Black pudding, a distinctive element of the traditional English, Scottish and often Irish breakfasts, has a rich and complex flavour. It’s made from animal blood, and as with many other popular foodstuffs, its origins lie in people making economical use of a plentiful leftover ingredient.
How is black pudding made?
To make it, the blood (usually from pigs) is mixed with fat and oatmeal, before being packed into a casing to make a sausage. As well as traditional black pudding, similar blood sausages are served across the world – French ‘boudin noir’ and Spanish ‘morcilla’ being two well-known examples. Added seasonings and spices vary from producer to producer.
Black pudding is cooked during its manufacturing process, which means it doesn’t have to be recooked, but it does benefit from it, with a nicer texture and crisp edges. Here’s a guide to the many ways to cook black pudding, whether you’re eating it as part of a cooked breakfast or using it for another recipe.
If you want some serving ideas, check out our collection of black pudding recipes and read more about its reputed health benefits in our guide on all you need to know about black pudding. Also, discover more classic components of a full English breakfast.
How to fry black pudding
Frying is the most obvious method for cooking black pudding, giving a crisp exterior and tender interior.
More like this
- Slice the black pudding into rounds about 1.5 cm thick
- You can add a bit of oil or butter to your frying pan, though black pudding has enough fat to cook in a non-stick pan. If cooking without fat, start the black pudding in a cold pan and bring it up to heat slowly
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and hot
How to air-fry black pudding
Air-frying works well for black pudding slices too.
- Heat your air fryer to 180°C
- Arrange the slices in the air-fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap
- Cook for around 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary based on your air-fryer model
Find more quick and easy air-fryer recipes.
How to microwave black pudding
For those in a rush, microwaving black pudding offers a quick and straightforward option. While it won’t achieve a crisp texture, it’s an efficient way to heat it through thoroughly.
- Slice the black pudding and arrange the pieces on a microwave-safe dish
- Cover with a microwave-safe cover. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices
How to cook black pudding in the oven
Oven cooking is an effortless method, especially when preparing black pudding as part of a larger dish or for lots of people. This method is perfect for cooking black pudding alongside other ingredients, making meal prep simpler.
- Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6
- Put the sliced black pudding on a non-stick or lined baking tray
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp at the edges
How to cook black pudding on the BBQ
Cooking black pudding on the barbecue adds a smoky flavour that can’t be replicated with indoor cooking methods. You can find plenty more ideas in our collection of barbecue recipes.
- Heat your BBQ to a medium-high temperature
- Slice the black pudding and place it directly on a fine grill, if your grill grid is large, cook it on a piece of foil
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally
Discover our best black pudding recipes:
Big breakfast with asparagus
Try this twist on a full English, complete with crisp bacon, vibrant asparagus and eggs.
Warm salad of red cabbage, black pudding & apple
This winter salad pairs earthy black pudding with tangy red cabbage and apple.
Sprout, black pudding & apple röstis
Crumbling the black pudding into the potato before cooking adds loads of extra flavour here.
Check out our black pudding potato cakes and discover more potato rösti recipes.
Deep-fried brussels with black pudding & apple
The mustardy vinaigrette here makes this dish dangerously moreish!
Read more of our cookery guides:
How to cook haggis
How to cook bacon
How to cook sausages
How to fry an egg
How to cook brussels sprouts