English Breakfast
A hearty traditional English breakfast featuring crispy bacon, creamy tomatoes, perfectly cooked eggs, and buttered toast—an ideal start to a satisfying day for any breakfast lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a cover, cook bacon slices over moderate heat until they are crisp.
- Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain and keep warm.
- Pour off all but 4 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet; add plum tomatoes and cook over moderate heat, stirring the mixture to break up the tomatoes, for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste and cook the mixture until it is thick.
- Pour off 1/2 of the tomato mixture into a second skillet.
- Gently break 8 eggs over the tomato mixture in each skillet; sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook until eggs are done to your preference, about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toast bread slices and butter them.
- Arrange the buttered toast on plates, placing them on one side.
- Transfer 2 eggs with a spatula to the opposite side of each plate.
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the eggs.
- Place 2 slices of bacon on each slice of toast.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this classic dish, consider using turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a healthier option. You can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste. Additionally, adding herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the flavor of the tomato mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can speed up the process significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the English Breakfast with a side of baked beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meal. A light salad, like a 4-Layered Marinated Salad, can add a refreshing contrast. Pair with a strong cup of English breakfast tea to complete the experience, making it perfect for brunch or a special weekend breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the bacon and tomato mixture in a skillet over low heat, and microwave the eggs for a few seconds if needed. Avoid reheating the toast to maintain its texture; instead, consider making fresh toast for serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Breakfast contains roughly 184 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a meat substitute, such as smoked tempeh or veggie bacon. You can also add more vegetables, like sautéed spinach or mushrooms, to enhance the dish and keep it filling.
What can I use instead of plum tomatoes?
If you can't find plum tomatoes, chopped canned tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes can be good alternatives. Just ensure to cook them long enough to achieve the desired thickness. You may also consider using crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture in the sauce.
How do I achieve perfectly cooked eggs?
To achieve perfectly cooked eggs, cover the skillet during cooking to trap steam, which helps cook the eggs evenly. For runny yolks, aim for about 3 minutes of cooking time, while 5 minutes will yield firmer yolks. Adjust based on your personal preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).