Full Food Guide on British Roast Dinner
A complete guide to understanding and making a traditional British Sunday roast at home
There are few meals more comforting or iconic than the British roast dinner. Served most often on Sundays, this hearty dish combines roasted meats, crispy potatoes, rich gravy, and a variety of vegetables in a meal that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a Brit abroad missing home or simply curious about this culinary tradition, you're in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover what a British roast dinner is, how to make one from scratch (including those golden, crispy potatoes), and everything else you need to know to enjoy the perfect British Sunday roast.
What Is a British Roast Dinner?
A British roast dinner is a hot, sit-down meal typically served on Sundays. At its heart, it features roasted meat, beef, chicken, lamb, or pork, accompanied by roast potatoes, a variety of vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings.
What makes a roast dinner special is its sense of occasion. Traditionally served after church, it’s a chance for families to gather around the table and enjoy a slow-cooked, satisfying meal.
While beef and chicken are the most common choices, pork with crackling or lamb with mint sauce are also classic options. The sides matter just as much. Roast carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and a generous drizzle of gravy all make it onto the plate.
The History Behind the British Sunday Roast
The tradition of the British Sunday roast dates back centuries. It has roots in both practicality and religion. In medieval England, households would slow-roast meat after Sunday church services, often using the communal village oven. By the time industrialization arrived, the meal had become a symbol of comfort and continuity for working families.
Today, roast dinners are enjoyed both at home and in pubs across the UK. Whether it’s a formal family lunch or a casual pub meal with friends, the ritual remains beloved.
How to Make a British Roast Dinner
Creating a full British roast dinner at home might seem daunting, but with a bit of planning, it’s entirely doable. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Choose Your Meat
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Beef: Best served medium rare with horseradish sauce
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Chicken: Often roasted with garlic, lemon, and herbs
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Lamb: Pairs perfectly with mint sauce
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Pork: Look for a cut with good fat for crackling
Season your meat well and roast it based on weight and cut. Let it rest before carving to ensure a juicy result.
2. Prepare the Sides
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Roast potatoes (more on that below)
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Pigs in blankets (more on that below)
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Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts
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Yorkshire puddings, especially with beef
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Stuffing, often served with chicken or pork
3. Make Gravy
Use the drippings from your roasted meat. Add flour to the pan to make a roux, then pour in stock and stir until thick and flavorful.
4. Time It Right
The key to a great roast dinner is coordination. Start with your meat, then stagger the potatoes and vegetables. Yorkshire puddings go in last for maximum rise.
How to Make British Roast Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, British roast potatoes are an art form. Here’s how to get them right.
Ingredients:
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Maris Piper or Yukon Gold potatoes
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Goose fat or vegetable oil
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Salt
Method:
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Peel and cut potatoes into large chunks
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Parboil in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes
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Drain and shake the pot to rough up the edges
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Heat the fat in a roasting tin until sizzling
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Add potatoes, turning to coat, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, flipping once
The result is deeply golden, crunchy roast potatoes that are irresistible with gravy.
How to Make Pigs in Blankets
No British roast dinner is truly complete without pigs in blankets. These little bites of joy are made by wrapping smoky, salty streaky bacon around mini sausages, then roasting until crisp and golden.
Ingredients:
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British-style chipolata sausages (or any small pork sausage)
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Bacon
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Optional: honey or mustard glaze
Method:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Wrap each sausage with a strip of bacon. If needed, secure with a toothpick.
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Place on a foil-lined tray with the seam side down.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are cooked through.
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Optional: For an extra touch, brush with a mix of honey and mustard in the last 5 minutes.
Serve them alongside your roasted meat, or let them shine on their own as a delicious side dish.
Pro tip: Jolly Posh sells authentic British sausages and bacon perfect for making pigs in blankets at home.
Common Variations and Regional Twists
There’s no single way to serve a British roast dinner, and that’s part of the fun. Here are some popular variations.
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Lamb with mint sauce, a springtime favourite
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Roast pork with apple sauce and crackling
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Vegetarian roasts with nut loaves or lentil wellingtons
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Vegan options with plant-based gravy and stuffing
Each region of the UK adds its spin. Some include pea pudding, while others serve cauliflower cheese alongside the meat.
What to Serve with a British Roast Dinner
To complete your plate, here’s a checklist of classic accompaniments.
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Roast vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts
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Stuffing balls, typically sage and onion
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Gravy, preferably homemade from meat juices
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Yorkshire puddings, a must-have with roast beef
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Condiments like horseradish, mint sauce, English mustard, or apple sauce
Pair your meal with a crisp ale or bold red wine. For dessert, try sticky toffee pudding or a warm apple crumble.
Where to Buy British Roast Dinner Ingredients
If you're planning to make your own British roast dinner, we’ve got you covered with a selection of hard-to-find essentials.
At Jolly Posh, we stock authentic British favorites that help bring the full Sunday roast experience to your home. From classic British sausages for stuffing or bangers and mash, to Yorkshire puddings, gravy granules, and condiments like mint sauce and English mustard, our online shop is packed with the goods you miss.
All items are shipped across the U.S., so you can enjoy a true taste of Britain, wherever you are. Find authentic ingredients below:
FAQS
Is the British Sunday roast always eaten on Sundays?
Traditionally, yes, but many people enjoy it any day of the week, especially during holidays or family gatherings.
How do I make British roast potatoes crispy?
Parboil, rough them up, add a little cornstarch to the outside, use hot fat, and roast at a high temperature. The outer crunch and soft center are what make them so iconic.
Can I make a vegetarian British roast dinner?
Absolutely. Try a nut roast, roast root vegetables, veggie gravy, and all the classic sides minus the meat.
Do all roast dinners include Yorkshire puddings?
They’re most traditional with roast beef, but many people serve them with
