For 'proper' fried bread it's best to cook it in a separate pan.

Step 21

Ideally, use bread that is a couple of days old.

Step 22

Heat a frying pan to a medium heat and cover the base with oil.

Step 23⏱️ 2-3 minutes

Add the bread and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until crispy and golden.

Step 24

If the pan becomes too dry, add a little more oil.

Step 25🔪 Prep

For a richer flavour, add a knob of butter after you turn the slice.

Step 26

For the fried eggs, break the egg straight into the pan with the fried bread and leave for 30 seconds.

Step 27

Add a good knob of butter and lightly splash/baste the egg with the butter when melted.

Step 28🔪 Prep

Cook to your preferred stage, season and gently remove with a fish slice.

Step 29✨ Serve

Once all the ingredients are cooked, serve on warm plates and enjoy straight away with a good squeeze of tomato ketchup or brown sauce.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

English Breakfast reflects the timeless heritage of traditional British home cooking, satisfying, traditional, and highlighting slow-simmered savory gravies. Prepared for generations for family gatherings and celebrations, it represents the heart of regional culinary identity.

Dietary Substitutions

To substitute whole eggs in baking, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a commercial egg replacer can work smoothly depending on whether the recipe is sweet or savory.

Chef Technique Tips

Resist the urge to open the oven door during the first two-thirds of the baking cycle. Opening the door vents trapped heat and steam, which can cause delicate baked goods to deflate or lose their rise.

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