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Breakfast on the grill can make mornings a bit more exciting! So, why wait for lunch or dinner to fire up your BBQ? With plenty of quick and easy recipes to try, we’ve got some ideas to inspire. Fill up your family and guests’ tummies with a classic full English breakfast and vegetarian options from our list. This works whether you’re at home or on a campsite with a portable grill.
The Classic Full English Breakfast
Sausages
A traditional English breakfast isn’t complete without these bangers (pun intended)! Juicy grilled sausages with a char-grilled exterior sound absolutely delish.
Start putting a pack of your chosen brand or variety on the BBQ, as they take the longest to cook. The secret to perfect sausage grilling is to use two heating zones. This technique will especially work on a multi-burner gas grill, like a 3-burner BBQ.
Cook the sausages over indirect heat first, then transfer them to high direct heat for a crispy finish. You can whip up an entire batch in 15 minutes or less. While they’re cooking, you can grill the other ingredients alongside.
Tip: Give black pudding a go for something a bit different! It’s made from pork blood, oats, and spices.
Tomatoes
(Image Credit: Freerange Stock)
While the sausages are sizzling away, slice the tomatoes in half, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle a bit of black pepper on top. You can add two minced garlic cloves to taste and then toss them onto the grill.
It usually takes about 4 minutes for blackened grill marks to appear. Once they do, flip the tomatoes over and continue grilling until the garlic turns golden brown, about three more minutes.
Tip: Multi-tasking and food prepping on the BBQ is much easier when you have a handy folding plastic table on the side. Even better, with a full setup like this BillyOh Indiana gas grill offers! This 4-burner unit has a side burner, warming tray, storage racks, cabinets, hooks, and a full kitchen with a sink and tap—what more could you ask for?
Bacon
To fully experience the ultimate full English grilled breakfast, use back bacon. This isn’t your usual bacon; it’s made from pork belly with a little bit of the loin, making it leaner and a slightly healthier option.
Grill the bacon strips on indirect heat to cook them through without burning. For this step, take advantage of the side burner and cook them in a frying pan for 5-7 minutes. Once they’re partially cooked, move the bacon to the main grill (where the sausages and tomatoes are, if done) for another minute or two per side. This will give you that lovely, crispy texture.
Take a peek at the BillyOh Oregon unit to see just how handy a BBQ with a side burner can be!
Beans
You’ve got to have beans! Cook them in a cast iron pan, either on the side burner or the grill, alongside the back bacon. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of mustard for extra flavour, or a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper gives them a nice kick, too.
Leave them on the grill or side burner for 5-7 minutes to absorb a bit of grill flavour. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! If you want them extra hearty, stir some diced bacon or sausages while cooking.
Mushrooms
In a full English breakfast, you’re looking for a whole white button mushroom type. They’re cooked in the usual way, nicely browned and caramelised.
Drizzle the mushroom with olive oil and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Grill them over indirect heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until tender and juicy. Toss a small knob of butter towards the end of cooking for a rich, indulgent flavour.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms on the grill! Give each some space to cook evenly and get that nice charred finish.
Eggs
Eggs are a must! They’re easy to cook—just crack them into a buttered pan and fry until the yolk is as gooey as you like. You can even reuse your baked beans pan. For a bit of steam, add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid or foil. This helps cook the eggs through without overcooking the yolk.
Sourdough
Sourdough has a tangy flavour that complements the richness of the breakfast ingredients. Its thick crust also gets lovely and crispy on the grill. Brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil or melted butter. Give them a quick blast on the BBQ for 2-3 minutes to complete the brekkie!
Vegetarian Options
Grilled halloumi
Halloumi, made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk, is a brilliant alternative to sausages. It’s packed with protein, making it a great addition to your breakfast. Pop it on the grill for a crispy outside that pairs perfectly with its tangy, salty flavour.
Tip: Slice the halloumi about 1cm thick, brush it with olive oil, and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly charred.
Tofu bacon
This is one of our favourites, and even non-vegetarians will love it, that’s for sure! Basically, it’s thinly sliced tofu into bacon-sized strips, marinated and baked until crispy.
Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke in a small bowl to marinate. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 days in the fridge—the longer you marinate it, the more flavourful it becomes!
Place the marinated slices on the grill for 2–3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them as they cook quickly and crisp up. Add a bit more marinade as they grill for extra flavour.
Tip: Try air frying, too. Preheat to 200°C (400°F), spray the basket with oil, and cook the tofu bacon for about 6 minutes until golden.
Veggie haggis
Veggie haggis has the texture and flavour of traditional haggis—satisfying even without the meat! Made with pinhead oats, pepper, and nutmeg, it’s hearty, filling, and a wholesome addition to your breakfast. With its savoury bite, you might not even miss the sausages or black pudding on your plate.
Slice it into patties or chunks, and grill it until lightly crisped up on the outside. Cook them on indirect heat for a few minutes, then move to direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Veggie haggis cooks quickly, so don’t let it burn!
Vegan scrambled eggs
Yes, you can make a vegan version of scrambled eggs using crumbled tofu! Add some nutritional yeast, garlic, and onions, and your vegan guests won’t miss the real thing.
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best, as it holds its structure when crumbled. Once you’ve got a scrambled egg-like consistency, mix in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices. Stir until the flavours are well combined.
Reheat your cast-iron pan over medium heat (or use the side burner), then add the crumbled tofu mixture. Stir for 5–7 minutes until it’s hot and slightly browned. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley, then serve!
Round-up
A classic full English breakfast includes sausages, tomatoes, bacon, beans, mushrooms, eggs, and bread. Try grilled halloumi, tofu bacon, veggie haggis, and vegan scrambled eggs for vegetarian options. It might take a bit of juggling to grill all these ingredients, but it’s mostly about multitasking. With a multi-burner gas BBQ, you’ll have no problem!
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready for a hearty meal. Happy breakfasting!
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