As Christmas draws closer, kitchens begin to feel warmer, louder, and a little more magical. There’s the sound of laughter, the clink of cutlery being placed, and the comforting thought of a meal shared with people who matter. While roasts take centre stage on festive tables, it’s often the small classics that quietly steal the show. One such timeless favourite is the humble Yorkshire pudding- crisp on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for soaking up gravy on a cold December evening.
Whether you’re planning a traditional Christmas lunch or simply want to add something special to a winter weekend roast, Yorkshire pudding fits right in. It’s simple, affordable, and brings a sense of old-world comfort that feels especially right at this time of year.
Here’s a classic Yorkshire pudding recipe you can rely on this festive season.
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Ingredients
100g (3½oz) plain flour
¼ tsp salt
3 large free-range eggs
225ml (8fl oz) milk (preferably semi-skimmed)
4 tbsp sunflower oil
Recipe
Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the eggs and a little of the milk, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk, whisking continuously. You can use a wooden spoon, but an electric hand-held whisk makes the process easier. Pour the batter into a jug and let it rest for an hour if time allows.
Add a teaspoon of oil into each hole of a 12-bun tray, a tablespoon into each hole of a 4-hole tin, or three tablespoons into a roasting tin. Place the tray in the oven for 5–10 minutes until the oil is piping hot.
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Carefully remove the tray and pour the batter evenly into the hot oil. Return it to the oven immediately and bake for 20–25 minutes (or about 35 minutes if using a roasting tin) until golden, puffed, and crisp. Serve straight away.
A little festive tip: resting the batter helps the puddings rise better, and piping-hot oil is the real secret to that dramatic Christmas-table lift.
As the year winds down and plates are passed around the table, Yorkshire pudding reminds us that festive food doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes, the simplest traditions bring the most comfort- and that’s exactly what Christmas is all about.
