This English Breakfast Bread packs everything you love about a full English into one savoury brunch bake. It is topped with eggs, bacon, tomatoes, chipolata sausages, cheddar, and a little fresh oregano, all on a soft, fluffy base.
Best of all it comes together fast and is ready in about 20 minutes, so it suits a busy morning or a lazy weekend. Bake it in a cast-iron pan, a cake tin, or a baking tray, whatever you have.
The idea came from Korean egg bread (Gyeran Bbang), which I gave a savoury British twist.
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Pin itBest Toppings for English Breakfast Bread: Creative and Classic Ideas
One of the best things about English Breakfast Bread is how versatile it is. While the classic toppings like eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese capture the essence of a traditional full English breakfast, there’s so much room for creativity. You can easily customise this dish to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
For a traditional touch, you might want to add slices of black pudding or a generous spoonful of baked beans for that comforting, hearty feel. Sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach are excellent if you’re looking to add some earthy flavours or a pop of green.
If cheese is your thing, don’t limit yourself to cheddar - mozzarella can give you that gooey, melty finish, while crumbled feta adds a tangy edge. For those who enjoy bold flavours, blue cheese can take your breakfast bread to the next level.
Feeling adventurous? Add a Spanish twist with slices of spicy chorizo or a Mediterranean vibe with sun dried tomatoes. If you love Korean flavours, a little kimchi brings a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the savoury bread.
Even sweet elements can work! A drizzle of maple syrup over crispy bacon creates a tempting sweet-and-salty combo, and caramelised onions add a touch of natural sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.
Pin itWhat Dish Should You Use to Bake English Breakfast Bread?
When it comes to baking English Breakfast Bread, the dish you choose plays an important role in ensuring even cooking and the perfect texture. Luckily, this recipe is versatile, so you can adapt based on what you have in your kitchen.
A cast iron pan is my top recommendation. Its excellent heat retention creates a perfectly golden base while evenly cooking the toppings. If you’re lucky enough to own one, this is the way to go for a rustic and authentic feel. Don’t have one? No problem! A non-stick cake tin works just as well, especially if you prefer a deeper bread. For a thinner version, a baking tray will do the job beautifully and allow for more topping coverage.
Here are a few handy options if you’re looking to upgrade your bakeware:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet - Perfect for even cooking and a timeless addition to any kitchen.
- Non-Stick Round Cake Tin - Ideal for thicker breakfast bread and easy to clean.
- Large Baking Tray with Handles - Great for a flatter bread and easier slicing.
No matter what dish you choose, make sure to grease it well with butter to prevent sticking and help create that delicious golden crust.
Pin itEquipment You’ll Need
Short list here, though the pan does most of the work.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
All the best bits of a full English, baked in:
- A simple bread dough flour, yeast, water and salt.
- Bacon and sausage cooked and folded through.
- Cheese for savoury richness.
- Egg to brush or bake in.
- Seasoning black pepper and a little herb.
A note from the chef: English Breakfast Bread is my own creation. Once you really understand the science behind cooking, you can start to play - so I took the flavours of a full English breakfast and baked them into a loaf. It is a little different, but it works beautifully. That is the joy of cooking for me: understand the process and the nature of your ingredients, and you can invent something new that still tastes great. In the end it is all science and nature - the way of things.
Recipe Card for English Breakfast Bread
English Breakfast Bread
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowl - For preparing the batter.
- Cast Iron Pan - Ideal for even cooking and a rustic presentation. A regular oven-safe pan can also work.
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula - For spreading the batter in the pan.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Bread:
- 100 g Plain flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Large egg
- 50 ml Milk
- 1 tsp Butter - (for greasing the pan)
Topping Ingredients:
- 4 Chipolata sausages - (cooked) I used Cumberland type cut in half.
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Large Tomato - thickly sliced
- 2 slices Streaky Unsmoked Bacon - sliced
- 50 g Cheddar Cheese - grated
- Black pepper - to your taste
- Oregano - for garnish
- Brown sauce - or any other sauce that you like
Instructions:
- Set your oven to 200°C (392°F). While it heats, grease your cast iron pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry bread ingredients: self-rising flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk in the milk and egg until you have a smooth batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in your greased pan. Arrange the toppings in the following order:- Crack the eggs onto the batter.- Add the cooked sausage halves.- Place the tomato slices.- Scatter the bacon pieces on top.- Fill any gaps with grated cheddar cheese.- Sprinkle with extra black pepper for that final kick.
- If using a cast iron pan, heat the bottom on the stove for one minute to give the bread a head start. Then, transfer it to the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes or until the bread is golden, the eggs are set, and the toppings are bubbling.
- Remove the pan from the oven and garnish with fresh oregano. Drizzle with brown sauce for that unmistakable English breakfast flavor. Serve immediately, though I found it tastes just as delightful cold!
Nutrition:
Love baking your own bread? Try my Quick and Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe, Authentic Greek Flatbread and Chicken Shawarma with Laffa Bread.
Pin itFAQ for English Breakfast Bread
What is English Breakfast Bread?
It is my own creation - a savoury loaf that bakes the flavours of a full English breakfast into a bread. A little different, but it really works.
Can I make it ahead or freeze it?
Yes - it keeps for a couple of days wrapped, and slices freeze well; you can toast them straight from frozen for an easy breakfast.
What do I serve it with?
It is almost a meal in itself, but it is lovely toasted with butter, or served alongside eggs for a proper breakfast.
Can I change what goes in it?
Absolutely - that is the fun of it. Swap in your favourite breakfast bits. Once you understand the dough, you can play with it.
More recipes you’ll like
- For another hearty favourite, try my Steak and Ale Pie
A Few Words from the Chef
I absolutely love making this English Breakfast Bread - it’s such a fun and satisfying way to enjoy the flavours of a full English breakfast in one delicious dish. The soft, fluffy bread base topped with savoury ingredients like eggs, bacon, and sausages is simply tempting. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a hearty breakfast to share with loved ones.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you stick to the classic toppings or get creative with your own twist? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on social media with your creations. Your feedback and ideas make this cooking journey even more exciting! 😊
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Made it it was nice twist for breakfast, chilli sauce on top! Thankes