Classic Irish Breakfast Recipe Jump to recipe

Classic Irish Breakfast Recipe

Discover the classic Irish breakfast, or Ulster fry, a filling meal consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast.

The Classic Irish breakfast is a meal that is typically consumed in Ireland and is known for its hearty and satisfying qualities. It typically includes a combination of eggs, sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast.

The sausages used in an Irish breakfast are known as “bangers” and are made with pork and a variety of seasonings, resulting in a distinctive flavor. Black and white pudding are similar to sausages in texture but are made using a blend of pork, oats, and spices.
Black pudding is made using pig’s blood, giving it a distinct color and taste. Bacon in an Irish breakfast is typically thicker than the bacon found in North America.

Mushrooms and tomatoes are often cooked as a side dish to accompany the meaty components of the meal. Toasted bread is also a crucial element, typically served with butter.

Overall, the Irish breakfast is a filling and delicious meal that represents traditional Irish cuisine.

classic-irish-breakfast-recipe1

Classic Irish Breakfast Recipe

Cooking method: Frying
Cuisine: Irish
Difficulty: intermediate
Prep timeCook TimeRest TimeTotal Time
10 min 30 min - 40 min
Servings: 2 person
Calories: 780kcal
Best season: all

The Irish breakfast,

also known as the “Ulster fry,” is an essential part of Irish cuisine with a rich history. It originated from the hearty meals that farmers would consume in rural Ireland to energize themselves for a long day’s work.

Classic Irish Breakfast Recipe
Discover the classic Irish breakfast, or Ulster fry.

The full Irish breakfast gained popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly among Irish workers and laborers. It was especially common in Ulster, which is located in the northern region of Ireland.

The breakfast was also a way for families to use up leftover ingredients from the previous day’s meals. For instance, black pudding and white pudding were often made from pork and oatmeal remnants, while bacon and eggs were part of the typical farm diet.

As time passed, the full Irish breakfast became a significant aspect of Irish culture, with many cafes, hotels, and bed and breakfasts creating their own unique versions of the meal.
Currently, both locals and tourists savor the Irish breakfast and consider it a must-try dish when visiting Ireland.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven

    to 200°C (400°F).

  2. In a large frying pan, cook the sausages and bacon until browned on both sides.

  3. Remove and place on a baking tray in the oven to keep warm.

  4. In the same frying pan, add the black and white pudding and cook until browned on both sides.

  5. Remove and place on the baking tray in the oven with the sausages and bacon.

  6. In the same frying pan, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

  7. In the same frying pan, add the sliced tomato and cook until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.

  8. Crack the eggs

    into the frying pan and cook to your preference (sunny-side up, over easy, etc.).

  9. Toast the bread and spread with butter or oil.

  10. To assemble the breakfast, place the sausages, bacon, black pudding, and white pudding on a plate.

  11. Add the cooked mushrooms and tomato. Top with the cooked eggs and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  12. Serve hot with the toasted bread on the side.

    Enjoy your delicious and hearty Irish breakfast!