Irish Breakfast
A hearty, traditional Irish breakfast featuring sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, eggs, and all the fixings. The ultimate weekend brunch or hearty start to any day, bringing a taste of Ireland to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Sausages and Heat the Beans
- b.Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
- c.While the sausages cook, pour the baked beans into a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Bacon and Puddings
- b.Once the sausages are nearly done, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the bacon rashers to the other side and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preference.
- c.Add the slices of black and white pudding to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are heated through and have a slightly crispy exterior.
- d.Remove all cooked meats from the skillet and place them on a plate in a warm oven (around 90°C / 200°F) to keep hot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Vegetables
- b.Leave the meat drippings in the skillet. Add the tomato halves, cut-side down, and the sliced mushrooms to the pan.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred and the mushrooms are browned and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- d.Remove from the pan and keep warm with the meats.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry Eggs and Make Toast
- b.Wipe the skillet clean or use a separate non-stick pan. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- c.Carefully crack the eggs into the pan. Fry for 2-4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, or cook to your desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.
- d.While the eggs are frying, toast the bread slices until golden brown. Spread the remaining butter on the hot toast.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Arrange all the components on four large, warmed plates. A typical serving includes 2 sausages, 2 bacon rashers, a slice of each pudding, 2 fried eggs, a portion of tomatoes and mushrooms, and a generous spoonful of baked beans.
- c.Serve immediately with the buttered toast on the side and a cup of strong Irish tea.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, source genuine Irish sausages, bacon (rashers), and puddings from a specialty butcher or market.
- 2Use a large cast-iron skillet for the best browning and to retain heat.
- 3Keep a plate in a low-temperature oven (90°C / 200°F) to hold cooked items, ensuring everything is hot when served.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything gets crispy and brown rather than steaming.
- 5The fat rendered from the sausages and bacon is key for flavoring the mushrooms and tomatoes, so don't discard it!
- 6Serve with traditional Irish brown soda bread instead of white toast for a more rustic meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ulster Fry
A variation from Northern Ireland that includes potato bread (fadge) and soda farls, which are fried in the pan along with the other ingredients.
VegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the meat products with high-quality vegetarian sausages and use a plant-based black pudding. Cook the vegetables in oil or butter instead of meat drippings.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Grill the sausages and bacon instead of frying them, and poach the eggs instead of frying. This significantly reduces the overall fat content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With sausages, bacon, pudding, and eggs, this breakfast provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Sustained Energy Release
The combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates from the toast and beans provides a large amount of energy that is released slowly, keeping you fueled for hours.
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Black pudding and red meat are excellent sources of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. The meal is also rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and energy production.
Frequently asked questions
They are very similar, but the key difference is the inclusion of black and white pudding in an Irish breakfast. An English breakfast often includes fried bread or hash browns, which are less common in a traditional Irish fry-up.