A quintessential British holiday side that pairs perfectly with roast beef or turkey
This traditional Yorkshire pudding recipe has been a British holiday centerpiece for centuries. With its golden, puffed exterior and soft interior, it's the perfect companion to rich gravies and roasted meats.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas feast or a festive Sunday roast, these puddings add authenticity and drama to your table. The secret to success? A piping-hot oven and careful batter consistency.
This recipe yields 8 large puddings, but you can easily halve the ingredients for smaller gatherings. Pro tip: Make them just before serving for maximum puffing power!
Ready to master this iconic British dish? Let's dive into why this recipe works wonders.
From Victorian kitchens to modern holiday tables, Yorkshire pudding remains a beloved tradition. Follow these steps to create your own golden masterpiece.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Authentic British Tradition
Recreates the original 18th-century recipe with precise ratios and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
💰 Simple Ingredients
Only four pantry staples: flour, eggs, milk, and salt. No special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Size
Makes 8 large puddings that serve a full holiday dinner party. Perfect for family gatherings and festive feasts.
🌟 Professional Results
Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve restaurant-quality puffing and golden color every time.
Classic Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
The ultimate British holiday side dish
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- - 6 large eggs
- - 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/2 cup (120ml) melted butter
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or eight individual ramekins.
💡 Use non-stick pans for best results
Make batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, eggs, salt, and milk until smooth. Let rest 5 minutes.
💡 Resting allows gluten to relax for better rise
Add butter: Just before baking, whisk in melted butter until fully incorporated.
💡 This step is crucial for that golden color
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
💡 Do not open oven during first 15 minutes
Serve immediately: Transfer to serving plates while still hot and puffy.
💡 Best served right out of the oven
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Flour
All-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Cake flour (for extra tenderness), bread flour (for more rise)
Eggs
Room temperature eggs whip better and create a lighter texture. Avoid over-whisking to prevent a rubbery texture.
Substitutions: None - eggs are essential for structure
Milk
Whole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% or even almond milk. Avoid low-fat or skim for best results.
Substitutions: Buttermilk (for extra tang), evaporated milk
Butter
Unsalted butter is crucial for flavor control. Melt it just before adding to the batter for maximum flavor.
Substitutions: Olive oil (for a Mediterranean twist)
Pro Tips for Perfect Yorkshire Pudding
🔥 Oven Temperature
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for maximum puffing. Do not reduce temperature during baking.
🥄 Batter Consistency
The batter should be smooth but not runny. Add a splash of milk if it's too thick.
⏳ Timing Is Everything
Make puddings just before serving. They deflate quickly and lose their perfect shape.
🧈 Butter Technique
Whisk melted butter into the batter just before baking for maximum flavor and golden color.
Variations & Customizations
Herbed Pudding
Mix in 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary with the flour for a fragrant twist.
Individual Portions
Use ramekins for personal servings that are perfect for holiday buffets.
Cheese Version
Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar to the batter for a savory twist.
Mini Puddings
Use muffin tins for bite-sized versions that are great for appetizers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast beef with red wine gravy
- Herb-crusted lamb
- Traditional Christmas turkey
- Yorkshire pudding with black pepper sauce
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a traditional British ale.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare batter up to 1 hour ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooked puddings in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked puddings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven rather than microwave to restore crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My puddings didn't rise. What went wrong?
A: Check oven temperature and ensure batter is at room temperature. Avoid opening oven during first 15 minutes.
Q: How to prevent burning?
A: Rotate pans halfway through baking. Use oven thermometer to verify temperature.
Q: Can I make them in advance?
A: Prepare batter up to 1 hour ahead, but bake just before serving for maximum puffing.
Q: Why are they deflating?
A: Yorkshire puddings deflate naturally as they cool. Serve immediately for best results.
Final Thoughts
This traditional Yorkshire pudding recipe is a holiday must-have that brings authenticity and warmth to your table. With its perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft interior, it's the ultimate companion to rich gravies and roasted meats.
Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a family gathering, this recipe will impress your guests and create lasting memories. Don't forget to serve it while it's still puffed and golden!
