What is a Full English Breakfast?
A Full English Breakfast (also colloquially known as a “fry-up”) is a hearty, English breakfast dish that serves a wide range of popular British breakfast foods. A classic full English breakfast comprises British back-bacon, British sausages (aka. “bangers”), black pudding, eggs, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, and tomatoes. But there are no hard-and-fast rules, and many different variations of the same breakfast. Here’s everything you need to know about full English breakfasts, from traditional ingredients to where Americans can buy authentic British products.
What's in a Full English Breakfast?
The exact ingredients in what people consider to be a “proper” Full English Breakfast differ widely depending on where you grew up, or personal preferences. There is also much debate about how many of each ingredient needs to go on the plate: one egg or two? Skinny chipolata sausages or classic butchers’ style? Beans on top or beans in a pot? What everyone agrees on is that a proper Full English Breakfast requires authentic British-style sausages and back bacon. If you are looking for where to buy the perfect ingredients for a Full English in the USA, you can find them here at Jolly Posh Foods. LINK fryup page
Let's take a look at the full breakdown of a classic Full English Breakfast and what you’ll typically see on your plate. There are a wide variety of different ingredients you can add, mix and match to make yours how you like!
1. Pork Sausages
Traditionally every full English will offer some variation of sausages (also known as bangers). It's common to see pork sausages on your plate, either large size links or smaller chipolata sized.
2. Back Bacon
Traditional full English breakfasts use back bacon, a different kind of bacon than the bacon typically seen in American supermarkets. Whilst American bacon comes from the belly (which Brits call streaky bacon), British back bacon is cut from the loin, making it leaner and meatier. A slice of British-style bacon is often referred to as a "rasher". British back bacon is NOT the same thing as Canadian bacon or ham, although they look similar.
3. Black Pudding
An acquired taste for some, but an essential element of a Full English for many, black pudding is a traditional, savoury delicacy, made from a blend of pork blood, oatmeal, and spices. This authentic type of blood sausage adds a rich, hearty flavour to the plate. It's a true British classic and worth a try if you've never had it before!
4. Eggs
On almost all fry-ups you’ll see fried eggs on your plate. One or two, dippy or over easy is up to you.
5. Baked Beans
No full English breakfast can be complete without baked beans. Try a small portion of Heinz baked beans and if you love them (which you will), then add on some more! The only question is, will you dump them on top of the other ingredients or put them in a little pot of their own.
6. Tomatoes and Mushrooms
Roasted or grilled tomatoes and fried mushrooms are also a part of a traditional English fryup. Fry your mushrooms in some butter for that extra flavour, and add half a grilled tomato or maybe some cherry tomatoes to your plate, whichever you prefer!
7. Toast
Important for mopping up the leftovers of your full English breakfast! We sell our own range of British-style breads. Toast yourself a nice thick slice and ensure not a speck of breakfast is left on your plate.
FAQs for Full English Breakfast
Where Can I Buy Full English Fryup Ingredients in the USA?
Finding authentic British breakfast ingredients in America can be difficult - we know, that’s why our company started! Jolly Posh is America’s Number 1 British Butcher since 2009, and we ship British-style meat products nationwide across the USA.
What's the Difference Between American and British Bacon for a Full English?
British back bacon is cut from the loin rather than the belly, giving it more meat and less fat than American bacon. It is also typically unsmoked, unlike American bacon, though at Jolly Posh we offer our back bacon in both unsmoked and smoked varieties. Back Bacon has a different texture and flavor, and is an essential part of an authentic full English breakfast. Find out more on what makes our Jolly Posh British-style back bacon so special.
What Are the Best British Sausages to Use in a Full English Breakfast?
If you are making a Full English Breakfast in the USA, use our traditional pork sausages. British style pork sausages have two distinct characteristics relative to typical American sausages – they have a much softer texture, and are much less salty than their American and continental counterparts. Whether you decide on hearty butchers' sausages or skinny chipolatas is up to your personal taste.
How Do I Find Heinz Baked Beans in the USA?
UK-style Heinz baked beans taste different from American versions; they have a different sauce recipe that's sweeter and less smoky. You can buy them here at Jolly Posh Foods.
What's the Difference Between a Full English, Full Irish and Full Scottish Breakfast?
There are some key differences between the regional varieties of fry-up breakfasts available across the British and Irish Isles, but often the nuances come down to personal taste and preference
• Full English - described above
• Full Scottish - can include beef sausages, haggis and potato scones (tattie scones)
• Full Irish - includes white pudding and potato scones
Can I Make a Gluten-Free Full English Breakfast?
Absolutely! Use our Gluten-free traditional sausages, back bacon and black pudding, and add extra mushrooms, tomatoes, or hash browns. Authentic flavours without the gluten.
