25 Traditional British Recipes (2024)

From Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips to bangers and mash, these British recipes will take you on a culinary trip across the pond!

Just remember, in this case, pudding is cake, cookies are biscuits, and biscuits are scones.

25 Traditional British Recipes (1)

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25 Brilliant British Recipes

In many ways, Britain and America are alike. But while we speak the same language, that doesn’t always translate to food.

In fact, it’s like we live in completely different places.

At a glance, British food may seem odd. But if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that their dishes are actually pretty awesome!

So, let’s check out some classic British cake recipes and delicious dinners.

25 Traditional British Recipes (2)

1. Toad in the Hole

Its name may want you to stay far away from it, but toad in the hole is actually a great-tasting dish.

Pan-fried sausages are baked in an egg-based batter and topped with onion gravy and vegetables. Pretty awesome, don’t you agree?

Wondering how it got its strange moniker?

You see, once baked, the batter covers the sausages almost completely, with just the tops peeping through. Just like a toad in a hole.

2. Yorkshire Pudding

When we hear pudding, we think of a sweet and creamy custard enjoyed at the end of a meal. In the UK, however, it’s quite the opposite.

A Yorkshire pudding is like a popover – a puffy bread-like treat with a crispy shell and a soft, eggy interior.

Commonly paired with roast beef, it is used to soak up the meat’s juices left on the plate.

3. British Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is perhaps the UK’s most iconic dish, and for good reason. Who can say no to this crispy, deep-fried deliciousness?

This recipe uses a perfect beer batter to coat the fish, which makes it incredibly crunchy and addictive.

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Paired with chips (French fries in our world), it’s British comfort food at its best.

4. British Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a well-loved side dish all over the world. In the UK, they’re called “mash,” and they taste the same.

They’re smooth and velvety, rich and buttery. In short, they’re awesome.

Just like American mashed potatoes, the British mash pairs well with almost any type of entree, from pork chops and roast beef to fried chicken and fish.

5. British Mushy Peas

Mushy peas are the official third wheel to fish and chips.

If you’re having fish and chips for lunch or dinner, you have to pair it with this side dish. They’re practically inseparable, and for good reason.

With an inviting green hue, and a rich, savory flavor, mushy peas are the perfect companion for fish and chips.

The smooth and creamy consistency makes it such an amazing sauce or dip!

6. Bangers and Mash

We already know what mash is, but have you heard of bangers? Turns out, it’s nothing new, only a different term for sausages.

Sausages and mashed potatoes together? I won’t say no to that!

Drizzled with rich onion gravy, this dish is a complete (and completely satisfying) meal on its own.

Fun fact: the Brits call sausages bangers because when cooked quickly, they “bang” on the pan.

7. British Scones

We know them as biscuits, but our British friends call them scones.

Just like biscuits, scones are wonderfully flaky and moist with a crisp exterior.

These baked goods are a classic breakfast or tea time treat, typically served with butter, jam. or cream.

You can also indulge by topping them with vanilla icing!

8. Cornish Pasties

Cornish pasties (pass-tees, not paste-ees) are savory hand pies with a steak and vegetable filling.

It’s a hearty, stand-alone dish that tastes great either hot and cold.

The dish has been around since ancient times and originated in the Cornwall region.

Back then, it was the miners’ go-to dish, as it was convenient and easy to eat in the mine.

9. Scottish Tablet

The Scottish tablet looks a lot like white fudge. But once you bite into this confection, you’ll soon realize it’s nothing like fudge at all.

Scottish tablet is a medium-hard candy with a gritty consistency and an insanely sweet flavor.

Made from a mixture of milk, sugar, butter, and condensed milk, it’s also very rich and buttery.

10. English Pickled Onions

Pickled onions are another staple at the British dinner table. Pearl onions are soaked for months in a marinade of vinegar, sugar, and various spices.

With the mildly sweet and tangy flavor, they’re a great addition to sandwiches.

They’re also a component in the ploughman’s lunch – a meal comprising ham, bread, cheeses, vegetables, and pickle relish.

11. Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is British comfort food with savory ground beef at the bottom and creamy mashed potatoes on top.

If the concept sounds familiar, that’s because it is.

Shepherd’s pie is almost identical to cottage pie, except the former is made with lamb instead of beef, hence the term, “shepherd.”

12. Beef Wellington

If you’re a fan of cooking competitions, then you must have heard of the famous beef Wellington. Why it’s Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish!

This fancy dish is made of melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin topped with mushroom duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection.

Just the thought of it is making me drool!

13. Lancashire Hotpot

Lancashire hotpot is a lamb stew with a bed of thinly sliced potatoes on top.

Cooked in butter and thickened broth, the stew is overloaded with savory goodness. This recipe includes carrots for added color and crunch.

The potatoes on top make the dish a meal on its own, but you can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a more satisfying lunch or dinner.

14. Mince Pies

Mince pies originally had a mincemeat filling – a medley of chopped fruit, spices, and suet (animal fat).

Over the years, however, the fat has taken a backseat, so now all you’ll get is dried fruit and spices.

Is it still good? Yes. Is it still celebration-worthy? Definitely.

In fact, to this day, mince pies are considered a British Christmas staple.

15. London Fog (Earl Grey Tea Latte)

Believe it or not, the practice of drinking tea is not indigenous to Britain.

The idea actually came from ancient China and was only brought to the western civilization in the 17th century.

Regardless, tea has become a crucial part of every Brit’s life. To them, tea is as essential as water!

The London fog is a popular latte that combines Earl Grey and milk. The creamy and leafy blend is a perfect afternoon treat!

16. Traditional British Mini-Chicken and Mushroom Pie

The Brits love their savory pies, and I completely understand why. This chicken and mushroom pie will get you hooked!

Chunks of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms are covered in a creamy filling and sealed in a rich and flaky pastry crust.

A bite of this comfort food on a cold rainy day will warm you up nicely.

17. British Flapjacks

Nope, they’re not pancakes. British flapjacks are oatmeal bars with sweet and buttery syrup.

They’re crisp on the outside and oh so chewy on the inside. They’re heaven in a bite!

But the best part is that they’re seriously easy to make. You won’t even need a pro in the kitchen to pull it off.

18. Spotted Dick

Spotted dick: it sounds funny, but it’s seriously good. This traditional British dessert is a steamed pudding filled with currants and topped with creamy custard.

I’ll bet it’s not at all what you thought it would be!

Fun fact: it’s easy to understand why it’s called “spotted.” But to this day, no one knows where the “dick” part came from.

19. Victoria Sandwich

Contrary to its name, Victoria sandwich is not a sandwich, but a cake. It’s also perhaps the most iconic British cake there is.

It’s a layered sponge cake with a jam and sweetened cream filling with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

It’s simple, but this quintessential dessert is a must-try for every person traveling to the UK.

20. Strawberry Fool

Only fools will say no to a strawberry fool!

This light and refreshing dessert is made with layers of strawberry-infused whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices.

21. Yorkshire Parkin

Yorkshire parkin is a sweet and spicy ginger cake made with oatmeal and black treacle.

This treat is best made ahead – about 2 weeks in advance. The longer it sits, the stickier it gets, and the better it tastes!

22. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Here’s another sticky treat for ya! Toffee pudding comprises brown sugar sponge cake with pureed dates.

It’s already perfectly decadent and delicious as it is, but what gives it character is the sticky toffee sauce covering it all over!

23. Treacle Tart

Treacle tart is a traditional British pie with a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet lemon filling.

The filling is extra ooey-gooey because it’s made with treacle or golden syrup!

It’s also Harry Potter’s favorite dessert, so if you consider yourself a Potterhead, treacle tart is a must-try.

24. Eccles Cakes

Eccles cakes look so basic from the outside, but take a bite, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love.

With their flaky pastry exterior and sweet and sticky fruit filling, these mini-cakes are to die for.

25. Scottish Shortbread

Scottish Shortbread is perhaps the quintessential tea time treat. These buttery, crumbly cookies are simple, yet for some reason, are highly addictive.

25 Traditional British Recipes (4)

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25 Traditional British Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the traditional British food dishes? ›

Traditional British dishes include full breakfast, roast dinner, fish and chips, toad in the hole and shepherd's pie. Traditional desserts include trifle, scones, apple pie, sticky toffee pudding and Victoria sponge cake. Cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset.

What is the most common meal in Britain? ›

Most popular British dishes in Great Britain Q3 2022

In 2022, fish and chips along with roast chicken were the two most popular British dishes in Great Britain (GB). About 85 percent of survey respondents had a positive opinion of each of the two dishes. Chips closely followed with about 84 percent.

What are some traditional foods that are still enjoyed today in England? ›

11 Traditional English Dishes
  • Yorkshire Pudding. This light and airy bread is a true staple in English cuisine. ...
  • Fish and Chips. ...
  • English Pancakes. ...
  • Shepherd's Pie. ...
  • Black Pudding. ...
  • Trifle. ...
  • Full English Breakfast. ...
  • Toad in the Hole.
Feb 21, 2020

What is a traditional British dessert? ›

Famed British desserts include puddings, trifles, cakes, tarts and pies; find every dessert you're looking for by browsing through our selection of recipes.

What are the top 5 traditional British meals for dinner? ›

filters
  1. 1 Fish and Chips86%
  2. 2 Roast Chicken86%
  3. 3 Chips85%
  4. 4 Soup81%
  5. 5 English Breakfast80%
  6. 6 Roast Beef79%
  7. 7 Mashed Potatoes78%
  8. 8 Bangers and Mash77%

What do British eat for lunch? ›

Lunch: during the week it's usually just sandwiches or salad. On Sundays it's traditional to have a roast (chicken, ham, beef etc) with boiled veg, maybe yorkshire pudding. Dinner: anything. Curry, pasta, pizza, fish fingers, stir fry, shepherd's pie, fish cakes, and many many more.

What is a stereotypical British meal? ›

Fish and Chips

Considered to be the national dish of the UK – and still the most popular takeaway in all four of its nations – fish and chips is something of a British institution! So it would be unthinkable to start the list of the best British food with anything other than our world-famous fish & chips…

What is the number one food in England? ›

Italian was the UK's favourite cuisine overall, with macaroni cheese and lasagne ranking as the top dishes. Indian food came second, with the iconic chicken tikka dish driving much of this interest. Fast food was next, showcasing Britain's love of quick, convenient meals without the hassle of cooking.

What do the British eat for breakfast? ›

Standard ingredients made it easier to prepare and so the 'common' English breakfast rapidly spread nationally, its standard ingredients of bacon, eggs, sausage, kippers, black pudding, bubble and squeak, buttered beans, haddock, grilled tomato, fried bread and toast, served with jams, marmalades, tea/coffee and orange ...

What are 3 popular foods in England? ›

7 Traditional British Dishes You Need To Try
  • Bangers and Mash. Also known as sausages and mash, this traditional dish consists of sausages and mashed potato, and is often accompanied with peas and gravy. ...
  • Full English Breakfast. ...
  • Sunday Roast. ...
  • Toad in the Hole. ...
  • Shepherd's Pie/Cottage Pie. ...
  • Steak and Kidney Pie.
Apr 9, 2018

What is a cake called in England? ›

Sponge - The word sponge is sometimes used interchangeably with cake, but specifically refers to a cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a rising agent to make the texture light and airy. Strong Flour - Strong flour is the same thing as bread flour or hard flour.

What is ice cream called in England? ›

In London and throughout the UK, ice cream is simply called "ice cream". However, there are some regional variations and slang terms that are used.

What is the oldest British dessert? ›

Bread & Butter Pudding

As one of the oldest recorded British desserts dating back to the early 1700s, bread and butter pudding was featured in The Compleat Housewife cookery book by Eliza Smith.

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