The UK and America share a language, but our menus look wildly different. Pudding implies cake over there, while biscuits actually mean cookies.
These 24 brilliant British recipes allow you to explore culinary traditions across the pond without leaving your kitchen.
1. British Flapjacks
Do not expect pancakes when you order these treats. They are actually oatmeal bars saturated in sweet, buttery syrup.
Every bite offers a crisp exterior protecting a wonderfully chewy center. You do not need professional skills to bake them either.
2. British Scones
Americans know these baked goods as biscuits. This version features a wonderfully flaky texture that stays moist behind a crisp outer shell.
Serve them alongside morning tea with liberal amounts of butter and jam. Cream makes a lovely addition too.
3. Sticky Toffee Pudding
This dessert features a brown sugar sponge cake base. Pureed dates add incredible moisture and richness to every crumb.
A generous coating of sticky toffee sauce finishes the decadent masterpiece.
4. Beef Wellington
You might recognize this as Gordon Ramsay’s signature creation. It features tender beef tenderloin coated in mushroom duxelles.
Puff pastry wraps everything before baking to a golden hue. The results are incredibly fancy.
5. Yorkshire Parkin
Oatmeal joins black treacle to create this spicy ginger cake. I recommend making it about two weeks in advance.
The flavor improves and the texture becomes stickier as it sits.
6. British Mashed Potatoes
Locals across the pond call this side dish “mash.” The texture is velvety smooth and incredibly buttery.
It pairs perfectly with roasted beef or fried chicken.
7. Eccles Cakes
Do not let the basic appearance fool you. A flaky pastry shell hides a filling made of sweet, sticky fruit.
I promise you will adore these addictive mini cakes.
8. Traditional British Mini-Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Savory pies are a staple in the UK. This version packs tender chicken chunks and earthy mushrooms into a flaky pastry crust.
A creamy filling binds everything together for a warming meal.
9. Cornish Pasties
These savory hand pies originated in the Cornwall region during ancient times. Miners loved the steak and vegetable filling for convenient eating.
You can enjoy them hot or cold.
10. British Fish and Chips
No dish represents the UK quite like this iconic meal. A beer batter coating ensures the fish stays crunchy and delicious.
Serve it with thick chips for the ultimate comfort food experience.
11. Scottish Shortbread
This quintessential tea time snack is hard to resist. The buttery cookies have a lovely crumbly texture.
They use simple ingredients but taste highly addictive.
12. Mince Pies
Early versions contained animal fat and meat. Modern recipes feature a blend of spices and dried fruit instead.
These pies remain a staple for British Christmas celebrations.
13. British Mushy Peas
You must serve this side dish whenever fish and chips are on the menu. The bright green hue looks inviting next to fried food.
Its rich, savory flavor and creamy consistency work like a dip.
14. London Fog (Earl Grey Tea Latte)
Tea is basically as essential as water in Britain. This popular latte blends Earl Grey with steamed milk.
It makes a creamy and leafy afternoon treat.
15. Cottage Pie
Savory ground beef sits beneath a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. This comfort food differs from shepherd’s pie because it uses beef instead of lamb.
It is a hearty meal.
16. Spotted Dick
The funny name hides a seriously good dessert. It is a traditional steamed pudding packed with currants.
Top it with creamy custard for the full experience.
17. Treacle Tart
Harry Potter fans will recognize this favorite dessert. A buttery shortbread crust holds a sweet lemon filling.
Golden syrup or treacle ensures the center stays gooey.
18. Strawberry Fool
You would be unwise to refuse this light dessert. Layers of fresh berries sit between strawberry infused whipped cream.
It tastes incredibly refreshing.
19. Lancashire Hotpot
This lamb stew features a thickened broth cooked with butter. Sliced potatoes create a hearty topping over the savory meat and carrots.
It serves as a satisfying complete meal.
20. Yorkshire Pudding
This item is not a sweet custard dessert. It resembles a popover with a crispy shell and soft interior.
Serve it with roast beef to soak up savory meat juices.
21. Bangers and Mash
This dish combines sausages with creamy potatoes. Rich onion gravy gets drizzled over the entire plate.
The meat earns its nickname because it bangs on the pan during cooking.
22. English Pickled Onions
Pearl onions soak for months in a spiced vinegar marinade. They develop a mildly sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Add them to sandwiches or a ploughman’s lunch.
23. Victoria Sandwich
Do not let the name fool you into expecting savory lunch meat. This iconic cake features sponge layers filled with sweetened cream and jam.
A dusting of powdered sugar finishes the dessert.
24. Scottish Tablet
This confection resembles white fudge but has a very different texture. It is a medium-hard candy with a gritty consistency.
The mix of condensed milk and sugar makes it insanely sweet.