There’s nothing quite like a traditional English Sunday roast to bring everyone together around the dinner table. The aroma of slow-cooked meat wafting from the oven, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air – it’s a truly special occasion. In this article, we’re going back to basics with 18 classic English roast recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From tender beef to flavorful lamb, succulent pork to savory chicken, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some inspiration for your next Sunday dinner, these timeless recipes are sure to impress.
Traditional English Sunday Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
A classic British dish, this Sunday roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is a staple of traditional English cuisine. With its tender roasted beef and light-as-air pudding, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the roast beef:
– 3 lbs (1.4 kg) prime rib or top round beef
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
For the Yorkshire pudding:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the roast beef with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Roast the beef for 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, make the Yorkshire pudding by whisking together flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. Pour into a greased 12-cup muffin tin.
5. Place the muffin tin in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time:
– Roast beef: 2-3 hours
– Yorkshire pudding: 20-25 minutes
Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce
This classic Mediterranean dish combines the tender flavor of lamb with a fragrant herb crust and a refreshing mint sauce, perfect for a special occasion or Sunday roast.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 kg boneless lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mint Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the lamb on a roasting tray and roast for 20-25 minutes per kilogram or until cooked to your liking.
6. Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Mint Sauce:
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve chilled alongside the roasted lamb.
Slow-Roasted Pork Belly with Crackling
This recipe yields a tender, juicy pork belly with a satisfying crunch from the crackling. Perfect for special occasions or as a show-stopping main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 kg pork belly
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp pink curing salt (optional, but recommended for crackling)
– 20g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Score the pork belly in a crisscross pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Rub the sugar mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or roasting pan.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the crackling is golden brown and crispy.
7. Baste with melted butter during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Roast Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
This classic roast chicken recipe gets a bright and citrusy twist with the addition of lemon zest and thyme. The result is a flavorful and aromatic bird that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 lemons, zested
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest and olive oil.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
7. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles
A classic dish that combines tender beef filet with a rich mushroom and herb filling, wrapped in puff pastry for a golden-brown presentation.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef filet
– 1/4 cup mushroom duxelles (see below)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Duxelles:
– 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season beef filet with salt and pepper.
3. Spread mushroom duxelles over the beef, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Roll out puff pastry to a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place beef on one half of the pastry, brush edges with beaten egg, and fold other half over.
6. Brush top with butter and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Honey-Glazed Roast Ham with Mustard Sauce
Impress your guests with this classic combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for holidays or special occasions. This easy-to-make roast ham is glazed to perfection with a mixture of honey and spices, served alongside a tangy mustard sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the honey-glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores.
5. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Meanwhile, mix apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of water and brush the mustard sauce over the ham during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Roast Duck with Orange and Grand Marnier Sauce
Roast Duck with Orange and Grand Marnier Sauce Recipe
Garlic and Rosemary Roast Leg of Lamb
Elevate your Sunday roast with this classic combination of flavors: the pungency of garlic and the herbaceousness of rosemary, perfectly balanced to bring out the natural tenderness of leg of lamb.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 kg leg of lamb
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture all over the leg of lamb, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Roast for 20 minutes per kilogram (or until it reaches your desired level of doneness).
7. Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes for a 1.5 kg leg of lamb, depending on the level of doneness you prefer.
Roast Turkey with Sage and Onion Stuffing
A quintessential Thanksgiving dish, this roast turkey recipe is elevated by the savory flavors of sage and onion stuffing. Perfect for a holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the turkey:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the stuffing:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
4. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Stuff the turkey loosely with the prepared stuffing.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 4-4 1/2 hours
Beef Rib Roast with Red Wine Gravy
This classic beef roast recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The slow-cooked beef pairs beautifully with the rich red wine gravy, making it a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound beef rib roast
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Sear the roast in a hot skillet on both sides, then transfer to a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. While the roast is cooking, prepare the gravy by combining red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and flour in a saucepan.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
7. Serve the roast with the rich red wine gravy spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Roast Pheasant with Bread Sauce
A flavorful and aromatic roast pheasant paired with a rich bread sauce makes for a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. This recipe combines the tender game bird with a comforting, savory sauce that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Roast Pheasant:
– 1 whole pheasant (3-4 lbs), gutted and cleaned
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bread Sauce:
– 2 cups stale white bread, torn into small pieces
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the pheasant with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Stuff the pheasant’s cavity with chopped onion and garlic.
4. Roast the pheasant for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add torn bread, heavy cream, and flour to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
7. Serve the roast pheasant with the warm bread sauce.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (pheasant) + 10-12 minutes (bread sauce)
Mustard and Brown Sugar Roast Gammon
Elevate your roast gammon with a sweet and tangy glaze, featuring mustard and brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in gammon joint
– 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, and cinnamon.
3. Score the gammon joint in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the gammon on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Brush the glaze all over the gammon, making sure to get it into the scores.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Roast for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the gammon rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Roast Goose with Apple and Chestnut Stuffing
A classic British dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy Sunday roast. This recipe combines the rich flavor of goose with the sweet and earthy notes of apple and chestnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) goose, giblets removed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple, diced
– 1/2 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the goose and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, onion, garlic, apple, chestnuts, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the goose cavity with the mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Truss the goose and place in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the goose rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Spiced Roast Venison with Redcurrant Jelly
A flavorful and aromatic roast venison recipe, perfectly paired with a sweet and tangy redcurrant jelly glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 kg venison haunch or rump
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 120ml redcurrant jelly
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
3. Rub the mixture all over the venison, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Place the venison in a roasting tin and roast for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the redcurrant jelly all over the venison.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Roast Rack of Lamb with Minted Pea Puree
Elevate your Sunday roast with this tender and flavorful rack of lamb paired with a refreshing minted pea puree. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
For the lamb:
– 1 rack of lamb (6-8 bones), Frenched
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
For the minted pea puree:
– 1 cup fresh peas
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the lamb rack with salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
3. Roast the lamb for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, combine peas, butter, mint, and chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve the roasted lamb rack with the minted pea puree.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes for a 1-pound rack of lamb.
Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket with Horseradish Cream
Elevate your dinner game with this tender and flavorful slow-roasted beef brisket, served with a tangy and creamy horseradish cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Horseradish cream (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a large baking dish.
4. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth, red wine, and brown sugar; bring to a simmer.
6. Roast the brisket for 8-10 hours or overnight.
7. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Horseradish Cream:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients until smooth; refrigerate until ready to serve.
Roast Partridge with Bacon and Cabbage
Roast Partridge with Bacon and Cabbage Recipe
This hearty dish combines the rich flavor of partridge with the savory goodness of bacon and the crunch of cabbage, perfect for a special occasion or cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) roast partridge
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the partridge with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the shredded cabbage until tender.
5. Place the partridge in a roasting pan and top with the cooked bacon and cabbage mixture.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the partridge is cooked through.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roast Leg of Mutton with Caper Sauce
This classic recipe yields a tender and flavorful roast leg of mutton paired with a tangy and aromatic caper sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) leg of mutton, bone-in
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the mutton with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the mutton for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Meanwhile, combine chicken broth, white wine (if using), and capers in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the mutton from the oven and baste with the pan juices. Serve with the warm caper sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a deliciously traditional Sunday dinner with these classic English roast recipes. From tender beef to savory lamb, and even pork and poultry, this collection has something for everyone. Try your hand at a classic roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, or opt for something a bit more adventurous like slow-roasted pork belly or spiced venison. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a Sunday dinner novice, these recipes are sure to impress. So why not gather the family and give one of these timeless dishes a go? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
