How to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding (2024)

Most people think Yorkshire puddings are too hard to make at home, but the recipe is actually very simple.

There are just a few things you need to get right first to ensure that your Yorkshire puds are light and fluffy and rise, rather than sink, before they even hit the plate.

The Good Housekeeping cookery team has had years of experience in making Yorkshire puddings. here's their full proof recipe and their expert tips on getting Yorkshire puddings right every time.

How to get crisp Yorkshire puddings

The secret to crisp Yorkshire puddings is to get both the tin and fat piping hot. There should be a sizzle when you pour the batter into the hot oil. The batter will immediately start cooking, resulting in higher and crispier puds. The hot pan also means your Yorkies are less likely to stick to it when you remove them later.

How to stop Yorkshire puddings sinking

To prevent your Yorkshire puddings from sinking, don’t open the oven door before the end of cooking time. When you remove the tin from the oven, do not leave the puddings near any drafts. The most foolproof way to stop your puddings from sinking? Eat them straight away!

Always rest the batter first

Resting the batter really does result in better-risen Yorkshire puddings with an airier texture (rather than chewy). About an hour is sufficient to allow the starch molecules to swell, giving a thicker consistency, and for the gluten to relax. Your batter will have a more uniform structure, so rising will be easier for the puds.

And room temperature batter is ideal

Room temperature vs cold batter: if your batter is at room temperature when it hits the hot pan, you will get a better rise with a crispier hollow pudding. If your batter is cold, your Yorkshires will be slightly more dense inside but with that perfect gravy-pooling cup shape. So it’s completely down to personal preference!

Add herbs for flavour

To jazz up your Yorkshire puds, try adding chopped herbs such as thyme or sage to the batter. If serving with beef, add a pinch of mustard powder with the flour for added punch.

And beef fat too

Use the fat from your roast beef when it comes out the oven to grease your pudding pan for added flavour.

Freeze Yorkshire puddings in advance

If making Yorkshire puddings is too stressful just before serving roast dinner, why not make them in advance and freeze? (They may not be as risen and puffy as fresh, but we won’t tell!) Wrap the puddings well in clingfilm and foil once cool, then keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen on a baking tray in an oven preheated to 220°C (200°C fan oven) mark 7 for about 8-10min until hot and crisp.

Yorkshire puddings for dessert - no, really!

For the Yorkshire Pudding mega fan, top puds with golden syrup and ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert (just don’t cook them with beef dripping – that would not be a match made in heaven)!

How to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding (1)

Yorkshire pudding recipe

Ingredients

  • 175 (6oz) plain flour
  • 2 medium eggs, beaten
  • 300 (1/2 pint) milk
  • Beef fat from the roasting tin, spooned off and reserved

    Directions

    • Sift flour into a large mixing bowl with pinch of salt. Stir and make a well in centre. Pour in beaten egg and a generous splash of milk. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine all ingredients. Add a splash more milk to loosen mixture.
    • Switch to a balloon whisk and whisk vigorously, gradually adding in remainder of milk in stages until batter is smooth and consistency of cream. Cover and chill for 30min then pour into a jug.
    • Heat 1tsp of beef dripping in each hole of a large muffin tin at 220°C (200°C fan) mark 7 for 5min.
    • Pour batter into holes, about halfway full. Cook for 20-25min until puffed up and golden. Don’t be tempted to open oven door before end of cooking time or puddings may sink.
    How to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to making Yorkshire pudding rise? ›

    There is a secret to every Yorkshire pudding recipe when it comes to getting Yorkshire puddings to rise properly. In fact there are two. The first is to let the batter rest once you've mixed and the second is to heat your tin and beef dripping so it's piping hot when you do pour the batter in.

    Should Yorkshire batter be thick or runny? ›

    Yes, the batter should be runny, about the consistency of heavy cream. Here is my very quick, easy and amazing cheap recipe together with some important points which will make sure the puddings are a success.

    Should I let my Yorkshire pudding batter rest? ›

    Resting the batter overnight is key for developing better flavor. Forget about cold batter: letting it rest at room temperature helps it rise taller as it bakes. A combination of milk and water gives the Yorkshire puddings extra rise and crispness.

    Why aren t my Yorkshire puddings crispy? ›

    The general rule of thumb is that substituting some, or even half of the milk in your recipe for water will make your puddings lighter and crispier, so try this modification if your puds are too dense or soft. The amount of eggs that you use matters, too – use an equal amount of flour, eggs and milk or water.

    How long to let Yorkshire pudding batter rest? ›

    Let your batter rest

    Our no-fail yorkies recipe recommends transferring your batter to a jug after mixing, then leaving it to rest for at least 15 minutes. If you leave your batter to rest overnight, as is the case in our mushroom yorkshires recipe, make sure you give it a good stir before cooking.

    What is the best oil to use for Yorkshire puddings? ›

    This needs to get to the exact temperature and be piping hot to ensure the maximum sizzle for the maximum rise in those puds! The oven temperature you'll need is around 220oC / 200oC Fan. What oil is best for Yorkshire puddings? We believe that a cold pressed Rapeseed Oil is the best oil for the job.

    Is milk or water better for Yorkshire puddings? ›

    Yorkshire pudding batter has just three ingredients – milk, eggs and flour – but the addition of water can make the finished result puffy and light. The fat content of the milk and eggs brings richness, but it's the water that helps them crisp up.

    Do more eggs make Yorkshire puddings rise? ›

    Yorkshire puddings don't need baking powder or other raising agent, the secret to a good rise is plenty of eggs, hot fat and a hot oven.

    Why do Yorkshire puddings go cakey? ›

    The oven isn't getting hot enough (needs to maintain a 220C/425F temperature). Your oven loses heat too quickly when you open the oven door and/or you leave the oven door open for too long whilst you're filling up the Yorkshire pudding tins with batter. Too much batter or not enough fat in the tin.

    Why do my Yorkshire puddings go flat when I take them out of the oven? ›

    If it's as soon as you take it out, it's a problem with it being undercooked. If it takes a few minutes to deflate, it can be an issue with cooling them too quickly. You can get around this problem by taking a sharp knife or skewer and poking a couple of holes in the top of each one.

    Is Yorkshire pudding batter best left overnight? ›

    You can make the batter up to 24 hours ahead, or use it straight away. If making ahead, cover and chill. Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Pour a little vegetable or sunflower oil into each hole of a muffin tray and heat for at least 10 minutes until hot.

    Should you put Yorkshire pudding mixture in the fridge? ›

    Put 200g plain flour and some seasoning into a large bowl, stir in 3 eggs, one at a time, then slowly whisk in 300ml milk until you have a smooth batter. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins or up to a day.

    Should Yorkshire pudding batter be cold or room temperature? ›

    And room temperature batter is ideal

    Room temperature vs cold batter: if your batter is at room temperature when it hits the hot pan, you will get a better rise with a crispier hollow pudding. If your batter is cold, your Yorkshires will be slightly more dense inside but with that perfect gravy-pooling cup shape.

    What's wrong with my Yorkshire pudding? ›

    Sometimes because the oven door is open too long or the pan or fat isn't hot enough before the batter is added. Sometimes it's because there is too much batter in the pan, sometimes because the pan is too large for the quantity of batter, and sometimes because the pan isn't deep enough.

    Is a fan or conventional oven best for Yorkshire puddings? ›

    With Yorkshire puddings you need an extremely hot oven to get the best results. In a fan oven you put them on the middle rack so that the hot air can blast over the batter, although the top rack seems to work just as well as long as you leave enough clearance for rising, and there will be a lot of that.

    How to stop Yorkshire pudding from deflating? ›

    To prevent your Yorkshire puddings from sinking, don't open the oven door before the end of cooking time. When you remove the tin from the oven, do not leave the puddings near any drafts. The most foolproof way to stop your puddings from sinking? Eat them straight away!

    Does baking powder make Yorkshires rise? ›

    No and here is the reason why! It must be plain flour (no baking powder). 1/ High temperature oven. Yorkshire puddings rise due to quick cooking of the flour and steam being formed in the batter mixture, hence the requirement of a very hot oven and hot oil as you pour the batter into the yorkshire pudding tin.

    How do you keep Yorkshire puddings from sagging? ›

    Be sure to close the oven door slowly so you don't force all the hot air out. Oh, and don't open the door to check on progress – the cold air will make your puds sag. Keep an eye on your creations through the glass door of the oven. When they rise and look golden-brown and crisp on top, they're done.

    How do you elevate pudding? ›

    18 Ways To Upgrade Instant Pudding Mix
    1. Give instant pudding mix a splash of booze. ...
    2. Fold in whipped cream for extra creaminess. ...
    3. Pair instant pudding with baked goods. ...
    4. Enjoy it with a dessert grazing board. ...
    5. Mix pudding with cake batter. ...
    6. Turn instant pudding mix into French toast. ...
    7. Choose a richer milk.
    Feb 29, 2024

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