Our favourite Sunday lunch recipes from Good Food chefs and experts
Feeling uninspired for Sunday roast? From classic joints to flavour-packed twists, our expert recipes will help you serve up something special
Hosting a Sunday roast but feeling a little uninspired? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it cosy, our expert chefs and contributors have pulled together a selection of recipes to help spark your imagination. From traditional joints with all the trimmings to flavour-packed twists that break with convention, there’s something here for every kind of cook.
If you're planning on keeping costs low, don’t miss our clever ideas for Sunday lunch on a budget. Curious about how the rest of the world does it? Take a look at our guide to Sunday lunches around the world. And when the plates are cleared, make the most of your leftovers with our handy tips for how to use up Sunday leftovers – less waste, more taste.
Dive into our full collection of Sunday lunch recipes for even more delicious ideas.
Tom Kerridge
Starter
Soup makes a brilliant starter – light enough not to spoil the main event, yet full of flavour. This pumpkin and bacon number is just the thing for a comforting Sunday lunch. Crown Prince pumpkin blends to a lovely silky consistency, while crispy bacon adds a salty, savoury edge that balances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Main
Leg of lamb is a Sunday roast classic, but if you're looking to shake things up, Tom Kerridge’s harissa-marinated version is a game-changer. The bold, smoky spice blend breathes new life into this traditional cut, while the clever half-roast, half-pulled method delivers melt-in-the-mouth texture without compromising on carving ease. It's a vibrant twist on a timeless favourite.
Dessert
Classic bread & butter pudding
Bread and butter pudding is a true British classic – comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly versatile. This version is gently baked in a water bath to ensure the custard stays luxuriously soft and creamy, perfectly contrasting the golden, caramelised top.
Discover more Tom Kerridge recipes.
Barney Desmazery
Starter
Salad might sound simple, but it’s a smart choice for a lighter start to your Sunday lunch. Barney’s allotment salad showcases the best of homegrown vegetables, which are ideal if your garden is brimming with seasonal summer bounty.
Main
This beef bourguignon is a tried-and-tested favourite with over a hundred five-star ratings. The secret? Skip the stock and stick to red wine for a deep, rich flavour. It may take a little longer to prep, but it’s surprisingly simple – and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for effortless comfort on a busy day.
Dessert
As a keen forager, it’s only fitting that Barney finishes his Sunday lunch with this simple raspberry Bakewell cake. If it’s the season, home-picked berries make it extra remarkable – but shop-bought work just as well. Fruity, nutty and reliably crowd-pleasing, it’s a classic worth baking again and again.
Discover more Barney Desmazery recipes.
Gordon Ramsay
Starter
Gordon Ramsay’s citrus-cured gravadlax makes a striking starter if you're looking to impress. The punchy citrus cure and sharp horseradish cream cut through the richness of the salmon, creating a light, elegant dish that sets the tone perfectly for the hearty main to follow.
Main
Beef Wellington might be a Sunday showstopper, but it’s no easy feat – striking that balance between perfectly pink beef and crisp, golden pastry takes precision. Worried about soggy bottoms or overcooking? With a bit of care, it’s worth the effort – your guests will savour every bite.
Dessert
End your Sunday feast on a high with these irresistible melt-in-the-middle chocolate fondants. They can be made ahead, taking the stress out of your prep. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast, or drizzle with homemade custard for pure comfort.
Discover more Gordon Ramsay recipes.
Cassie Best
Starter
When the weather permits it, which isn’t very long in the UK, why not have your Sunday lunch outside? This vibrant summer salad is the perfect no-cook starter—fresh, colourful, and effortless. It pairs just as beautifully with barbecued meats as with a classic roast.
Main
With a name like 'Marry me chicken', you know it’s something special – rumoured to be proposal-worthy and undoubtedly worthy of a spot on your Sunday lunch table. With over 50 glowing reviews in our comments, this creamy, crowd-pleasing dish has clearly won hearts.
Dessert
Don’t be fooled by its showstopping appearance – this Spanish-style baked cheesecake is surprisingly simple. With a caramelised top, creamy centre and subtle bittersweet notes, it’s a beautifully indulgent dessert that serves up to 15 – ideal for feeding a full table of guests.
Discover more Cassie Best recipes.
John Torode
Starter
Smoked mackerel & horseradish chicory cups
Quick yet impressive, John Torode’s no-cook mackerel pâté is an ideal starter when you’re short on time. It serves up to 12, making it perfect for Sunday lunch when you’ve got a full house to feed.
Main
Looking for a vegan dish everyone will enjoy? These individual shepherd’s pies are packed with flavour—think porcini mushrooms, leeks, carrots and butternut squash, all topped with crispy potatoes. They are comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly low in calories and fat.
Dessert
Show off your baking skills with these elegant lemon meringue pies – light, fluffy and bursting with citrus zing. They’re a bit of a challenge but well worth the effort. Not overly sweet, they make a refreshing end to Sunday lunch, and their portions are perfect for guests to take home.
Discover more John Torode recipes.
Ailsa Burt
Starter
Hosting a last-minute Sunday lunch and didn’t plan for a starter? No problem – a few well-chosen nibbles can keep guests happy while you finish off the main. This spicy sardine dip is a clever, budget-friendly option, using storecupboard staples to create a punchy spread in just 10 minutes. Serve with crusty bread or crunchy veg for easy grazing.
Main
Vegetarians are often overlooked when it comes to hearty mains – but not with this flavour-packed casserole. Made with veggie sausages and butter beans, it’s satisfying enough to please meat-eaters, too, and delivers four of your five a day. Once again, serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
If you want to go the extra mile, try making it homemade with one of our bread recipes.
Dessert
This gluten-free almond cake is as lovely with a cuppa as a Sunday lunch finale. Put your feet up, pour a warm brew and savour a slice with good company.
Sara Buenfeld
Starter
Our French onion soup is rich, savoury and surprisingly simple to make at home. Slow-cooked onions bring deep, caramelised flavour, while a bubbling cheese-topped crouton adds just the right amount of indulgence. It’s an excellent way to use up a glut of onions from the garden – and makes a brilliant Sunday lunch starter, as it’s comforting without being too heavy, leaving plenty of room for the main event.
Main
Herb & garlic baked cod with romesco sauce & spinach
Cod is a brilliant source of lean protein, making it a smart choice for a lighter Sunday lunch. Serve it with seasonal greens and a punchy romesco sauce for a vibrant, low-calorie dish that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Dessert
This retro pineapple upside-down cake is a nostalgic bake that makes a joyful end to Sunday lunch. Its golden, glossy topping and soft sponge are comforting classics that bring a touch of old-school charm to the table.
Samuel Goldsmith
Starter
This vibrant roasted aubergine salad is all about colour, texture and bold Mediterranean flavour. Serve it on a platter for maximum impact with minimal effort – a fresh, eye-catching addition to your Sunday lunch spread.
Main
Swap the oven for the air fryer and roast your pork joint to perfection. It’s energy-efficient and guarantees irresistibly crisp crackling. Serve with apple sauce and all your favourite trimmings.
Dessert
Courgette in a cake might raise eyebrows, but trust us – it’s a game-changer. It adds incredible moisture without an overpowering flavour, perfect for using a seasonal glut. A clever bake that ensures nothing goes to waste – and everyone asks for seconds.
James Martin
Starter
Main
This French bistro classic is simple to recreate at home, making a brilliant Sunday lunch main. With just 10 ingredients and one pot, it’s low on fuss but big on flavour – perfect served with creamy mash or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce, ready in under two hours.
Dessert
Round off your Sunday lunch with a true classic—the Victoria sponge. Light, fluffy and filled with jam and cream, it’s a nostalgic bake that never goes out of style. With nearly 300 five-star ratings, it’s safe to say this recipe has stood the test of time.
Discover more James Martin recipes.
Helena Busiakiewicz
Starter
Save time and energy with these fuss-free baked ham hock pots – a brilliant make-ahead starter. Ready in just 10 minutes using an air fryer, they can be chilled for up to two days, making them perfect for stress-free Sunday lunch prep.
Main
A stew for Sunday lunch might sound unconventional, but this pancetta and white bean version could be just the thing. Ready in under an hour and ideal for using up leftover vegetables from the fridge, it’s hearty, satisfying and perfect for a laid-back Sunday feast.
Dessert
Add pistachio cream to classic tiramisu for a modern twist. Swirl it through the filling for extra richness, then finish with a drizzle of melted spread and a scattering of chopped pistachios for a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert.
