Yorkshire puddings are never soggy with grandma’s 2-step tip

My grandma’s top tip for getting them right? It’s all to do with the temperature of the fat or the oil in the muffin tin before you pour the batter in.

She said: “The fat or oil has to be really hot so the batter sizzles when you pour it in – and you’re supposed to let the batter stand before you pour it into the tins.”

Leaving the batter to stand – or “rest” – isn’t described as an essential step in the process but it can help.

In fact, national treasure Mary Berry even agrees with my grandma’s method!

She explained: “Resting helps them rise fully during cooking because it allows the gluten to ‘relax’ and relaxed gluten is more stretchy. Ideally, rest the batter for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours. The batter doesn’t need to be chilled.”

Another top tip I learned from my grandma was how to gauge the correct consistency for the batter – it should be around the thickness of double cream.

Similar tips were echoed by chef AJ Hussey in an Instagram video demonstration where he showed how to make Yorkshire puddings.

In the comments section, fellow Instagram users were eager to share their thoughts.

One person said: “Cannot wait to try! I have been struggling with these for 20 years. Never right. Countless recipes and methods. Giving it a go!”

Another said: “Always wanted to make these and with your great tips I’ll give it a try, [thank you]!”

Meanwhile, a third commented: “Thank you for these brilliant tips, I also always wondered why mine came flat”.

But one person pointed out the chef’s choice of seed oil – as well as some other points – wasn’t “quite right”. 

Someone else added: “Yorkshire person here. After you think they’re done, take them out. Turn them upside down. Put them back in for 5 minutes. No more soggy bottoms.”

Of course, you don’t have to include a Yorkshire pudding on your Christmas dinner but I think it adds an extra layer of comfort and nostalgia. 

Sure, it’s not traditional but I’m a vegetarian so I’m quite used to my Christmas dinner deviating from the norm.