If there’s one chef who makes me feel like I could rule my kitchen with a whisk in one hand and a stick of butter in the other, it’s James Martin.
His comforting British classics and elegant showstoppers have inspired me to be bolder and braver in my own cooking adventures.
Below, I’ve gathered 27 of his most enticing recipes—some are perfect for laid-back weekend mornings, others for impressing dinner guests, but all are full of that signature James Martin charm.
1. James Martin’s Ultimate Scrambled Eggs
Ever tasted scrambled eggs that are divinely creamy and melt-in-your-mouth buttery? James Martin’s technique ensures they’re neither dry nor runny—just soft folds of eggy bliss.
Key tip: Cook them gently and don’t rush. Let them slowly become soft clouds of custardy goodness, and you’ll have the best start to any morning.
2. Classic Buttermilk Pancakes
Fluffy, golden, and ready to soak up all the syrup you can pour, these pancakes are Sunday brunch perfection. The buttermilk adds a tangy tenderness, making each bite airy yet decadent.
Try topping them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a café-worthy treat at home. Once you’ve gone buttermilk, it’s tough to return to regular old pancakes.
3. Eggs Benedict With Homemade Hollandaise
Runny poached eggs, savory ham (or bacon), and a silky pool of homemade hollandaise sauce—pure morning luxury. James Martin’s hollandaise is easy to whip up if you follow his step-by-step, focusing on gentle heat and a steady whisk.
It’s the sort of dish you serve when you want breakfast to feel like a mini celebration. One bite, and you’ll appreciate just how rich and comforting a plate of eggs can get.
4. Full English Breakfast
A hearty fry-up that includes bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. James Martin keeps it authentic, ensuring each component is cooked to perfection—crispy bacon, juicy sausages, seared mushrooms, and bright tomatoes.
While it may be heavy, it’s worth every comforting mouthful. For me, it’s a weekend indulgence that reminds me how good old-fashioned cooking can lift your spirits.
5. Scottish Drop Scones
Somewhere between pancakes and crumpets, these dainty rounds have a slightly spongy texture that’s perfect with jam or syrup. They’re quick to whip up, so you can satisfy those mid-morning munchies without fuss.
I love them with a smear of salted butter and a drizzle of honey, though you can top them with fresh fruit or compote for a lively pop of sweetness.
6. Shepherd’s Pie
Rich, savory lamb (or beef) filling crowned with velvety mashed potatoes—James Martin’s version nails that cozy, homestyle vibe. The trick? A well-seasoned gravy and golden potato crust you’ll want to tap with your fork before diving in.
When I crave a hug in food form, this dish never fails. Bake until the top is nicely browned, and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.
7. Toad In The Hole
Golden Yorkshire pudding batter hugging juicy sausages—it sounds quirky, but oh my, is it delicious. Serve with onion gravy for an extra layer of warmth.
James Martin’s tip: Make sure the batter is at room temperature and the pan (with oil) is piping hot. That’s how you get the perfect puff and crunch around those sausages.
8. Beef Wellington
A showstopper of beef fillet swaddled in mushrooms and pastry. If you’ve always thought it too fancy to try, James Martin breaks it down step-by-step so you can wow your family (or dinner guests) in style.
What’s lovely is the contrast of juicy pink beef with the buttery, flaky pastry. Slicing into it feels like unveiling a gift at the table.
9. Steak & Ale Pie
Tender beef, slow-cooked in a savory ale-based gravy, wrapped in flaky pastry—this is British pub grub at its finest. The robust ale adds a deep, malty note that’s purely satisfying.
Pair it with mashed potatoes or a side salad if you’re trying to feel less guilty. Either way, each slice offers that homely satisfaction reminiscent of a cozy countryside inn.
10. Fish & Chips
No British table is complete without crispy battered fish and golden chips. James Martin’s version is about a shatteringly crisp batter that encloses succulent white fish.
He suggests frying at the right temperature so the batter doesn’t soak up oil. Drizzle malt vinegar on your chips, and you’re basically at a seaside chippy with gulls overhead.
11. Perfect Roast Beef With Yorkshire Pudding
Roast beef is the ultimate Sunday centerpiece, but James Martin’s secret lies in seasoning and resting the meat properly. Pair it with puffy Yorkshire puds that soak up gravy like a dream.
Take your time with the gravy, letting all those meat juices reduce for maximum flavor. One taste, and you’ll understand why the Sunday roast is practically a British institution.
12. Slow-Roasted Pork Belly With Apple Sauce
Crackling that crunches like confetti on your teeth and tender meat that yields to the slightest fork pressure—that’s the pork belly magic. The sweet-tart apple sauce is a natural companion to balance out the richness.
James Martin’s method ensures the skin turns golden and crisp, while the inside stays moist. It’s a must for anyone who loves that luscious ratio of fat to meat in every bite.
13. Roast Lamb With Rosemary & Garlic
A succulent leg of lamb infused with aromatic rosemary and garlic cloves, roasted until pink and juicy. If you haven’t smelled that fragrance drifting from your oven, you’re missing out on pure contentment.
Pair with mint sauce or gravy, and you’ve got a roast that’s refined yet cozy. James Martin’s approach keeps the lamb’s natural flavors front and center, which is exactly how it should be.
14. Roast Chicken With Herb Butter
A classic family favorite: golden skin, juicy meat, and the aroma of fresh herbs. The herb butter is massaged under the skin, ensuring each mouthful is steeped in flavor.
This is the roast you make when you want to feed everyone happily without fuss. I love throwing root veggies into the roasting pan so they soak up the chicken juices and become a side dish in one fell swoop.
15. Triple-Cooked Chips
James Martin’s triple-cooked method delivers fries that crackle when you bite in, with a fluffy interior that disappears on your tongue. They might take a bit longer, but once you try them, regular fries feel second-rate.
All it takes is parboiling, cooling, and then frying—repeatedly. A little extra effort for a massive payoff in the crunch department. Serve with aioli or just plain salt, and watch them vanish in minutes.
16. Cheesy Dauphinoise Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky, and layered with gooey cheese, these potatoes are the ultimate indulgence. If you’re counting calories, this might be your cheat-day dish—but what a cheat day it’ll be!
Thinly slice the potatoes, douse them in cream, garlic, and grated cheese, then bake until the top forms a golden crust. It’s the side dish that can steal the show from the main course.
17. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
James Martin’s mash is velvety enough to spread like frosting, thanks to a healthy dose of butter and a splash of warm milk or cream. It’s that British approach to comfort—simple yet luxurious.
My tip: Don’t skimp on the butter. Let it melt into the hot potatoes, then whip them lightly. The result is a satin-smooth texture that nearly floats on your plate.
18. Glazed Carrots & Parsnips
Carrots and parsnips roasted or simmered in a sweet glaze become tender, caramelized gems. Imagine the gentle sweetness of root veggies heightened by honey, maybe with thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.
They’re an ideal companion to roasts, balancing out heavier flavors with a light, sugary note. When your diners rave about the carrots, you know you’ve nailed veggie nirvana.
19. Pan-Seared Scallops With Lemon Butter
Juicy scallops seared until golden on the outside, paired with a bright lemon-butter sauce that wakes up your taste buds. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but surprisingly quick to cook.
Just remember: a hot pan and minimal contact time to get that perfect crust. Drizzle the sauce, garnish with fresh herbs, and you’ve got a chef-level dish in minutes.
20. Lobster Thermidor
A luxurious treat where lobster meat is smothered in a creamy, brandy-infused sauce, then baked with a golden cheese crust. If you’re looking to impress, this dish radiates indulgence.
James Martin’s version is straightforward, focusing on the sweet, succulent lobster flavor. It’s the kind of entrée that transforms any night into a special occasion—candles optional but highly encouraged.
21. Salmon En Croûte
Tender salmon wrapped in puff pastry, often with a layer of spinach or herbs. It’s a showy piece of fish that slices open to reveal a pink, flaky center.
If you’ve never tried en croûte, it’s like giving your salmon a protective blanket of buttery pastry. The result is moist fish with crisp, flaky edges—definitely dinner-party worthy.
22. Sticky Toffee Pudding
A spongy, date-filled cake drenched in a sticky caramel sauce. It’s warm, gooey, and everything a dessert should be if you love rich, sweet indulgence.
One spoonful, and you’ll close your eyes in dessert ecstasy. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to really push it over the edge.
23. Classic Victoria Sponge Cake
Light, airy sponge layers sandwiching jam and whipped cream, dusted with a sprinkle of sugar on top. It’s the quintessential British teatime treat, favored by James Martin and the entire monarchy of cake lovers.
Slice in, and you’ll see that dreamy swirl of jam and cream. Simple to make yet so satisfying, it’s a favorite for birthdays or a cozy Sunday afternoon.
24. Lemon Posset
A silky citrus dessert made from just cream, sugar, and lemon juice. The simplicity stuns you when you realize how luxurious it tastes—tangy, sweet, and delightfully smooth.
Serve it chilled in small glasses, maybe with a shortbread cookie for dipping. If you crave a break from heavy, chocolatey desserts, lemon posset is your refreshing salvation.
25. Chocolate Fondant
A lava cake by another name, with a gooey center that oozes rich chocolate the moment you break into it. For chocolate fiends, it’s the be-all and end-all of dessert fantasies.
James Martin’s trick is timing. Bake just long enough for the exterior to set but keep the core runny. Eat it warm, and let the melted chocolate flow—pure decadence on a spoon.
26. Profiteroles With Chocolate Sauce
Puffy choux pastry filled with whipped cream or custard, then drizzled in warm chocolate sauce. The contrast of airy pastry, cool cream, and hot chocolate sauce is just next-level.
Line them up on a platter for parties, or hoard them quietly if you’re having a personal dessert day. They’re elegant but not as fussy as you’d think—just be sure to master that choux.
27. Treacle Tart
A golden pastry crust filled with a sweet, lemon-scented syrupy mixture that sets into a slightly sticky layer. It’s a British classic that’s tangy yet sweet, often paired with clotted cream for maximum joy.
Harry Potter fans might recall it as his favorite dessert, and for good reason. One slice warms your soul, reminding you that some old-school recipes never go out of style.