Sunday Roast Guide: How to Make the Perfect Roast Dinner

October 7, 2026

A Sunday roast is the best excuse to gather the family round the table.

Here's how to get every part right. Always follow the cooking guidance for your cut of meat and check it's cooked safely.

Choose your roast

Beef: topside or rib, best served pink if you like it
Chicken: the easiest and most popular
Pork: score the skin for crackling
Lamb: leg or shoulder with rosemary and garlic
Vegetarian: nut roast or a whole roasted cauliflower

Crispy roast potatoes

Use floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward
Parboil for around 10 minutes
Shake in the pan to rough up the edges
Roast in very hot fat (goose fat, beef dripping or oil)
Turn halfway

Yorkshire puddings

Equal volumes of eggs, plain flour and milk
Rest the batter
Smoking-hot oil in the tin
Don't open the oven while they rise

Gravy and veg

Make gravy from the roasting juices, a little flour and stock
Carrots, peas, greens and cauliflower cheese
Stuffing and condiments: horseradish, mint sauce, apple sauce

Key things to remember

Rest the meat while the potatoes and Yorkshires finish.
Warm the plates.

Frequently asked questions

What potatoes are best for roasting?

Floury varieties such as Maris Piper or King Edward.

Why don't my Yorkshire puddings rise?

The oil isn't hot enough or the oven door was opened too early.

What is a good example of sunday roast guide?

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