A Simple, Garden-Fresh Breakfast to Start Your Day Right
- Sarah Cooper
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
If you caught our recent Instagram post, you know we’re raving about one of our all-time favourite breakfasts here at Cornish Cottage Homestead. This dish is a celebration of fresh, homegrown ingredients and simple cooking that lets the flavours shine. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something hearty, wholesome, and bursting with garden goodness. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started!
Why This Breakfast is a Favourite
This breakfast is a love letter to our garden and the joy of homegrown produce. There’s something magical about picking cherry tomatoes and herbs fresh from the soil—it’s a connection to the land that makes every bite taste better. While store-bought ingredients work fine, you just can’t beat the vibrant, sweet flavour of a homegrown tomato or the aromatic punch of freshly picked basil and parsley. Pair that with a slice of homemade bread (especially when it’s starting to lose its freshness) and a perfectly fried egg, and you’ve got a plate that’s both rustic and luxurious.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
A handful of cherry tomatoes: I pick mine straight from the garden. Store-bought is okay, but trust me, homegrown tomatoes are on another level.
1 clove of garlic: You can add more if you prefer a bolder, more savoury kick.
A handful of fresh basil: Freshly picked from the garden, roughly chopped.
1 slice of homemade bread: This is perfect for day-old bread that’s starting to lose its freshness.
Olive oil: I use Citizens of Soil olive oil—it’s top-notch, and their range of oils adds such depth to dishes. Highly recommend giving them a try!
1 egg: Fresh from our hens, if you’ve got them. But don't worry if you don't.
Fresh parsley: A small handful, chopped, straight from the garden for a finishing touch.
Salt and pepper: To season.
Method
Cook the Tomatoes: Heat a generous glug of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s sizzling. Add your cherry tomatoes and fry them until they soften and start to burst, about 5-7 minutes. Their juices will mingle with the oil, creating a delicious base.
Add Garlic and Basil: Finely chop the garlic clove (add more if you prefer—don’t be shy!) and toss it into the pan with the tomatoes. Stir for a minute or two until fragrant. Then, add the roughly chopped basil and fry for another minute to combine the flavours. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly—those tomatoes are like molten lava straight from the pan, so give them a moment to avoid burning your mouth!
Fry the Bread: In another frying pan, heat another drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your slice of homemade bread and fry until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, place it on a plate.
Fry the Egg: In the same pan you used for the bread, add a bit more olive oil if needed and fry your egg to your liking—sunny-side up or over-easy works great here.
Assemble and Enjoy: Now for the fun part! Spoon the warm tomato, garlic, and basil mixture over the fried bread. Top with your fried egg, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grab a fork (or just dive in with your hands if you’re feeling rustic) and enjoy the explosion of flavours.
Why We Love It
This breakfast is quick, uses minimal ingredients, and makes the most of what’s growing in our garden. The combination of juicy, homegrown tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs elevates a simple fried egg and bread to something truly special. Plus, using slightly stale homemade bread gives it a second life, reducing waste while adding that perfect crunch. The Citizens of Soil olive oil ties it all together with its rich, fruity notes—seriously, if you haven’t tried their oils yet, you’re missing out.
If you give this recipe a go, let us know how it turns out! Tag us on Instagram @CornishCottageHomestead or drop a comment on the blog.
Want more garden-to-table recipes or off-grid living tips? Keep following along for more from our Cornish adventure.
Happy cooking!
Sarah & Damian, Cornish Cottage Homestead
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