If you’re looking for the ultimate Irish breakfast recipe, you’ve come to the right place! There’s something absolutely magical about sitting down to a proper Irish breakfast. I remember my first time in Dublin—walking into a cozy cafe and being served this incredible spread of sizzling sausages, crispy bacon, perfectly fried eggs, and so much more. It was hearty, delicious, and exactly what you need to fuel an entire day of adventure. Now, I make this Irish breakfast recipe at home whenever I want to treat my family to something really special!
What I love most about this Irish breakfast recipe is how satisfying and complete it is. Unlike a quick bowl of cereal or toast, this is a proper meal that brings everyone to the table. Yes, it takes a bit more time than your average weekday breakfast, but trust me—it’s worth every single minute. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holidays, or anytime you want to make breakfast feel like an event!
Table of Contents
What is in a Traditional Irish Breakfast?
A traditional Irish breakfast, also called a « full Irish » or « Irish fry, » is a hearty plate that includes several essential components. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
The Core Components:
- Irish bacon (back bacon, not American-style crispy strips)
- Pork sausages (Irish breakfast sausages or bangers)
- Fried eggs (usually cooked sunny-side up or over easy)
- Black pudding (blood sausage – optional but traditional)
- White pudding (oatmeal and pork sausage – also traditional)
- Baked beans (usually Heinz brand)
- Grilled tomatoes (halved and pan-fried)
- Mushrooms (sautéed button or portobello)
- Toast (thick-cut white or brown bread, buttered)
- Irish soda bread (sometimes replaces regular toast)
Optional additions:
- Hash browns or potato farls (potato cakes)
- Fried bread (bread fried in the bacon grease)
This is a HUGE meal, and that’s exactly the point! In Ireland, this breakfast is meant to fuel farmers, workers, and anyone who needs serious energy for the day ahead.
What is the Difference Between a Full Irish Breakfast and a Full English Breakfast?
Great question! While these two breakfasts look similar, there are some key differences:
Full Irish Breakfast includes:
- Irish bacon (back bacon – meatier, less crispy)
- Both black AND white pudding
- Sometimes potato farls or boxty (potato cakes)
- Often served with Irish soda bread
- Barry’s or Lyon’s tea is traditional
Full English Breakfast includes:
- English bacon (back bacon, similar style)
- ONLY black pudding (white pudding is rare)
- Often includes fried bread
- Regular toast (no soda bread)
- More likely to include HP sauce
- Traditional English breakfast tea
The main differences:
- White pudding is uniquely Irish
- Potato elements are more common in Irish versions
- Soda bread is an Irish specialty
- The sausage seasonings differ slightly (Irish sausages have their own flavor profile)
Both are absolutely delicious, but the Irish version has its own distinct character that sets it apart!
What is the Most Popular Breakfast in Ireland?
While the full Irish breakfast is iconic and beloved, it’s actually not an everyday meal for most Irish people anymore. Here’s the reality:
Weekend Special: Most Irish families save the full fry for weekend mornings, special occasions, or when eating out at cafes and restaurants.
Weekday Reality: During the week, Irish people typically eat:
- Porridge (oatmeal)
- Toast with butter and jam
- Cereal
- Yogurt and fruit
- Tea and scones
But when it comes to special breakfast occasions? The full Irish breakfast is absolutely the most popular choice. It’s what people order at hotels, make for holiday mornings, or serve when guests visit. It’s a cultural icon and a point of pride!
How to Make the Best Irish Breakfast: Chef Hanna’s Irish Breakfast Recipe
Yield: 1 full Irish breakfast (scale up as needed)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate (timing is key!)
Best Served: Immediately while hot
Perfect For: Weekend mornings, special occasions, holidays
Alright, let’s make this incredible Irish breakfast recipe! I’m going to walk you through exactly how to cook everything perfectly so it all finishes at the same time—that’s the real trick to a great Irish breakfast recipe.
What You’ll Need
For One Full Irish Breakfast (multiply by number of servings):
Proteins:
- 2 rashers Irish back bacon (or Canadian bacon as substitute)
- 2 Irish breakfast sausages (or good quality pork sausages)
- 2 slices black pudding (optional but traditional)
- 2 slices white pudding (optional but traditional)
- 2 large eggs
Vegetables:
- 1 large tomato, halved
- 4-5 button mushrooms, cleaned
- ½ cup baked beans (Heinz is traditional)
Bread:
- 2 slices thick-cut bread for toast
- Butter for spreading
For Cooking:
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
To Serve:
- Hot tea (Barry’s or Lyon’s Irish tea)
- Orange juice
- HP sauce or ketchup
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan for beans
- Toaster or grill for toast
- Spatula and tongs
- Plates warming in low oven (optional but nice!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Everything First
This is crucial! Get all your ingredients ready before you start cooking:
- Halve your tomatoes
- Clean and slice mushrooms if needed
- Open the can of beans
- Slice the puddings if needed
- Have your bread ready to toast
Pro tip: Warm your serving plates in a 200°F oven. This keeps everything hot while you’re plating!
Step 2: Start with the Sausages (15-20 minutes)
Sausages take the longest, so they go first!
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in your largest skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook slowly, turning every few minutes, until golden brown all over and cooked through. This takes 15-20 minutes.
Important: Don’t rush the sausages! Slow cooking gives them a beautiful golden color and ensures they’re cooked through without burning.
Once done, move them to the side of the pan or transfer to your warming plate.
Step 3: Cook the Black and White Pudding (4-6 minutes)
In the same pan with the sausage fat (adds amazing flavor!), add your black and white pudding slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy on the outside but still soft inside.
The pudding should have a nice crust but shouldn’t be dried out. Transfer to your warming plate when done.
Don’t have pudding? That’s okay! You can skip this and still have an amazing Irish-inspired breakfast. Or substitute with extra sausage or hash browns.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon (4-5 minutes)
Add the bacon rashers to the pan. Irish bacon is meatier than American bacon, so it doesn’t crisp up the same way. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through with slightly crispy edges.
Transfer to the warming plate.
Step 5: Sauté the Mushrooms and Tomatoes (6-8 minutes)
Add a bit more butter to the pan if needed. Place the tomato halves cut-side down and add the mushrooms around them. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes per side until softened and slightly caramelized. Cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
Pro tip: The tomatoes should be soft but still hold their shape. Don’t let them turn to mush!
Step 6: Heat the Baked Beans (5 minutes)
While everything else is cooking, heat your beans in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep them warm until serving.
Step 7: Fry the Eggs (3-4 minutes)
This is the final step! Heat a clean pan or wipe out your main pan. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
Crack your eggs into the pan, being careful not to break the yolks. For traditional Irish breakfast, cook them sunny-side up or over easy.
Sunny-side up: Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny (3-4 minutes). You can spoon hot butter over the top to help cook the whites.
Over easy: Flip carefully and cook for just 30 seconds more.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Make the Toast
While the eggs are cooking, pop your bread in the toaster. You want it golden brown and crispy. Butter it generously while it’s still hot!
Step 9: Plate Everything Beautifully
Now comes the fun part—plating! Here’s how to arrange a proper Irish breakfast:
Traditional plating style:
- Eggs in the center
- Sausages and bacon on one side
- Pudding slices on the other side
- Mushrooms and tomatoes tucked around
- Beans in a small pile or separate bowl
- Toast on the side or underneath
Everything should fit on one plate! It’s meant to be abundant and impressive.
Storage and Leftovers
Can you make this ahead? Not really. The Irish breakfast is best served immediately while everything is hot and freshly cooked.
However, you can prep ahead:
- Slice mushrooms and tomatoes the night before
- Have all ingredients measured and ready
- Pre-cook sausages and reheat (though fresh is better)
Leftovers:
- Refrigerate any components separately in airtight containers
- Use within 2 days
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave
- Sausages and bacon reheat best in a pan
Variations and Substitutions
American-Friendly Irish Breakfast
If you can’t find authentic Irish ingredients, here are great substitutes:
Instead of Irish bacon: Use Canadian bacon (very similar!) or thick-cut ham Instead of Irish sausages: Use quality breakfast sausages or Italian sausages Instead of black/white pudding: Add hash browns or extra sausage Instead of soda bread: Use thick-cut whole grain toast
Lighter Version
Want the flavors without ALL the calories?
- Use turkey sausages instead of pork
- Cook eggs poached instead of fried
- Reduce bacon to 1 rasher
- Skip the puddings
- Add extra mushrooms and tomatoes
- Use low-sodium baked beans
Vegetarian Irish Breakfast
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version!
- Swap meat sausages for vegetarian sausages
- Skip the puddings or use vegetarian versions
- Add extra mushrooms and tomatoes
- Include hash browns or potato cakes
- Add avocado slices
- Include wilted spinach
Add Potato Elements (Very Irish!)
Make it even more authentic:
- Boxty: Irish potato pancakes
- Hash browns: Crispy shredded potatoes
- Potato farls: Potato bread cakes
- Fried potatoes: Leftover boiled potatoes, sliced and fried
Tips for the Best Irish Breakfast
Timing is Everything: Start with items that take longest (sausages), then work backward. Everything should be hot when served!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking for multiple people, use two pans or cook in batches. Overcrowding steams the food instead of frying it.
Save the Fat: Use the rendered fat from sausages and bacon to cook everything else. This adds incredible flavor!
Keep Things Warm: Use a low oven (200°F) to keep finished components warm while you cook the rest.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this breakfast is simple, ingredient quality makes a huge difference. Get good sausages and bacon!
Serve with Irish Tea: Barry’s or Lyon’s Irish breakfast tea is traditional. Strong, black, with a splash of milk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Irish breakfast without black or white pudding?
Absolutely! While pudding is traditional, many people skip it (especially outside of Ireland where it’s harder to find). Your breakfast will still be delicious and authentically Irish-inspired without it. Just add extra sausage or some hash browns instead.
What kind of beans do Irish people use?
Heinz baked beans in tomato sauce are the traditional choice. They’re slightly different from American baked beans—less sweet and more tomatoey. You can find them in the international aisle of most grocery stores, or substitute regular baked beans.
Why is it called a « fry » if not everything is fried?
Great question! In Ireland and the UK, « fry » or « fry-up » refers to the cooking method for the main components (bacon, sausage, eggs). Even though some items like beans and toast aren’t fried, the whole meal is still called a fry because of the traditional cooking method.
Can you eat Irish breakfast for lunch or dinner?
Definitely! In Ireland, « all-day breakfast » is common in cafes and pubs. Many Irish people enjoy a full breakfast for lunch on weekends or even as a hearty dinner. It’s called « breakfast » because of tradition, but you can eat it anytime!
Is Irish breakfast healthy?
Let’s be honest—a full Irish breakfast is a hearty, calorie-dense meal. It’s not something you’d eat every day if you’re watching your calories! However, it does provide:
- Protein from eggs, meat, and beans
- Fiber from beans and whole grain toast
- Vitamins from tomatoes and mushrooms
Think of it as an occasional treat or fuel for a very active day, not an everyday meal.
Where can I buy authentic Irish breakfast ingredients in America?
Online: Amazon, Irish specialty stores In stores: World Market, international grocery stores, some Whole Foods Substitutes work great: Canadian bacon for Irish bacon, quality breakfast sausages for Irish sausages
Many American ingredients work perfectly well for an authentic-tasting Irish breakfast!
What do Irish people drink with breakfast?
Most traditional: Strong black tea with milk (Barry’s or Lyon’s brand) Also common: Orange juice, coffee (though tea is more traditional) Optional: In some settings, Guinness (but typically not at breakfast time!)
Tea is definitely the most authentic beverage choice!
Can I prep anything the night before?
Yes! Here’s what you can do:
- Slice mushrooms and tomatoes (store in fridge)
- Measure out all ingredients
- Set out pans and utensils
- Pre-cook sausages and store in fridge (reheat when serving)
However, eggs, bacon, and vegetables are best cooked fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This Irish breakfast recipe has been perfected through countless weekend mornings in my kitchen. Here’s why it delivers perfect results:
- The cooking order ensures everything finishes together and stays hot
- Using the rendered fat from meats adds incredible authentic flavor
- Proper timing prevents overcooked or undercooked components
- Simple seasonings let quality ingredients shine
- Traditional components create authentic Irish flavor
This isn’t complicated cooking—it’s about good timing, quality ingredients, and respecting the traditional elements that make an Irish breakfast special.
“Discover a slightly different but equally delicious recipe on YouTube via the link below:”
https://youtu.be/WBxQSd4kqKo
Final Thoughts
Making this Irish breakfast recipe at home is one of my favorite weekend traditions. Yes, it takes more time than pouring cereal, and yes, you’ll use every pan in your kitchen—but the result is absolutely worth it!
There’s something special about sitting down to this hearty, generous meal with family or friends. It turns breakfast into an event, a celebration, and creates those cozy weekend moments that everyone remembers.
Whether you’re trying to recreate a memory from Ireland, celebrating Irish heritage, or just want to make a seriously impressive breakfast, this Irish breakfast recipe delivers. The combination of savory sausages, crispy bacon, runny eggs, and all those delicious sides creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
So this weekend, grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and treat yourself to a proper Irish fry with this authentic Irish breakfast recipe. Your taste buds (and anyone you’re cooking for) will thank you!
Sláinte and happy cooking! ☘️🍳✨
Traditional Full Irish Breakfast
Equipment
- Large frying pan / skillet
- Small saucepan (for beans)
- Oven (to keep foods warm) optional
Ingrédients
Main Components
- 2 rashers Irish bacon (back bacon)
- 1 Irish pork sausage
- 2 slices black pudding
- 2 slices white pudding
- 2 eggs fried (sunny-side up) or as preferred
- 1/2 cup baked beans (in tomato sauce)
- 3-4 mushrooms (button or sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (halved or sliced)
- Potato / hash brown / leftover potatoes fried or cooked potato option
- 2 slices Irish soda bread or brown soda bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to about 180 °C (350 °F) to keep cooked items warm while preparing others.
- Arrange potatoes or hash browns (or leftover cooked potatoes) on a baking tray, drizzle lightly with oil, and bake until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
- While potatoes bake, heat the baked beans in a small saucepan until warmed through.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, fry the bacon rashers until cooked but not too crispy. Transfer to a warm plate (or into the oven to keep warm).
- Next, cook the sausages in the same pan, turning until cooked through, then transfer to the warming area.
- Slice black and white pudding into rounds, then fry them for a few minutes on each side until browned. Add to the warming plate.
- Add mushrooms and tomatoes to the pan; sauté until mushrooms are browned and tomatoes are softened.
- In the same pan, fry the eggs (sunny-side up or to your preference).
- To serve: place all cooked components (bacon, sausage, black & white pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, beans) on a plate. Serve with slices of soda or brown bread (buttered).
Notes
