The Quintessential Sausage for a Full English Breakfast

The full English breakfast is a beloved British tradition, featuring a hearty combination of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and black pudding. But what makes a proper full English sausage? This iconic meal has particular sausage requirements to be authentic.

Traditional Banger Sausages Are Most Common

The traditional sausage used in a full English breakfast is the ‘banger’ – a pork sausage typically flavored with sage. Bangers get their name from their tendency to ‘bang’ or explode when cooked due to their high fat content. This style of sausage has a coarse texture and bold, meaty flavor that stands up well when paired with eggs, bacon, beans, and the other strong flavors of a full fry up.

Bangers became popular in the 1800s as a way to use up scraps and oddments of pork. Butchers devised recipes to make the most of pork offal, fat, rind, and other trimmings by seasoning them heavily to make inexpensive, tasty sausages. These sausages evolved into the seasoned pork links we know as bangers today.

The Rise of Cumberland Sausages

While bangers are standard Cumberland sausages are also an excellent choice for a full English. Cumberland sausages originate from Cumberland County in England’s rugged North West. They have a tightly packed texture and tend to be seasoned with lots of black pepper and herbs.

Many traditionalists argue Cumberland sausages don’t belong on a full English breakfast plate. However, as this sausage grew popular in the 20th century, it became a common substitution. The spicy, robust flavors of Cumberland sausages complement the other full breakfast elements nicely.

Lincolnshire, Pork & Apple, or Veggie Sausages

Beyond bangers and Cumberland sausages, there are other sausage options that can work well in a full English breakfast

• Lincolnshire sausages are made from finely minced pork and seasonings. They have a dense, even texture and zesty taste from sage, thyme, and marjoram.

• Pork and apple sausages offer a nice sweetness from grated apples added to the pork. Their milder flavor balances the other salty, savory breakfast components.

• Vegetarian and vegan sausages are made from meat substitutes like soy protein or seitan seasoned with herbs and spices. These are good options for vegetarians wanting the delicious sausage experience.

While non-traditional, these sausages can be an acceptable substitute in a full English breakfast as long as the flavor profile matches the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Sausages

Full English sausages are best pan-fried, grilled, or baked until browned all over and cooked through. Be sure to turn the sausages frequently and prick the casings to prevent bursts. Lower heat is essential to cook the sausages evenly without burning the exterior.

Many people parboil sausages briefly before the final cook to ensure they are cooked through. This can help reduce fat splatter as well.

Good-quality pork sausage links, cooked properly, will release flavorful fats that enhance the overall dish. Serve sausages alongside the eggs, bacon, mushrooms, beans, and other breakfast elements so all the flavors marry together.

The Best Type of Sausage Comes Down to Preference

Opinions differ on whether traditional banger sausages, Cumberland links, or other varieties are superior for full English breakfasts. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual taste.

As long as the sausage is made from quality pork, lamb, or meat substitute and seasoned robustly with herbs, pepper, and spices, it will likely complement a full fry up wonderfully. Bangers may be the expected choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different sausages too.

A good sausage with the right texture and flavor will bring this classic breakfast together and make it feel like an indulgent, hearty meal to fuel your day the English way.