Jamie Oliver’s recipe for ‘perfect’ Yorkshire puddings (2024)

FAQs

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.

The fat must be smoking hot in the pan before you cook the batter. If your Yorkshire pudding tin isn't hot enough before the batter is added, all attempts are destined to flop – so add fat or oil to the tin, and heat in the top of the oven at 230? C for 10 minutes first (and keep it at that temperature when cooking).

Use a fat that will get hot enough to puff up the yorkies. Olive oil isn't the best choice, but sunflower or vegetable oil reach a higher temperature, which is essential for achieving the maximum reaction when the batter is added.

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.

YPs are traditionally made in a large baking tray and the sides should have risen 4 inches or more by the time they're cooked. Shangri-la! 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.

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.

The most likely cause is that the fat in your tins isn't hot enough when you pour in the batter. I use beef dripping in my tins. Make sure to put a decent amount in each tin, don't just smear the tins with it. Your oven needs to be very hot 230°c.

This is about the oil. As mentioned, you need the oil to be very hot before adding your batter, but it's also important to use the right amount. Too much will make the bottom of your Yorkshires greasy, while too little could see your puds stick to the pan.

Bacon fat: Save some of the grease from your morning bacon for smoky, salty Yorkshire puddings. Butter: While butter undoubtedly makes scrumptious popovers, it also burns easily, so we recommend using a combination of melted unsalted butter and oil instead.

What consistency should Yorkshire pudding mix be? For perfect Yorkies, you need a consistency of heavy cream, so really quite runny but not milk-runny. To make sure you achieve this I suggest pouring half of the liquid in and then slowly adding more until you reach the consistency.

Is it best to use water or milk in Yorkshire puddings? ›

Yorkshire Pudding Theory #5: Add Water for Crisper Puddings

Again, this was a simple matter of adding water while keeping the ratio of liquid to flour the same. As expected, puddings with more water in them rise up puffier and crisper.

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.