British Yorkshire Pudding Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of February. The day is observed to be honoured for its centuries-long stalwart place in the British food lexicon. Yorkshire pudding was created to make use of the fat that would drip from roasting fowl or a side of meat. Instead of the grease collected in the pan, it was mixed in a batter of eggs and milk and served the resulting dish as a part of the meal. In poorer quarters, Yorkshire puddings are served before the main meal to help people fill up to reduce hunger before the sparingly served meat course.
History of British Yorkshire Pudding Day
National Yorkshire Pudding Day has been celebrated in Great Britain since 2007. The dish remains a popular topic of conversation with several recipes and techniques of service all vying for prestige.
In 2008, the UK’s Royal Society for Chemistry said, “A Yorkshire pudding isn’t a Yorkshire pudding if it is less than four inches tall.” highlighting the importance of its rise and fluffiness during the cooking process.
Studies indicate that the earliest printed recipe for the “dripping pudding” which eventually became associated with northern England county, likely appeared in a book called “The Whole Duty of a Woman,” published in 1737.
We acknowledge and distance ourselves from the misogyny of the title, but the recipe itself is quite intriguing. It details the process of shaking the pudding pan often while the mutton cooks above it, then “turn[ing] it in a dish and serv[ing] it hot.”
To show the popularity of the Yorkshire pudding, look at the 2012 T-Mobile UK poll. that asked what respondents loved most about Britain — Yorkshire pudding was in the top ten most popular answers.
So if you have not tried one, today’s the perfect day, and if you’re familiar already, use this chance to share the joy, on British Yorkshire Pudding Day.
Also read, National Dark Chocolate Day – February 1, 2025
Timeline of British Yorkshire Pudding Day
| 1737 (Conserving what you can) | A recipe for “dripping pudding,” a precursor to the well-known Yorkshire pudding, appears in “The Whole Duty of a Woman.” |
| 1747 (The one we’ve come to love) | A recipe appears in the book “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy,” the first one to use the name “Yorkshire pudding.” |
| 1850 (On the other side of the pond) | The American version of the Yorkshire pudding — the popover — is first referenced in print. |
| 2019 (Top of the game) | Birmingham chef Tom Casson wins The Great Yorkshire Pudding Contest with his recipe dubbed “War of the Roses.” |
Five Interesting Facts About Yorkshire, England
- A first time for everything: The Sheffield, Yorkshire football club or soccer, as Americans call it the oldest in the world, but its founders created the game and its rules right there at home.
- Going for the gusto: In 2012, athletes from Yorkshire county won more medals seven gold, two silver, and three bronze than other countries!
- A talented family: The Brontë sisters, who wrote the famous books “Wuthering Heights” and “Jane Eyre,” called Yorkshire home.
- Just like the real thing: Dating back to 1320, the cobblestones and the charming white cottages with overhanging architecture make Yorkshire’s “Shambles” neighbourhood England’s best-preserved medieval spot.
- Humpty’s dream: Enclosing an area of 263 acres, Yorkshire’s city walls are the longest in England.
Frequently Ask Question
When did British Yorkshire Pudding Day start being celebrated?
British Yorkshire Pudding Day has been celebrated in Great Britain since 2007.
What are the main ingredients of Yorkshire pudding?
Eggs, flour, and milk are the main ingredients for Yorkshire pudding.
What is the historical significance of Yorkshire pudding?
Yorkshire pudding was created to conserve fat drippings from roasting meat, serving as a filling dish before the main course, especially in poorer households.
What is the secret to making Yorkshire puddings rise?
The key factors for achieving a good rise in Yorkshire puddings are using cold batter and hot oil, along with allowing the batter to rest before cooking.
What type of oil is best for making Yorkshire pudding?
Goose fat is traditionally preferred for its flavour and historical accuracy, but olive oil or vegetable oil can also be used effectively.
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