What Is a Full English Breakfast?
Updated: May 06, 2022
Ever tried a full English breakfast? The traditional meal is famously hearty and filling.
The full English breakfast is known around the world. This meal dates back to around 1300s, when the Anglo-Saxons believed that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. (Sound familiar?) Back then, only very wealthy families could afford to eat it. The full breakfast often appeared on the tables of country gentry, especially when guests or family were visiting. It’s still a grand tradition today!
Here are more charming English breakfast customs.
What’s in a Full English Breakfast?
Also known as a “fry-up,” a full English breakfast includes an assortment of hearty, savory breakfast foods. Think eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms. Other potential dishes include potatoes like hash browns or potato pancakes, corned beef hash and black pudding. On the side, expect buttered toast. Mugs of hot tea or coffee wash down the feast.
Even our best brunch recipes are modest by comparison.
Why Is It Called a “Full English”?
The name “full” refers to the completeness of the breakfast, with its wide variety of foods. The full breakfast is typically eaten on weekends, while a smaller breakfast suffices for during the week. As with brunch in the US, the full English is often eaten later in the day, even after lunchtime.
What’s the Difference Between Irish, English and Other European Breakfasts?
Around the UK, countries have their own unique additions to the traditional full breakfast:
Full Irish: Soda bread might stand in for the buttered toast in a full Irish. Here’s a closer look at the full Irish breakfast.
Full Scottish:Â Look for tattie scones, also known as potato scones. You may also find distinctly Scottish foods like haggis.
Full Cornish:Â In Cornwall, expect to see hog’s pudding, which is a kind of sausage, as well as potato cakes.
Our Top-Rated Breakfast Recipes
Fluffy PancakesI found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Farmer's CasseroleBetween family and friends, we have nearly 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado
Mushroom Asparagus QuicheLoads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Blueberry Streusel Coffee CakeThis blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Vanilla French ToastWe discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Biscuits and Sausage GravyThis biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Next, check our favorite vintage breakfasts.
Sausage and Egg CasseroleFor the perfect combination of eggs, sausage, bread and cheese, this is the dish to try. My mom and I like this sausage breakfast casserole because it bakes up tender and golden, slices beautifully and goes over well whenever we serve it. —Gayle Grigg, Phoenix, Arizona
Family-Favorite Oatmeal WafflesThese healthful, good-tasting waffles are a tried-and-true family favorite—even with our two children. My husband and I have a small herd of beef cattle and some pigs. A hearty breakfast really gets us going! —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Crustless Spinach QuicheI served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Bacon and Eggs CasseroleBecause it's fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this egg casserole with bacon is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, it's excellent for an after-church meal. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario
Also check out this farmhouse-style bacon grease container that has nearly 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
Ham 'n' Cheese Omelet RollThis brunch dish has easy ingredients and an impressive look all rolled into one! I love hosting brunch, and this special omelet roll is one of my very favorite items to prepare and share. A platter of these pretty swirled slices disappears fast. —Nancy Daugherty, Portland, Ohio
Vanilla French ToastWe discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Overnight Asparagus StrataI've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio
Mini Sausage QuichesThese bite-sized quiches are loaded with sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut
Orange Ricotta PancakesThese popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
Sausage Spinach BakeA friend gave me the recipe for this delicious dish, which uses a packaged stuffing mix. A salad and bread of your choice is all you’ll need for a filling lunch or dinner. It’s so versatile, you can even serve it at brunch. –Kathleen Grant, Swan Lake, Montana
Cornmeal PancakesI like to joke that these pancakes are so light, you have to hold them down! When we have a chance, we make them with freshly ground cornmeal bought at local festivals. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Cheese GritsAs a comfy side dish, cheese grits have fantastic potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. —Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama
French Banana PancakesThese pancakes are a real breakfast favorite in our family. Even our 8- and 10-year-old daughters make them all by themselves when they have friends spend the night. Now their friends' mothers are asking for the recipe! —Cheryl Sowers, Bakersfield, California
Brunch Ham EnchiladasWhen I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before.
—Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Spiced Bacon TwistsA sweet and savory rub makes these tasty twists of bacon deliciously different and worth the extra step to prepare. Cook a bit longer if you want them crispy. Glenda Evans Wittner - Joplin, MO
Cheesy Egg PuffsMy father loves to entertain, and these buttery egg delights are one of his favorite items to serve at brunch. The leftovers are perfect to reheat in the microwave on busy mornings, so Dad always stashes a few aside for me to take home once the party is over. —Amy Soto, Winfield, Kansas
Fluffy Pumpkin PancakesThese pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Cream Cheese & Chive OmeletThe first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Baked Peach PancakeThis dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it right from the oven to the table, fill it with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best cook I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey
Bananas Foster French ToastMmm…bananas Foster for breakfast! This yummy baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion. —Laurence Nasson, Hingham Massachusetts
Toad in the HoleAmerican Toad in a hole is one of the first recipes I had my children prepare when they were learning to cook. Much easier than the European version, this fun egg-in-a-hole is sure to please. My "little ones" are now grown (and have advanced to more difficult recipes!), but this continues to be a traditional standby in my home and theirs. —Ruth Lechleiter, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Cinnamon Fruit BiscuitsBecause these sweet treats are so easy, I'm almost embarrassed when people ask me for the recipe. They're a snap to make with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and your favorite fruit preserves. —Ione Burham, Washington, Iowa
Camper's Breakfast HashWhen we go camping with family and friends, I'm always asked to make this hearty breakfast. This camping breakfast is a favorite at home, too. —Linda Krivanek, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Egg BurritosZap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Maple French Toast BakeThis yummy French toast casserole is a breeze to whip up the night before a busy morning. My family loves the richness it gets from cream cheese and maple syrup. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
German Apple PancakeIf you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Asparagus Swiss QuicheFresh asparagus stars along with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese in this hearty quiche. —Mary Ann Taylor, Rockwell, Iowa
Sausage Egg BakeThis hearty egg dish is wonderful for any meal of the day. I fix it frequently for special occasions, too, because it's easy to prepare and really versatile. For a change, use spicier sausage or substitute a flavored cheese blend.
-Molly Swallow, Pocatello, Idaho
Mom's Potato PancakesThese old-fashioned pancakes are fluffy inside and crispy outside. Onion adds nice flavor. Mom got this recipe from Grandma, so we've enjoyed it for years. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey SyrupThis is a great breakfast for special days, but it mixes up so fast that it's perfect for busy mornings as well. —LeeAnn Hansen, Kaysville, Utah
Oatmeal Brulee with Ginger CreamThis is an awesome dish for a chilly morning. I love the crispy, caramelized top and raspberry surprise at the bottom.
—Yvonne Starlin, Portland, Tennessee
Get-Up-and-Go GranolaMy family loves to have this soul-warming granola before hiking, biking or even when camping. It smells delicious while baking up and you can easily make in large batches for special occasions or to send in gift packages to family and friends. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled EggsMy husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Calico Scrambled EggsWhen you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There's a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Country Brunch SkilletUsing frozen hash browns and packaged shredded cheese shaves minutes off the prep time of this skillet egg dish, making it an appealing meal you can put together quickly. —Elvira Brunnquell, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Hash Brown Egg BrunchSlow cookers aren't just for making dinner. I make this often if we're having company overnight. With just a little planning and not much work, I can prep it the night before and have a lovely breakfast waiting in the morning. —Barb Keith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Brunch Egg CasseroleThere aren't many foods that do a better job of combining two meals - in this case, breakfast and lunch - than cheese and eggs. This dish satisfies a mouthful of taste buds and both hearty and light eaters. —Lelia Brown, Annandale, Virginia
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast BakeBlueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house.—Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada
Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers BreakfastThis hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs is just right for any breakfast. &mdash:Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Banana CrepesI like to serve this impressive treat at parties. The pleasant banana-orange flavor makes it wonderful for dinner or brunch. —Freda Becker, Garrettsville, Ohio
Savory Apple-Chicken SausageThese easy, healthy sausages taste great, and they make an elegant brunch dish. The recipe is also very versatile: It can be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and the sausages freeze well either cooked or raw. —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Easy Breakfast StrataWe start this strata recipe the night before so it's ready for the oven the next day. That way, we don't have to deal with the prep and dirty dishes first thing in the morning! —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Breakfast Sausage BreadAny time we take this savory, satisfying bread to a potluck, it goes over very well. We never bring any home. My husband generally makes this bread and prides himself on the beautiful golden loaves.
-Shirley Caldwell, Northwood, Ohio
BLT Brunch PieMy boys can't wait to pick the first ripe tomatoes in our garden to be used in this terrific pie. It has a tempting filling and tomatoes layered in a melt-in-your-mouth crust. And the crust is so easy to make- you just pat the dough into the pan! —Shara Walvoort, Oostburg, Wisconsin
Zucchini FrittataWhen we travel by car, I make the frittata the night before, stuff it into pita bread in the morning and microwave for a minute or two before I wrap them in a towel so down the road we can enjoy a still-warm breakfast! —Carol Blumenberg, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Puffy Apple OmeletWith all the eggs our chickens produce, I could make this omelet every day! It's a pretty, festive-looking dish, but you could fix it anytime—including for a light supper. —Melissa Davenport, Campbell, Minnesota
Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French ToastWhen I want something special to serve my guests for a Saturday or Sunday brunch, I turn to this recipe. It never fails. It's wonderful during the spring and early summer because the blueberries are particularly good this time of year. —Patricia C. Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Bacon 'n' Egg SandwichesI came across this unique grilled combo when I was digging in my mom's recipe box. The crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs and crunchy green onions make these cozy sandwiches look impressive when company drops by for lunch. Best of all, they're a snap to assemble. —Ann Fuemmeler, Glasgow, Missouri
Feta Asparagus FrittataAsparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Basil Vegetable StrataI've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! Fresh basil gives the healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
Breakfast TacosThis is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Rise and Shine ParfaitStart your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Mozzarella & Spinach Breakfast CasseroleSun-dried tomatoes and sausage add lots of texture and flavor to this gooey casserole. We've even enjoyed it reheated after a night game at our local college. It's always a winner in my book. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
Spiced Apple OatmealThese easy apple-y oats let your family have a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Fiesta Egg & Potato BoatsOn a whim, I stuffed eggs into potato shells as a way to use up leftover baked potatoes. It’s the brunch dish people ask for the most. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Mediterranean Veggie Brunch PuffI make breakfast casseroles with whatever I have, like spinach, sweet red pepper and cheddar. With this puff, we like a burst of flavor from Greek vinaigrette. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Raspberry Peach Puff PancakeHere's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Originally Published: November 26, 2019
