12 Royal Family Favorite Foods You Can Make at Home, From the Queen’s Chocolate Cake to Diana’s Stuffed Peppers

Palace chefs can cook almost anything, yet many reported favorite foods of the royal family are surprisingly homey. The late Queen Elizabeth II loved a slice of chocolate cake at teatime, Queen Camilla has praised proper fish and chips, and Princess Diana asked for the same simple stuffed peppers again and again. The details below come from former royal chefs and from interviews the royals and their families have given over the years. Each slide includes an easy recipe so you can bring a taste of the palace to your own kitchen table. Put the kettle on..

Queen Elizabeth II and Her Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who cooked for the royal family at Buckingham Palace for 11 years, has said the Queen was a chocoholic and that chocolate biscuit cake was a staple at her afternoon tea. According to Marie Claire, he said she always wanted to finish the whole cake. Prince William loved it too and chose it as his groom’s cake in 2011. It needs no oven at all.

You will need: 8 oz rich tea biscuits or plain tea cookies, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 4 oz dark chocolate chopped, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Topping: 8 oz dark chocolate melted, 1 oz white or milk chocolate for decorating.

How to make it: 1. Grease a 6 inch cake ring or small springform pan and line it with parchment. 2. Break the biscuits into almond size pieces. 3. Cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the 4 oz of melted and slightly cooled chocolate. 4. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then fold in the biscuits. 5. Press into the pan and chill 3 hours until firm. 6. Unmold, pour the melted topping chocolate over it, decorate and chill again before slicing.

Royal Family Favorite: Queen Elizabeth II’s Balmoral Salmon

Darren McGrady told HELLO! that salmon from the River Dee on the Balmoral estate in Scotland was one of the Queen’s favorites. He also described her as a cautious eater who stuck to dishes she liked rather than chasing new trends. A simple baked salmon with lemon and dill is a lovely way to enjoy that Scottish favorite at home, and it is ready in about 20 minutes.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), 2 tablespoons butter melted, 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 clove garlic minced, salt, pepper, new potatoes and green beans to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F and line a baking dish. 2. Set the salmon in the dish skin side down. 3. Mix the butter, garlic, juice of half the lemon and half the dill. 4. Brush it over the fish and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes and reaches 145F. 6. Add the rest of the dill and lemon slices.

Queen Elizabeth II: Steak With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

According to McGrady, the Queen enjoyed game and beef dishes, including Gaelic steak and fillet steak with a mushroom whisky sauce, especially with venison. It shows the royal family table could be hearty too. Our version uses beef fillet and a creamy mushroom pan sauce. The whisky is optional and can be swapped for beef broth. Quick poll: how do you like your steak, medium rare (A), medium (B) or well done (C)?

You will need: 2 beef fillet steaks (about 6 oz each), salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 1 shallot minced, 2 tablespoons whisky (optional) or 1/4 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Season the steaks and sear them in oil in a hot skillet, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. 2. Rest them on a plate. 3. Melt the butter and cook the mushrooms and shallot 5 minutes. 4. Add the whisky or broth and scrape up the brown bits. 5. Stir in the cream and Dijon and simmer 2 minutes. 6. Spoon the sauce over the steaks with parsley.

King Charles III: The Hidden Egg Salad

Graham Tinsley, former manager of the Welsh Culinary Team, told HELLO! that the King likes a coddled egg cooked for two to three minutes, peeled and tucked under salad leaves, then mashed into the leaves like a dressing. The King also told the BBC in 2021 that he does not eat meat or fish two days a week. Our version cooks the eggs a little longer so the whites are fully set.

You will need: 4 eggs, 4 cups mixed salad leaves, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cucumber sliced, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, pepper, crusty bread.

How to make it: 1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. 2. Lower in the eggs and cook 6 to 7 minutes for a jammy yolk with a set white. 3. Cool in ice water and peel. 4. Toss the leaves, tomatoes and cucumber with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. 5. Tuck the eggs under the leaves on each plate. 6. Break them open at the table and mix the yolk into the salad.

King Charles III: Wild Mushroom Risotto

Darren McGrady shared a risotto recipe inspired by a day foraging for wild mushrooms with the then Prince Charles at Balmoral, and he told HELLO! that the King loves Italian food. Like many royal family favorites, creamy risotto takes a little stirring, but it is simple and comforting. Use any mix of mushrooms you can find, from cremini to shiitake. Have you ever made risotto at home?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, 6 cups warm vegetable or chicken broth, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, 12 oz mixed mushrooms sliced, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Cook the mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter and the oil until browned, then set aside. 2. Cook the onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon butter for 4 minutes. 3. Stir in the rice for 1 minute. 4. Add the broth a ladle at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed, about 20 minutes. 5. Stir in the mushrooms, Parmesan and the last tablespoon of butter. 6. Season and top with parsley.

Royal Family Favorite: Queen Camilla’s Proper Fish and Chips

In a conversation with her son, food writer Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla said, as reported by Marie Claire, that you cannot beat proper fish and chips. It is a favorite across Britain, and it is easier to make at home than you might think. This batter uses sparkling water for a light, crisp coating. Do you like yours with malt vinegar or tartar sauce?

You will need: 4 cod or haddock fillets, 1 cup all purpose flour plus extra for dusting, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup cold sparkling water, oil for frying, 2 pounds russet potatoes cut in thick chips, lemon wedges, malt vinegar.

How to make it: 1. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water 30 minutes, then dry well. 2. Fry them in 325F oil for 6 minutes, drain, then fry again at 375F until golden. 3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sparkling water into a batter. 4. Pat the fish dry and dust it with flour. 5. Dip in batter and fry at 375F for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. 6. Serve with lemon and vinegar.

Catherine, Princess of Wales: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Marie Claire lists sticky toffee pudding as the Princess of Wales’s favorite dessert. It is a classic British pudding loved far beyond the royal family: a soft date sponge soaked in warm toffee sauce and usually served with cream or ice cream. It is the kind of dessert that turns a cold evening into something special. Would you serve it with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream? For more treats like this, see our classic British desserts and bakes.

You will need: Cake: 1 cup pitted dates chopped, 3/4 cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 4 tablespoons butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups self rising flour. Sauce: 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup heavy cream.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350F and grease an 8×8 pan. 2. Soak the dates in the boiling water with the baking soda for 10 minutes. 3. Beat the butter and sugar, then the eggs. 4. Fold in the flour and the date mixture. 5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until springy. 6. Simmer the sauce ingredients 3 minutes and pour half over the warm cake, serving the rest on the side.

Catherine, Princess of Wales: A Curry With Some Heat

In a 2017 BBC Radio 1 interview with Scott Mills, William and Catherine both named curry among their takeaway favorites, and in 2019 she said she likes it quite hot. Curry night is clearly popular with the royal family. This homemade chicken curry lets you choose your own heat level with the chili. It is cozy, freezer friendly and better than takeout. How hot do you like yours?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs cubed, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 onion chopped, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 to 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream, salt, cilantro, rice.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in oil 6 minutes until golden. 2. Add garlic, ginger and the spices and stir 1 minute. 3. Add the chicken and cook 5 minutes. 4. Pour in the tomatoes and simmer 20 minutes. 5. Stir in the coconut milk and simmer 5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165F. 6. Season and serve over rice with cilantro.

Royal Family Pizza Night With Princes William and Harry

Darren McGrady has said that when they were boys, William and Harry would have eaten pizza every night if their nanny had let them. Marie Claire also reports that the Princess of Wales prefers bacon on her pizza over pepperoni. This homemade bacon pizza uses store bought dough, so it is ready in about 25 minutes. Quick poll: bacon (A), pepperoni (B) or plain cheese (C)?

You will need: 1 pound pizza dough, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped, 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, fresh basil or arugula.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 475F with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside. 2. Stretch the dough into a 12 inch round on parchment. 3. Spread the sauce and add the mozzarella. 4. Scatter the bacon and onion over the top. 5. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake 10 to 12 minutes until bubbling and golden. 6. Drizzle with olive oil and add basil.

Prince George: Spaghetti Carbonara

Italian chef Aldo Zilli has said that Prince William told him spaghetti carbonara is Prince George’s favorite, according to Marie Claire. It is a royal family favorite that any kid would love. A true carbonara has no cream. The silky sauce comes from eggs, cheese and a splash of hot pasta water tossed with crisp pork. It is a perfect family dinner that takes about 20 minutes.

You will need: 12 oz spaghetti, 4 oz pancetta or bacon diced, 3 large eggs, 1 cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan, 1 clove garlic (optional), plenty of black pepper, salt.

How to make it: 1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water and save 1 cup of the cooking water. 2. Crisp the pancetta in a large skillet, with the garlic if using. 3. Whisk the eggs, cheese and pepper in a bowl. 4. Take the skillet off the heat and add the hot drained pasta to the pancetta. 5. Pour in the egg mixture and toss fast, adding pasta water a little at a time until creamy. 6. Serve right away with extra cheese and pepper.

Prince Harry and Meghan: The Engagement Roast Chicken

In their 2017 BBC engagement interview, Prince Harry and Meghan said he proposed on an ordinary night at home while they were roasting a chicken. Harry described it as a standard, typical night for them. Proof that even the royal family loves a quiet night in. A simple roast chicken is one of the most comforting dinners you can make, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.

You will need: 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds), 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 lemon halved, 1 head garlic halved, a few sprigs thyme and rosemary, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 onion and 4 carrots cut in chunks.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F and pat the chicken very dry. 2. Rub it all over with butter, salt and pepper. 3. Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic and herbs. 4. Set it on the onion and carrots in a roasting pan. 5. Roast 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165F. 6. Rest 15 minutes before carving.

Royal Family Favorite: Princess Diana’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Former royal chef Darren McGrady has said, as reported by Marie Claire, that Princess Diana probably had stuffed peppers two or three times a week. He also said she did not eat beef at all. This lighter version is filled with rice, vegetables and a little cheese. Do you remember where you were when you first saw Diana on TV? Sources for this gallery: HELLO!, Marie Claire and BBC.

You will need: 4 large bell peppers, 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, 1 zucchini diced, 1 cup mushrooms chopped, 1 onion chopped, 2 cloves garlic, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, olive oil, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. 3. Cook the onion, garlic, zucchini and mushrooms in olive oil 6 minutes. 4. Stir in the rice, tomatoes, herbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper. 5. Fill the peppers, set them in a baking dish with a little water and cover with foil. 6. Bake 35 minutes, add the mozzarella and bake 10 minutes more.