Crispy Oven Yorkshire Puddings with Olive Oil

Golden, puffy Yorkshire puddings made with a simple egg and milk batter baked in preheated oil-filled muffin cups. This version uses olive oil instead of traditional beef dripping, making it accessible for vegetarian meals. Serve hot alongside roasts, stews, or as a standalone appetizer. The key to success is properly heating the oil before pouring the batter, which creates the characteristic rise and crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Perfect for British-style Sunday dinners or special occasions when you need an impressive side dish.
Ingredients
- 24 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blendequaldietarygluten-free
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- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425F
- 2
Distribute olive oil evenly among muffin cups, using 2 tablespoons per cup
- 3
Heat muffin tray in oven for 15 minutes until oil is very hot
- 4
Combine flour, salt, eggs, and milk in a bowl, stirring until smooth
- 5
Pour batter into a pourable container for easier handling
- 6
Remove hot tray from oven and brush oil onto cup sides with pastry brush
- 7
Pour batter into cups, leaving 1/2 inch space at top
- 8
Bake for 22 minutes until puddings are puffed and golden
- 9
Serve immediately while still hot
Tips
Do not open oven during baking to prevent puddings from deflating. Ensure oil is smoking hot before adding batter for maximum rise.
Mix batter only until combined; lumps are acceptable and prevent overdeveloping gluten which can make puddings tough.
Use a muffin tray with 12 cups; adjust oil quantity if using different-sized tray. Standard muffin cups need 2 tablespoons oil each.
Good to Know
Best served immediately. Leftovers keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 hours; reheat at 350F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Prepare batter up to 2 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Heat oil in muffin tray and proceed with baking when ready.
Serve hot alongside roast beef, Yorkshire tea, gravy, or roasted vegetables. Ideal for Sunday roasts or formal dinners.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip oil preheating to avoid flat, dense puddings instead of puffed ones
Do not open oven door mid-bake to prevent puddings from collapsing
Do not use cold batter to avoid excessive oil sputtering and uneven cooking
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
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General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make Yorkshire puddings ahead of time?
Prepare batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh just before serving for best texture. Baked puddings taste best eaten immediately but can be stored 4 hours and reheated briefly.
What if my puddings don't rise?
Ensure oil is very hot before adding batter (it should shimmer or barely smoke). Open the oven door only after 20 minutes. Check eggs and milk aren't cold, as temperature affects batter expansion.
How long do baked Yorkshire puddings keep?
Room temperature in airtight container for up to 4 hours. Freeze baked puddings up to 3 months; reheat from frozen at 350F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.