Which Country Has Better Breakfast?
Breakfast can look surprisingly different depending on which side of the Atlantic you're eating on. British breakfasts often lean toward savory combinations of eggs, beans, sausages, toast, and other hearty staples, while American breakfasts cover everything from pancakes and bacon to breakfast sandwiches and sweet pastries. Neither approach is particularly shy about giving you plenty to eat, so let's look at 10 British breakfasts and 10 American breakfasts, alternating between the two to see what makes each one distinctive.
1. Full English Breakfast
One of Britain's biggest breakfast dishes is the Full English Breakfast. As you can imagine, this breakfast doesn't hold back when it comes to portions. You can expect eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast or fried bread, and you might also find black pudding depending on where you're eating, making this a meal that can easily keep you full well beyond breakfast.
2. Pancakes With Bacon
Americans usually pile their pancakes high and cover them in butter and maple syrup. They love to serve them with bacon on the side, which gives this meal a good contrast of flavors. You could also have pancakes with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, etc.
3. Full Scottish Breakfast
Another great British breakfast dish is the Full Scottish. Similar to the Full English, this breakfast may include eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. But as you can expect, the Scottish take on this can include black pudding, tattie scones, and maybe even some haggis.
4. Breakfast Burrito
What better way to have your favorite breakfast wrapped up in a burrito? Breakfast burritos from America can hold a huge amount of your favorite breakfast dishes. You will find these packed with scrambled eggs and normally include some type of meat, such as sausage or bacon, while regional versions vary considerably, especially in the Southwest, where chiles and other flavorful ingredients can play a bigger role.
5. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a British meal made out of leftover vegetables and potatoes. Take any leftover cooked potatoes and cabbage and mash them together. Fry in a pan until golden brown, and it can be eaten on its own or served alongside eggs, meat, or other breakfast items.
6. Biscuits and Gravy
The American take on biscuits and gravy has nothing to do with your typical sweet English biscuit. These are savory breakfast biscuits and are usually broken open and drenched in a sausage-based gravy. Usually served with breakfast meats, this is a great hearty meal to start your day off with.
7. Kedgeree
This British meal is made from Indian influence. Rice is served with smoked fish and hard-boiled eggs. Usually, kedgeree will be made with smoked haddock but can also contain many other foods, such as parsley, spices, or curry powder.
8. Eggs Benedict
Another popular American meal that includes eggs. A breakfast English muffin is covered with Canadian bacon and a fried egg. This is then doused with hollandaise sauce, and many variations of Eggs Benedict can be found at brunch spots across America. It takes a few more steps than pouring cereal into a bowl, but the result feels distinctly brunch-worthy.
9. Welsh Rabbit
A British breakfast meal made from bread that has been browned in a seasoned cheese sauce. This can contain many ingredients, from mustard to Worcestershire sauce. Despite its name, it doesn't contain rabbit, which is probably useful information if you're encountering it for the first time.
10. Breakfast Hash
Many variations can be made when cooking American breakfast hash. From potatoes to meats and vegetables, there are plenty of options. Most Americans enjoy corned beef hash for breakfast, and adding a fried or poached egg on top gives you a breakfast that works just as well at home as it does at a diner.
11. Bacon Butty
A bacon butty is a wonderfully straightforward British breakfast sandwich consisting primarily of bacon tucked between slices of bread or inside a roll. Brown sauce or ketchup is commonly added, depending on personal preference. There's no complicated assembly involved, which is part of the appeal when you want something warm and satisfying without preparing an entire plate.
12. French Toast
Another popular meal that Americans love to have for breakfast. Cut some slices of bread and dip them in some milk and beaten eggs. You can then cook them on a grill until they're golden brown, and some people like to sprinkle cinnamon and powdered sugar on their French toast. It's a good choice when you have bread that needs using and want breakfast to feel a little more special.
13. Bubble and Squeak With Eggs
As stated above, bubble and squeak can be your go-to meal when you're tired of eating the typical English breakfast. Just fry up a piece of bubble and squeak, and you will have plenty of food to last you throughout the day. Serve with a fried or boiled egg, and the crispy exterior and soft interior give the dish plenty of texture without requiring a complicated recipe.
Cathal Mac an Bheatha on Unsplash
14. Biscuits With Eggs and Sausage
You can use these biscuits to not only create biscuits and gravy but also as a sandwich. Have your breakfast biscuit and fill it with some eggs, sausage, or your favorite breakfast meats. Fast-food chains and local restaurants have helped make versions of this combination a familiar option across much of the country.
15. Bacon and Egg Sandwich
A classic breakfast sandwich from the United Kingdom. Bacon and egg can be used to create a filling sandwich that will have you satisfied. Depending on where you get it, the sandwich may come with ketchup, brown sauce, or another condiment.
16. Breakfast Casserole
American breakfast casserole is a great meal if you have lots of guests. You can add any type of breakfast foods to your casserole and have them ready for the table. Because the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, this style of breakfast shows up frequently at family gatherings and holiday mornings.
17. Eggs and Soldiers
Eggs and soldiers is a simple British breakfast built around a soft-boiled egg and strips of toast for dipping. The toast is cut into narrow pieces that can be dipped directly into the runny yolk, making the meal as much about the eating method as the ingredients. It's a particularly charming option when you want breakfast to stay uncomplicated.
U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center on Wikimedia
18. Bagel With Cream Cheese
Americans love to start their day with a breakfast bagel. Cream cheese on a toasted bagel is a must! It can be eaten plain or topped with ingredients such as smoked salmon, tomato, onion, or capers. With so many bagel varieties available, even the bread itself can completely change the final breakfast.
19. Toast With Marmalade
British breakfast tables have long had a place for toast spread with butter and marmalade. The combination of crisp toast, creamy butter, and bittersweet citrus preserves is simple but distinctive. It's also considerably lighter than a full cooked breakfast, making it useful when you want something quick before getting on with your day.
20. Breakfast Sandwich
Americans have taken many meals and turned them into a sandwich. One example is their breakfast sandwich. You can find these anywhere from your local fast-food restaurant to your own kitchen. Whether you grab one from a drive-through or make one in your kitchen, it's a practical way to put several breakfast favorites into a single meal.
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