Toad in the Hole

  • Total time - 45 minutes
  • Prep time - 15 minutes
  • Cook time - 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Great Britain
Sausages baked in a golden, puffy batter, served in the pan with a rich brown gravy and green parsley.

The name 'Toad in the Hole' is likely a humorous comparison of the sausages peeking out of the batter to a toad in a hole. While the name is quirky, the dish is beloved and represents the best of British home cooking. It's hearty, cheap, and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Toad in the Hole

  • 8 pcs pork sausages
  • 140 g plain flour
  • 2 pcs eggs
  • 200 ml milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • a pinch salt

Instructions

Step 1: Making the Batter

In a bowl, sift the flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre and whisk in the eggs. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to half an hour if possible.

Step 2: Preheating the Pan

Preheat your oven to 220 °C. Add the vegetable oil to a baking dish (or a cast-iron skillet) and place it in the oven for 10 minutes to get the oil very hot. This is crucial for the batter to rise properly.

Step 3: Baking

Carefully place the sausages in the hot oil and bake for 5 minutes until they start to brown. Then, carefully pour the rested batter into the dish, around the sausages. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the batter is risen, golden, and crispy. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the batter from collapsing.

Step 4: Serving

Serve immediately, ideally with onion gravy and some boiled vegetables like peas and broccoli.