A Dozen Delicious English Recipes That Disprove the Myth of Bad English Food!
These delicious English recipes will change your mind if you have fallen to the myth that English food is bland and “bad”! I can almost guarantee it!
Although I was born in Scotland, I still have an affinity for many delicious English recipes. I grew up eating these tasty dishes, so one of my goals on this site is to disprove the myth of “bad English food”.
If you’re on this misguided bandwagon, I hope this list of gorgeous English recipes at least makes you doubt this way of thinking. Most people who I’ve heard bashing British food have never actually stepped foot on UK soil! It’s no bloody wonder I get upset. I mean, how can the same country that invented clotted cream not know a thing or two about delicious dishes?
So let’s get started, and please let me know your honest opinion after seeing these dishes: are you going to give the recipes a go?
NOTE: I’m currently in England, so I thought this would be a great time to share these recipes!
Click the highlighted title, or the photo, in order to get the full recipe.
A Dozen Delicious English Recipes
Number 1. HOT CROSS BUNS (not just for Good Friday anymore!)
Number 2. SHEPHERD’S OR COTTAGE PIE (made with lamb or beef, respectively)
Number 3. TOAD IN THE HOLE A traditional English dish featuring sausages baked into Yorkshire pudding!
Number 4. CHICKEN, BRIE AND CRANBERRY PIE surprisingly delicious!
Number 5. BANGERS and MASH English sausages and mashed potatoes with gravy!
Number 6. EVE’S PUDDING a beautiful apple dessert with a cake-like topping.
Number 7. ECCLES CAKES a traditional treat from the town of Eccles.
Number 8. VICTORIA SANDWICH (SPONGE) a classic tea room cake.
Number 9. MARY BERRY’S BAKEWELL TART a traditional British tart with frangipane and almonds.
Number 10. BANOFFEE PIE banana, caramel and cream, who can resist?
Number 11. ENGLISH TRIFLE a total British classic, especially for Christmas.
Number 12. PIMM’S CUP with STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM tennis, anyone? Dessert glasses.
If you ever happen to plan a trip to the UK, besides indulging in all these decadent dishes, I highly advise buying a Royal Oak Foundation membership if you’re traveling from the US which will save you lots of £ (and even more $ when you use my 10% discount code)! If you’re in the UK, you’re always able to buy a National Trust pass which gives the same benefits.
Click here and use the discount code, “CUCINA2020” to receive a 10% discount!
Let me know your thoughts about English food, in general, and regarding my listed recipes in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
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I was browsing through this lovely collection of English recipes and noticed that the link to Paul Hollywood’s Treacle Sponge Pudding doesn’t work. Thought you’d like to know so that you can fix it. I’m planning on making a couple of recipes from your collection for Burn’s Night…….probably shortbread and sausage rolls…..your recipes for these are great. Also your recipe for yeast doughnuts is still calling my name! Thank you for all the work you do to provide us with so many options. My plan this year is to try more of your Italian recipes.
Thank you so much for that information, Carol, I’ve fixed the broken link. Don’t know why that happens, but it does sometimes. My cranachan recipe is going wild this morning and I’m sure it’s because people are looking for Burns’ Night recipes. Happy to hear you want to try more of my Italian recipes! Let me know what you think! Thanks again, Carol!
Is there a curry that you like? I have read that curries are the number one favorite in Britain now. I have just recently started to experiment with vegan curry recipes and love those Indian spices!
Oh Caterina, I’m so sorry I’m just seeing this now. I like the Sharwood’s brand of curry and spice blends, but honestly haven’t experimented too much with Indian cuisine (which I adore)!
A lovely collection. One thing that strike me right off the bat is the dominance of sweets and baked goods. Would you say that reflects your personal preference or British cookery in general?
Oh missed your comment, too, Frank! I’d say it’s a little of both. The Brits are crazy for their sweets and I would say that it’s one place they really excel. However, I also have a major sweet tooth, and their savory dishes are well known, too! :)
You don’t have to get me on board! you know I love anything British…I really need to make that Chicken, Brie and Cranberry Pie though!
You do, Cynthia!! You’d love it!
Yes, this post was for me. For many years I was not a fan of British food. Everything tasted bland when I ate there over 15 years ago. My first trip to England there were only two things I liked, Sally Lunn buns in Bath and gingerbread from Grasmere. In the last 8 years the food scene seems to have exploded and even pub food has been elevated. But, because of your excellent British recipes, my opinion has completely changed. You are the best thing that happened to British food in my world. Thank you.
Ha! I’ve heard of Sally Lunn bread, but never had the buns or bread! You are so sweet, Cathy–thank you so much for your kind words!!
I have never had a bad meal in Britain, so I could never understand why people said the food was bad. But, I have an adventurous palate and even love haggis! That said, all your recipes look wonderful! I’ve even tried a few including Mary’s Bakewell Tart and the Shepherd’s Pie!
You’re a good egg, David! :) Thank you!
There is nothing wrong with English recipes just sometimes not cooked very well!
I have made and would make most of the above recipes. I’m not a fan of English Trifle as I hate the mouthfeel of sherry soaked cake at the bottom also not a fan of jelly. But saying that, with a little imagination one can produce a near replica.
My Eccles Cakes taste okay but my filling always manages to escape – have to master the wrapping of the pastry!!
In my time, I have made many jars of piccalilli for my piccalilli-loving husband.
So these recipes are not for knocking as they are the basis of many modern day recipes. Also in their day made without the ease of our modern conveniences of these days.
Thumbs-up for English Recipes. ?
Thank you so much, Mary! I appreciate your comments!
Beautiful selection and I for one never thought British food was bad. There is some really bad food in every culture and country and the English have some incredible and delicious dishes some of which are evidenced right here on your blog. Happy Mothers Day!!
Well said, Suzanne! I totally agree, just like people: good and bad everywhere! Thank you for the Mother’s Day wishes! Christina