English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast) Recipe
An English Breakfast, often considered the quintessential British morning meal, is a satisfying and hearty dish that combines several components into a flavorful, filling breakfast. Traditional English breakfasts vary slightly by region, but the base ingredients generally include eggs, sausages, beans, and toast, complemented by other items like grilled tomatoes, black pudding, or mushrooms. This meal is famous for its generous portion size and high energy, perfect for starting the day on a full stomach. In this detailed recipe guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare the classic English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast), making it easy to enjoy this iconic dish at home.
Nutrition
A traditional English breakfast provides a well-rounded combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. However, because it typically includes several types of meats and fried items, it’s considered a high-calorie meal. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 800-1000 kcal (depending on portion size and specific ingredients)
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 60-75g
- Fat: 35-40g
- Fiber: 6-8g
- Sodium: 1000-1200mg
Please note that the nutritional content can vary depending on the ingredients you choose (e.g., leaner sausages, whole wheat bread, etc.).
Ingredients
Here’s a list of the classic ingredients you’ll need for a traditional English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast):
- For the English Breakfast:
- 4 eggs (large)
- 4 sausages (traditional British pork sausages or vegetarian sausages)
- 1 can of baked beans (400g)
- 4 slices of thick-cut white or whole wheat bread
- 2 tomatoes (optional, for grilling)
- 4-6 slices of back bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup of mushrooms (optional, grilled or sautéed)
- Butter or oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
The preparation time for an English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast) is around 10-15 minutes. This includes getting your ingredients ready (like slicing bread and preparing any vegetables or additional items).
Active Time
The active time required to cook the English Breakfast will be approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on the number of items you’re preparing at once and how much multitasking you can do in the kitchen.
Resting Time
An English breakfast doesn’t need much resting time, but if you’re making any additional side dishes, such as grilled tomatoes or mushrooms, a few minutes of resting time may help the meal settle. Plan for about 5 minutes of resting time before serving.
Cuisines
This recipe is rooted in British cuisine, particularly the traditional full English breakfast. It has been a staple of British culture for over a century and is enjoyed across the UK and in many other countries as a beloved comfort food.
Course
This recipe serves as a Breakfast or Brunch course, but it can easily be enjoyed for any meal of the day when you’re looking for something filling and satisfying.
Servings
This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on portion sizes.
Calories
As mentioned earlier, the total calories for an English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast) can range from 800 to 1000 calories per serving, but this can vary depending on how much of each ingredient you include.
Total Time
The total time for preparing and cooking the English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast) is approximately 30-40 minutes, including prep, cooking, and serving time.
Equipment
To make your English Breakfast, you’ll need the following equipment:
- 1 large frying pan or skillet
- 1 saucepan (for heating beans)
- Grill or toaster for the bread (or a second frying pan)
- Knife and chopping board (if cutting vegetables)
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving plates
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering English Breakfast:
Step 1: Heat the Beans
Start by heating your canned baked beans in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot (this usually takes 5-7 minutes). Set the beans aside once they’re warmed through.
Step 2: Cook the Sausages
While the beans heat up, place the sausages into the frying pan over medium heat. Use tongs to turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the size of the sausages, they should take about 10-15 minutes to cook through.
Step 3: Grill the Tomatoes (Optional)
If you’re using tomatoes, slice them in half and grill them on the frying pan, cut side down, for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and slightly charred. Set them aside.
Step 4: Fry the Bacon and Mushrooms (Optional)
In the same pan, fry the bacon and mushrooms (if using). The bacon should cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, and the mushrooms should be sautéed until they release their moisture and become golden brown (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
In a separate frying pan, heat a little butter or oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook to your liking—fried, scrambled, or poached. For a traditional English Breakfast, eggs are usually fried sunny side up or over-easy.
Step 6: Toast the Bread
While your eggs cook, toast the bread slices in a toaster or on a grill. Once toasted to your desired level, spread a little butter on the toast if you wish.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Once all components are cooked, it’s time to assemble the breakfast. Arrange the sausages, eggs, toast, beans, bacon, tomatoes, and mushrooms on a large serving plate. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with additional condiments like ketchup or brown sauce if preferred.
Tips for Perfecting Your English Breakfast:
- Use good quality sausages: Traditional British sausages make a huge difference in flavor.
- Experiment with egg cooking methods: While fried eggs are classic, scrambled eggs also work wonderfully in this dish.
- Balance your ingredients: You can adjust the portions of beans, sausages, and eggs based on preference, but the key is a hearty mix of protein and carbs.
- Add a cup of tea: A traditional English breakfast is often served with a strong cup of black tea to complement the meal.
Enjoy your English Breakfast (Eggs, Sausage, Beans, Toast) with a side of your favorite beverages, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious start to your day!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.