Christmas toad in the hole

What do you get when you cross pigs in blankets with toad in the hole? An ideal dinner for the festive season to hunker down with or serve to visiting friends and family. Christmas toad in the hole is a hearty dish that combines savory sausages wrapped in turkey bacon, Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. This dish stands out with its rich flavors and comforting textures, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: This dish embodies the spirit of Christmas with its warm flavors and beautiful presentation.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful meal without any hassle.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste, including vegetarian options for inclusive dining.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Ideal for repurposing any leftover sausages or vegetables from holiday feasts.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of juicy sausages, crispy Yorkshire pudding, and flavorful gravy is sure to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure everything runs smoothly as you prepare your Christmas toad in the hole.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting tin (23x33cm/9x13in)
• Balloon whisk
• Sauté pan
• Measuring jug
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin ensures even cooking and allows all ingredients to be combined beautifully.
• Balloon whisk: This tool helps achieve a smooth Yorkshire pudding batter without lumps.
• Sauté pan: Ideal for making gravy; its wide surface allows onions to brown perfectly.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

For the Yorkshire Pudding Batter

• 175g/6oz plain flour, sifted
• 4 large free-range eggs
• 300ml/½ pint full-fat milk
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

For the Main Dish

• 6 rashers smoked streaky Turkey Bacon
• 12 chipolata sausages
• 4 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
• 2 onions, peeled and cut into wedges
• 200g/7oz sage and onion stuffing, rolled into 8 balls
• 200g/7oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 2 small-medium leeks, trimmed and cut into 1–2cm/½–¾ thick slices

For the Gravy

• 25g/1oz butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 tsp chopped thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 500ml/18fl oz good-quality chicken stock
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• cranberry sauce

How to Make Christmas toad in the hole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.

Step 2: Make the Yorkshire Pudding Batter

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and create a well in the center.
2. Beat together the eggs and milk; pour this mixture into the well in the flour.
3. Whisk until smooth, then add mustard along with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Pigs in Blankets

1. Stretch each Turkey Bacon rasher by about one third.
2. Cut each rasher in half and wrap around each chipolata sausage.

Step 4: Roast Initial Ingredients

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in your roasting tin.
2. Add pigs in blankets, onion wedges, and stuffing balls.
3. Roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

1. In a sauté pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and chopped thyme; cook until onions are tender.
3. Stir in plain flour; cook for another 30 seconds before slowly adding chicken stock while stirring continuously.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

After roasting for 20 minutes:
1. Add Brussels sprouts and leeks along with remaining oil.
2. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 7: Pour Batter Over Ingredients

Quickly remove roasting tin from oven:
1. Pour Yorkshire pudding batter around sausages, stuffing, and vegetables.
2. Return to oven for another 20–25 minutes until batter is puffed up and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve Your Dish

Serve hot with onion gravy drizzled on top or on the side alongside cranberry sauce.

Enjoy your festive feast!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with Traditional Accompaniments

• Onion Gravy: A rich and savory onion gravy adds moisture and flavor, making each bite even more delectable.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the dish.

Add Some Greenery

• Steamed Brussels Sprouts: These mini cabbages add a vibrant color and a slight bitterness that complements the richness of the toad in the hole.
• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: This side dish brings a touch of crunchiness and garlicky goodness, enhancing your holiday table.

Include Hearty Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up gravy and make for a comforting addition to your plate.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey add color and sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

To ensure your Christmas toad in the hole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold batter preparation: Make sure to let your Yorkshire pudding batter rest. This helps it rise better while cooking.
• Bold oven temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly. A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect puffiness in your batter.
• Bold oil choice: Use sunflower or vegetable oil with a high smoke point. This ensures even cooking and crispiness without burning.
• Bold cooking time: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooking can lead to dryness; aim for golden brown, puffy perfection.
• Bold ingredient quality: Use quality sausages and stuffing. Better ingredients yield better flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

When serving Christmas toad in the hole, complementing sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provides sweetness and earthiness.
2. Cauliflower Cheese: Creamy cauliflower baked with cheesy goodness makes for a comforting side that pairs beautifully.
3. Creamed Spinach: This rich dish offers a deliciously creamy texture that balances out the savory elements of your main course.
4. Yorkshire Puddings: For an authentic touch, serve additional Yorkshire puddings alongside; they’re great for soaking up gravy!
5. Peas with Mint: Bright green peas tossed with fresh mint add freshness and color, brightening up your plate.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice or quinoa, these colorful peppers provide both nutrition and visual appeal as side dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Christmas toad in the hole, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the batter resting time – Allowing the batter to rest is essential for achieving a light and airy texture. Don’t rush this step.
• Overcrowding the roasting tin – Make sure there’s enough space between the sausages and vegetables. This allows everything to cook evenly and helps the batter rise.
• Using cold ingredients – For the best results, ensure all ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect how well your batter rises.
• Not preheating the oven sufficiently – The oven must be hot before you add the batter. A properly preheated oven ensures that the Yorkshire pudding puffs up beautifully.
• Neglecting seasoning in the batter – Don’t forget to season your batter well with salt and pepper. This enhances flavor throughout the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven – Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop – Warm slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Christmas toad in the hole:

Can I make Christmas toad in the hole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace Turkey Bacon with vegetarian sausages and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the gravy.

What sides go well with Christmas toad in the hole?

Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for balance.

How do I know when my Christmas toad in the hole is done?

It should be puffed up, golden brown on top, and firm to touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I prepare batter ahead of time?

You can prepare your batter a few hours ahead; just remember it needs some resting time before cooking.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute it with soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar for similar depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful dish that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences, making it suitable for everyone at your table. Try this recipe, and enjoy a heartwarming meal filled with flavor!