British Breakfast at Home in Spain: A Full English Guide
A proper British breakfast is less a recipe than a plate you assemble: something hot, something on toast, something sharp and something sweet, with a big pot of tea alongside. Here is how to put one together at home in Spain, using a few pantry staples that make it feel properly British.
The plate: what goes on it
Everyone argues about what belongs on a "full English", and the honest answer is that it depends on who is cooking. A typical plate has eggs, bacon or sausages, grilled tomato, mushrooms, toast and baked beans. Eggs, bacon and sausages you can buy at any Spanish supermarket; it is the British pantry bits that are harder to find, and that is where we come in.
Baked beans: the essential
For most people the beans are non-negotiable. Branston Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce are made with beans in a thick tomato sauce, and they work on the plate or simply on a slice of buttered toast. Warm them gently in a small pan, stirring now and then, rather than boiling them hard, so the sauce stays thick.
Toast, spreads and marmalade
Toast is the quiet hero of the plate. Butter it while it is still hot, then decide which side you are on: Marmite if you like something savoury and bold (spread it very thinly), or Chivers Olde English Orange Marmalade for a sweet and citrusy finish. Many British households have both on the table.
A little heat on the side
If you fry sausages or bacon, a small spoonful of Colman's English Mustard on the side adds a hot, sharp contrast. A little goes a long way, so start with a dab on the edge of the plate. A pinch of Saxa Fine Sea Salt over the eggs finishes things off.
The tea
No British breakfast is complete without a mug of tea. Tetley Original Tea is a classic black tea that is lovely with a splash of milk. Pour freshly boiled water over the bag, leave it for a few minutes, then add the milk to taste.
Putting it together
- Start the sausages first, since they take longest, then add the bacon.
- Warm the beans gently in a small pan.
- Fry or poach the eggs while the toast is in.
- Butter the toast, then plate everything together and bring the tea to the table.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a British breakfast without meat?
Yes. Eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomato and toast make a very satisfying plate on their own, and plenty of people in the UK eat it that way.
Do I have to heat the baked beans?
Most people do. Warm them in a small pan or in the microwave until hot, stirring once or twice.
Is Marmite spread thickly?
Very thinly. It has a strong flavour, so a scrape over buttered toast is plenty, especially the first time you try it.
Where can I buy British breakfast ingredients in Spain?
Eggs and sausages are easy to find locally. For the British pantry items such as beans, marmalade, Marmite and mustard, you can order them from our British collection.
Everything above ships from FoodieMarket across mainland Spain and the Balearics in 3–5 working days, with free delivery on orders over €20.