Nothing quite brings back memories of our British childhoods quite like the familiar, comforting dishes that our parents cooked with us. Sadly, the rest of the world often mocks the UK for our culinary choices, but they’ve clearly never tried what we have on offer. So, to bring you on a trip down memory lane, here is a list of cozy meals that your parents no doubt cooked for you as a Brit.
Shepherd’s Pie
Of all the meals on the menu, Shepherd’s Pie was always the go-to meal for busy weeknights. As Good Food describes, this consisted of a rich, minced lamb base mixed with peas and carrots, all topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes, often browned to perfection under the grill. It was hearty, filling, and perfect for warming you up on chilly evenings, and we still love it for these reasons to this day.
Fish and Chips
A Friday night in the UK wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of fish and chips. Golden-battered fish with a side of chunky chips doused in vinegar and sprinkled with salt was a real treat. Whether it was homemade or picked up from the local chippy, it was a quintessentially British comfort food, and it always will be.
Bangers and Mash
Our parents loved cooking us bangers and mash as it offered a simple yet satisfying meal that never failed to please. Juicy sausages served over fluffy mashed potatoes, often accompanied by a generous helping of onion gravy, made this dish a staple. It was perfect for those nights when a quick and comforting dinner was needed.
Toad in the Hole
\While foreigners can’t wrap their heads around the name, Toad in the Hole was always much tastier than it sounded. Sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter created a dish that was crispy on the outside and soft inside, and it was usually served with vegetables and gravy, making for a fun, filling, tasty, and nutritious meal–now that’s a balanced diet!
Roast Dinner
Sadly, the tradition of Sunday roasts seems to be dying out, but when we were younger, Sundays were synonymous with roast dinners. Whether it was beef, chicken, lamb, or pork, the roast was always accompanied by crispy roast potatoes, a selection of vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and a rich gravy. It wasn’t just about the food, though; this meal was all about gathering the family around the table for a leisurely afternoon feast.
Beans on Toast
Ah, beans on toast–a quick fix that our parents loved to whip up. Warm, buttery toast topped with baked beans straight from the tin was simple but oddly satisfying. It made for an easy meal when time was short, and it had a comforting, no-fuss appeal that kids enjoyed. We still love it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to this day because it’s just so cheap, easy, and tasty.
Cottage Pie
Similar to shepherd’s pie, cottage pie used minced beef instead of lamb. The comforting blend of beef, vegetables, and mashed potato topping made it another family favorite. It was an easy dish to make in large batches, ensuring there were plenty of leftovers for the next day.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Even though it’s Italian in origin, spaghetti Bolognese, or “Spag Bol” as we like to call it, found its way into many British households. Minced beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs, served over a bed of spaghetti, became a beloved meal. It was a reliable, tasty option that was always met with enthusiasm at the dinner table.
Chicken Tikka Masala
People often think that Chicken Tikka Masala is an Indian dish, and while that’s partially true, it’s actually a British dish. Tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, often served with rice or naan bread, made for a delicious dinner. This dish combined the best of both cultures, resulting in a comforting and flavorful meal.
Full English
British meals don’t get much more classic than the full English. Admittedly, it was rare for our parents to knock this up as it required quite the effort, but on the occasion, you could expect sausages, bacon, beans, tomato, mushrooms, hash browns, eggs, black pudding, and toast on your plate. Now, that is a breakfast for champions!
Jacket Potatoes
Jacket potatoes were an easy and versatile meal option for when our parents were stretched for time and money, consisting of a fluffy potato with a crispy skin, baked to perfection, and filled with toppings like cheese, beans, tuna, or coleslaw. It was a go-to choice for lunch or dinner, offering countless variations while remaining consistently comforting.
Corned Beef Hash
When was the last time you ate corned beef hash? For us, it’s been decades. This was a simple dish that made the most of pantry staples, including cubes of corned beef mixed with potatoes and onions, fried until crispy. It was often served with a fried egg on top, adding a bit of richness to the humble but hearty dish.
Bubble and Squeak
While old-fashioned, Bubble and Squeak was a clever way to use up leftover vegetables from a roast dinner. Typically, cabbage and potatoes were mashed together and fried until crisp. This dish was popular as a side or a light meal on its own, making leftovers feel like something new and delicious.
Lancashire Hotpot
If you’re from up North, you no doubt remember your parents cooking Lancashire hotpot, a slow-cooked dish that was all about simplicity and comfort. Layers of lamb, onions, and sliced potatoes were cooked together in a casserole, creating a hearty, warming meal. The slow cooking allowed the flavors to meld beautifully, making it perfect for cold, dreary days.
Sausage Rolls
To this day, we Brits still love Sausage rolls, regardless of whether we’re at a party, passing by Greggs on the way to work, or even as a sit-down meal with our family. Sausages wrapped in flaky pastry, baked until golden, have always been impossible to resist, especially when our parents baked them from scratch. Whether served hot or cold, they were always a hit and often made more appearances than just on special occasions.
Cheese and Potato Pie
One of the rarer dishes on this list is cheese and potato pie, which was a staple in some households although non-existent in many others. As the name suggests, this was a combination of mashed potatoes and melted cheese, often encased in a pastry crust or simply baked in a dish. Ultimately, it was a simple pleasure that always hit the spot because how could you go wrong with potatoes and cheese!?
Ploughman’s Lunch
On special occasions or during family visits to the pub, we were sometimes treated to a Ploughman’s Lunch, which was an easy-to-assemble meal that offered a bit of everything. Typically featuring cheese, pickles, cold meats, and crusty bread, it was perfect for a light dinner. Though it might have looked like a picnic on a plate, it was a filling and satisfying option for many families.
Rice Pudding
Finally, how could we forget rice pudding? This classic British dessert was a creamy and sweet addition to any meal, often topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a spoonful of jam. It was a dish that warmed both the heart and the stomach, and best of all, it was cheap and easy for our parents to knock up, so there was never any excuse not to have pudding.