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 not only delicious but also a fun twist on traditional favorites, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. This dish combines savory flavors and a comforting texture, ensuring everyone will enjoy each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: This dish combines classic Christmas flavors, making it perfect for holiday dinners.
• Versatile Dish: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets by swapping out meat products.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, it’s a great way to bring everyone together.
• Comforting Meal: The combination of Yorkshire pudding and savory fillings creates an inviting meal.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this dish can be made even by novice cooks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting tin (23x33cm/9x13in)
• Large mixing bowl
• Balloon whisk
• Frying pan
• Measuring jugs

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin ensures even cooking and allows the batter to rise perfectly.
• Balloon whisk: This tool makes it easy to mix ingredients thoroughly for a smooth Yorkshire pudding batter.
• Frying pan: Ideal for making delicious gravy that complements the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

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 Filling

• 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. Getting your oven hot will help create that perfect puffiness in your Yorkshire pudding.

Step 2: Prepare 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 in a measuring jug.
3. Pour this mixture into the well in your flour bowl.
4. Mix with a balloon whisk until smooth, then add Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper. Let it rest while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Wrap the Sausages

1. Stretch each turkey bacon rasher slightly to increase its length.
2. Cut each rasher in half and wrap around each chipolata sausage securely.

Step 4: Roast Your Filling Ingredients

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large roasting tin.
2. Add wrapped sausages, onion wedges, and sage stuffing balls.
3. Cook for 20 minutes until they start turning golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

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

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Once your sausage filling has roasted for 20 minutes:
1. Add Brussels sprouts and leeks along with remaining oil to the roasting tin.
2. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables start softening.

Step 7: Pour in the Batter

Working quickly:
1. Remove roasting tin from oven after vegetable cooking time is up.
2. Pour Yorkshire batter around sausages, stuffing, and vegetables evenly.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Return to oven:
1. Bake for another 20–25 minutes until batter is puffed up and golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your Christmas toad in the hole warm alongside onion gravy and cranberry sauce on the side for a festive touch! Enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful centerpiece for any festive meal. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

With Cranberry Sauce

• This tangy sauce complements the savory flavors of the dish, adding a refreshing burst of sweetness.

Accompanied by Gravy

• Drizzling warm onion gravy over your serving enhances the richness and adds moisture to each bite.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top just before serving for an aromatic touch that elevates the presentation.

Served with Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing this dish with seasonal roasted vegetables creates a colorful plate that balances flavors beautifully.

Alongside Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• The creamy texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the robust sausage flavors.

With Steamed Greens

• A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds a healthy crunch and bright color to your festive feast.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

To achieve the best results with your Christmas toad in the hole, consider these helpful tips for a perfect dish every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature. This helps create a lighter Yorkshire pudding batter.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. A hot oven is crucial for puffing up the batter.
• Don’t Open the Oven Door: Avoid checking on your dish while it’s baking. Opening the door can cause it to deflate.
• Use a Wide Roasting Tin: Choose a larger tin, as it allows more surface area for batter expansion, resulting in better rise and texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme to your batter for extra flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your batter to rest for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the roasting tin can improve its texture.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

Pairing side dishes with Christmas toad in the hole can enhance your festive meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sprouts add a seasonal flair and earthy flavor.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweetened with honey, these vibrant carrots bring brightness to your plate while complementing savory flavors.

3. Cauliflower Cheese
   A creamy, cheesy bake that pairs wonderfully, adding richness alongside your main dish.

4. Garlic Bread Rolls
   Soft rolls infused with garlic butter provide a delightful textural contrast and are perfect for mopping up gravy.

5. Crispy Potato Wedges
   Seasoned and baked until golden brown, these wedges offer a satisfying crunch and hearty addition to your meal.

6. Mixed Leaf Salad
   A fresh salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette provides balance against richer flavors while adding color.

7. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color along with essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice.

8. Stuffing Balls
   Flavorful stuffing balls made with herbs and spices complement the dish well without overwhelming it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas toad in the hole can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish’s success. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from rising properly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense pudding. Stir just until combined for a light texture.
• Not preheating the oil: Failing to heat the oil before adding the batter can lead to soggy Yorkshire pudding. Always preheat the oil until it’s hot.
• Opening the oven door too soon: This can cause the batter to collapse. Wait until at least halfway through cooking before checking.
• Skipping seasoning: Underseasoned batter and gravy can lead to bland flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly with cling film or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F and reheat for about 20–25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place individual portions in a pan with a splash of broth, cover, and heat over low until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christmas toad in the hole?

Christmas toad in the hole is a festive twist on the traditional British dish, featuring sausages wrapped in bacon nestled within Yorkshire pudding batter.

Can I make Christmas toad in the hole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious meat-free version.

How do I ensure my Yorkshire pudding rises?

To achieve a good rise, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and preheat your oil adequately before pouring in the batter.

Can I prepare Christmas toad in the hole ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead of time but it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal texture. The batter can be made earlier and stored in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different meats or even make it vegetarian-friendly. Whether you’re serving it at a festive feast or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Christmas Toad in the Hole

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful and festive twist on a classic British dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family meals. This comforting recipe features succulent chipolata sausages wrapped in turkey bacon, nestled in a light and airy Yorkshire pudding batter. Topped with savory gravy and served with vibrant seasonal vegetables, this dish brings warmth and joy to any festive table. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family dinner, Christmas toad in the hole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and inviting aroma.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 175g plain flour
• 4 large eggs
• 300ml full-fat milk
• 6 slices turkey bacon
• 12 chipolata sausages
• 200g Brussels sprouts
• 2 onions
• 25g butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Chicken stock

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine sifted flour, eggs, and milk; whisk until smooth.
3. Wrap each chipolata sausage with half a slice of turkey bacon.
4. Roast the sausages and onion wedges in oil for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the gravy by sautéing onions in butter and olive oil until golden, then add flour and chicken stock.
6. Add Brussels sprouts and leeks to the roasting tin; pour over the batter and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 160mg