Toad in a Hole
on Dec 13, 2023, Updated Jun 27, 2024
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Toad in the Hole is a quintessentially British dish that combines the heartiness of sausages with the comfort of Yorkshire pudding. Its unique name and delicious taste have made it a favorite in the UK and beyond.
Toad in a Hole is the perfect for those occasions when you crave something warm and filling. It’s especially popular during the colder months, as it provides a cozy, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. It is also ideal for a weekend family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, as it’s not only delicious but also a conversation starter thanks to its unique name and appearance.
The ease of preparation and versatility make it suitable for both impromptu meals and planned gatherings, ensuring a satisfying and hearty dining experience.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the epitome of comfort food, ideal for cold nights.
- With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s accessible to cooks of all levels.
- Made with inexpensive ingredients, it’s budget-friendly.
Recipe Ingredients
- Pork Sausages: Provide a rich, meaty flavor and form the hearty base of the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the fluffy structure of the Yorkshire pudding.
- Eggs: Bind the batter, adding richness and aiding in its rise.
- Milk: Ensures a smooth, creamy batter for the pudding.
- Beef Broth: Offers a deep, savory base for the gravy.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the gravy for a perfect consistency.
- Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- Rosemary Stalks: Provide a fragrant, herbal note.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Substitutes: Chicken, beef, or vegetarian sausages can be used.
- Gluten-Free: Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour in the batter.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond or soy milk.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate vegetables like onions, peppers, or tomatoes for a healthier twist.
How To Make Toad in a Hole
Step #1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Step #2. Whisk until you have a smooth batter. Place batter in the fridge to chill.
Step #3. In a large frypan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausages.
Step #4. Cook sausages until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step #5. Place the cooked sausage in a greased 8×8 square baking dish, and set the pan aside.
Step #6. Pour the Batter Around the Sausages and make sure the cooked sausages are evenly spaced.
Step #7. Put the baking dish in the cold oven, preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F allow it to preheat with the dish inside and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the batter is puffed up and golden brown.
Step #8. In the same frypan you used for cooking sausages, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rosemary stalks and let them infuse the butter and sausage drippings with their flavor for a minute or two.
Step #9. After infusing the butter with rosemary, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent. Then stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step #10. Slice the Toad in the Hole into portions and drizzle the delicious onion and rosemary gravy over the top.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! You can use your favorite type of sausages – pork, beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages will work.
Common accompaniments include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad like this green bean salad. It’s a really versatile dish.
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Expert Tips
- Ensure the batter for Toad in the Hole is smooth and free of lumps. A consistent batter ensures an even rise and a fluffy texture.
- The quality of the sausages can significantly impact the overall flavor. Opt for good-quality pork sausages with a high meat content for the best results.
- Allowing the batter to chill in the fridge before baking helps in achieving a better puff and crisp texture. This step should not be skipped.
- Starting with a cold oven and then preheating it with the baking dish inside helps the batter to rise properly. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated for the best results.
- Refrain from opening the oven door during the initial 20 minutes of baking. This is crucial for the rising process.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry. Remember, the gravy will thicken as it cools.
How To Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze Toad in the Hole?
It’s not recommended to freeze Toad in the Hole, as the texture of the batter may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
More Dinner Recipes To Consider
Simple Gingerbread Recipes
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup: Cozy Holiday in a Bottle
Muffin Recipes
Spice Up Your Morning With Gingerbread Muffins
Pancake Recipes
Stack ‘Em High: Golden Cornbread Pancakes
Sourdough Recipes
Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread – A Perfect Breakfast Loaf
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Toad in a Hole
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
For Toad in the Hole:
- 5 good-quality pork sausages
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Gravy:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, cornstarch slurry
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 rosemary stalks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toad in the Hole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth batter.
- Place batter in the fridge to chill slightly while the sausage cooks.
- In a large frypan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the cooked sausage in a greased 8×8 square baking dish, and set the pan aside. Pour the Batter Around the Sausages and make sure the cooked sausages are evenly spaced.
- Put the baking dish in the cold oven, preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) allow it to preheat with the dish inside and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the batter is puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the door during the first 20 min of baking as this can stop the rising process.
Gravy:
- In the same frypan you used for cooking sausages, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rosemary stalks and let them infuse the butter and sausage drippings with their flavor for a minute or two.
- After infusing the butter with rosemary, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the gravy thickens. If needed, adjust the thickness with more cornstarch slurry or water.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Slice the Toad in the Hole into portions and drizzle the delicious onion and rosemary gravy over the top.
Notes
- Ensure the batter for Toad in the Hole is smooth and free of lumps. A consistent batter ensures an even rise and a fluffy texture.
- The quality of the sausages can significantly impact the overall flavor. Opt for good-quality pork sausages with a high meat content for the best results.
- Allowing the batter to chill in the fridge before baking helps in achieving a better puff and crisp texture. This step should not be skipped.
- Starting with a cold oven and then preheating it with the baking dish inside helps the batter to rise properly. Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated for the best results.
- Refrain from opening the oven door during the initial 20 minutes of baking. This is crucial for the rising process.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry. Remember, the gravy will thicken as it cools.
- Infusing the butter with rosemary adds a depth of flavor to the gravy. Don’t skip this step as it enhances the overall taste.
- If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven. However, note that the batter may not be as fluffy as when freshly baked.
- Toad in the Hole can be served with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
