There’s nothing quite like a golden, crispy Yorkshire pudding to complete your Sunday roast. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner for two or don’t want leftovers, this Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2 is exactly what you need. Many recipes make large batches, but when you’re cooking for two people, you want perfectly portioned puddings without waste.
I’ve tested this recipe countless times to get the perfect rise, crispy edges, and soft center. The best part? You only need four simple ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. This traditional Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2 works beautifully whether you’re using a conventional oven or an air fryer.
I’m going to show you exactly how to make amazing Yorkshire puddings right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 min |
| Resting Time | 30 minutes (optional but recommended) |
| Cook Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Yield | 4 people (4 large puddings or 6 smaller ones) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Cuisine | American/Universal |
Ingredients
This old-fashioned Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2 uses simple pantry staples:
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 50g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 50ml whole milk (at room temperature)
- 25ml water (at room temperature)
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or beef dripping (for the pan)
Note: Some recipes use a 2-egg Yorkshire pudding recipe, which makes larger batches. This single-egg version is perfectly sized for two people.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Room temperature liquids: This helps create a smoother batter that rises better
- Equal ratios: The traditional ratio is 1 egg to equal amounts of flour and liquid by volume
- Vegetable oil or beef dripping: Both work wonderfully, but beef dripping adds incredible flavor
Complete Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
- Crack the egg into a mixing bowl and whisk it lightly with a fork
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl
- Pour in half of the milk and whisk until you have a thick, smooth paste
- Gradually add the remaining milk and water while whisking continuously
- Keep whisking until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps (it should have the consistency of single cream)
- Cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the fridge)
Pro Tip: Resting the batter allows the flour to absorb the liquid fully, which helps create better texture and rise.
Step 2: Preheat Everything
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C fan
- Add about 1 teaspoon of oil or a small piece of beef dripping to each hole in your muffin tin or Yorkshire pudding tin
- Place the tin in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the oil is smoking hot
Critical Step: The oil must be extremely hot before adding the batter. This is the secret to getting that dramatic rise!
Step 3: Bake Your Yorkshire Puddings
- Carefully remove the hot tin from the oven (use oven mitts!)
- Working quickly, pour the batter into each hole, filling them about halfway
- Immediately return the tin to the oven
- Bake for 20-25 minutes without opening the oven door
- The puddings should rise dramatically and turn deep golden brown
- Please don’t open the oven door during cooking, or they might collapse
Important: Opening the oven door releases heat and can cause your puddings to deflate.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Yorkshire puddings are best served straight from the oven while they’re still puffed up and crispy. They’ll naturally deflate slightly as they cool, which is completely normal.

Alternative Cooking Techniques
Yorkshire Pudding Recipe for 2 Air Fryer Method
The air fryer is a game-changer for small batches:
- Prepare your batter exactly as described above
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes
- Add oil to silicone muffin cups or small ramekins
- Place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to heat the oil
- Carefully pour in the batter
- Cook at 200°C for 12-15 minutes without opening the basket
- They should be golden and well-risen
Benefits: The air fryer uses less energy and heats up faster, making it perfect for small batches.
*you must also like to Cook Rump Steak in Air Fryer
Cast Iron Skillet Method
For a rustic presentation:
- Use a small cast-iron skillet (about 6-8 inches)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet in the oven until smoking
- Pour all the batter into the hot skillet
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden
- Cut into wedges to serve
This creates one large Yorkshire pudding that’s perfect for sharing.
Alternative Ingredients
Dairy-Free Version
- Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk
- Use vegetable oil instead of butter or dripping
- The results are nearly identical to the traditional version
Gluten-Free Option
- Use a gluten-free plain flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum works best)
- The texture will be slightly different but still delicious
- You may need to add an extra tablespoon of liquid
Flavor Variations
- Herbed Yorkshire puddings: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (thyme or rosemary) to the batter
- Black pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick
- Horseradish: Stir in 1 teaspoon of horseradish for a tangy twist
Nutritional Value
Per serving (2 large Yorkshire puddings):
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the type of oil or fat used. Beef dripping adds more saturated fat but incredible flavor.
Complete Serving and Temperature Guide
Serving Suggestions
Yorkshire puddings are incredibly versatile:
- With Sunday Roast: Serve alongside roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy
- Toad in the Hole: Add cooked sausages to the batter before baking
- With Stew: Use them to soak up rich beef or lamb stew
- Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs and bacon
- Sweet Version: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with jam
Temperature Guide
- Oven Temperature: 220°C (425°F) conventional or 200°C (400°F) fan
- Oil Temperature: Should be smoking (approximately 200°C/400°F)
- Internal Temperature: Puddings are done when golden brown and crispy
- Serving Temperature: Best served immediately while hot and crispy
Storage and Reheating
Storing:
- Cool completely on a wire rack
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer bag
Reheating:
- Oven: 180°C for 5-8 minutes until crispy
- Air fryer: 160°C for 3-5 minutes
- Avoid microwaving as they’ll go soggy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ratio for Yorkshire pudding?
The traditional ratio is 1 egg to equal amounts of flour and liquid. For this Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2, we use 1 egg, 50g flour, and 75ml total liquid (milk and water combined). This is 1:1:1 by volume, which creates the perfect texture and rise. Some cooks prefer a slightly thinner batter with more liquid for extra-crispy puddings.
How to make a simple Yorkshire pudding?
Making Yorkshire pudding is remarkably simple. Just whisk together 1 egg, 50g flour, 50ml milk, and 25ml water until smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a muffin tin until smoking hot in a 220°C oven. Pour the batter into the hot oil and bake for 20-25 minutes without opening the door. That’s it! The key is getting the oil really hot before adding the batter.
How to make Yorkshire pudding for one person?
For a single serving, use half of this recipe: 1 small egg (or half a beaten large egg), 25g flour, 25ml milk, and 12ml water. This makes 2-3 small puddings, perfect for one person. Follow the same method, but watch the cooking time as smaller puddings may cook slightly faster (around 15-18 minutes).
How do you make toad in hole batter for 2 people?
Toad in the hole uses the same batter as this Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2! Prepare the batter as directed, then add 4-6 cooked sausages to a small baking dish with hot oil. Pour the batter around the sausages and bake at 220°C for 30-35 minutes. The batter will puff up around the sausages, creating a delicious one-pan meal.
Why didn’t my Yorkshire puddings rise?
Several factors affect rising:
- Oil wasn’t hot enough (must be smoking)
- Oven temperature too low
- Opening the oven door during baking
- Batter too thick or too thin
- Cold ingredients (use room temperature liquids and eggs)
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes! You can make the batter up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for the best results.
What’s the difference between this and Jamie Oliver’s Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2?
Jamie Oliver’s Yorkshire pudding recipe for 2 uses similar proportions but sometimes includes equal parts milk and water by default. The key principles remain the same: hot oil, high heat, and not opening the oven door. Our recipe is based on traditional methods that home cooks have perfected over generations.
Can I use this recipe for a Yorkshire pudding recipe for 4 or a Yorkshire pudding recipe for 6?
Absolutely! Double the recipe for 4 people (2 eggs, 100g flour, 100ml milk, 50ml water) or triple it for a Yorkshire pudding recipe for 6 (3 eggs, 150g flour, 150ml milk, 75ml water). The cooking time remains the same, around 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
Making the perfect Yorkshire pudding for 2 doesn’t have to be complicated. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy crispy, golden puddings that rival any restaurant without the waste of making large batches. The key secrets are using room temperature ingredients, getting your oil smoking hot, and resisting the temptation to open the oven door.
Whether you’re cooking a romantic Sunday roast, making a cozy weeknight dinner, or trying the air fryer method for the first time, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results. The traditional ratios and techniques ensure that even first-time cooks can achieve that beautiful rise and golden color.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Your first batch might not be flawless, but by your third or fourth attempt, you’ll be making Yorkshire puddings that look and taste like they came from a professional kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s small enough to practice without waste, but impressive enough to serve at any meal.
So heat that oil, mix your batter, and get ready to enjoy some of the best Yorkshire puddings you’ve ever tasted. Your perfect Sunday roast for two awaits!
Happy cooking!