Christmas toad in the hole

What do you get when you cross pigs in blankets with toad in the hole? You get Christmas toad in the hole, an ideal dinner for the festive season. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or serving to friends and family during holiday gatherings. The unique combination of chipolata sausages wrapped in turkey bacon, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, and savory gravy makes it a standout choice for any festive table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Dish: This recipe brings together familiar flavors that create a warm and inviting meal.
• Festive Appeal: Perfectly suited for holiday celebrations, this dish adds a festive flair to your table.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can impress their guests.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs without losing flavor.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes fantastic reheated, making it an excellent choice for holiday leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make Christmas toad in the hole successfully, the right tools are essential. Having the appropriate equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting tin (23x33cm/9x13in)
• Mixing bowl
• Balloon whisk
• Frying pan or sauté pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin helps contain all ingredients while allowing even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is perfect for combining the batter without spills.
• Balloon whisk: This tool ensures a smooth Yorkshire pudding batter by aerating it effectively.

Ingredients

For the 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 to prepare for cooking.

Step 2: Make the Yorkshire Pudding Batter

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl.
2. Create a well in the center of the flour.
3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until combined.
4. Pour this mixture into the well of flour, then whisk until smooth.
5. Stir in Dijon mustard and season generously with salt and ground black 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 each piece around a 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 20 minutes until they begin to turn 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 and browned at edges.
3. Stir in plain flour; cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Slowly pour chicken stock into the pan while stirring constantly; bring to boil.
5. Lower heat, simmer gently for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

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

Step 7: Pour Batter

1. Quickly remove roasting tin from oven once vegetables are softened.
2. Pour Yorkshire pudding batter around sausages, stuffing, and vegetables.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

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

Step 9: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Christmas toad in the hole!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Serving Christmas toad in the hole can elevate your festive meal and impress your guests. Consider these delightful pairings to enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.

With Traditional Gravy

• A rich onion gravy adds depth and complements the savory flavors of the sausages and stuffing.

Accompanied by Cranberry Sauce

• The sweet-tart contrast of cranberry sauce balances the hearty elements, making each bite more enjoyable.

On a Festive Platter

• Present individual portions on a large platter with sprigs of herbs for a beautiful table display that’s sure to impress.

With Seasonal Vegetables

• Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh aroma that enhances the overall dish.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and milk sit at room temperature before mixing for a fluffier batter.

• Preheat Your Roasting Tin: Heating the tin before adding the batter helps create an airy Yorkshire pudding texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can result in tough batter instead of light and fluffy Yorkshire pudding.

• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve your dish right after baking while it’s still puffy and golden brown.

• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different herbs or spices to your batter for unique twists on this classic dish.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

Pairing side dishes with Christmas toad in the hole can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Their slight bitterness balances well with the rich flavors of the main dish. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and complement the savory elements of your meal.

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweeten up your meal with tender carrots glazed in honey, offering a delightful contrast to hearty fare.

4. Cranberry Orange Relish
   A fresh relish made from cranberries and orange zest adds brightness that cuts through richer flavors on your plate.

5. Yorkshire Pudding
   If you want more Yorkshire pudding, serving additional smaller portions allows everyone to enjoy this classic element even more!

6. Steamed Green Beans
   Lightly steamed green beans tossed with lemon juice elevate freshness on your plate while enhancing color.

7. Stuffing Balls
   Extra stuffing balls seasoned similarly provide added flavor, perfect for those who love stuffing as much as sausage.

8. Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary make for an excellent starchy side that complements any festive meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Christmas toad in the hole even more delightful. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Not letting the batter rest: Skipping this step can lead to a dense Yorkshire pudding. Allow the batter to sit for at least 30 minutes for a lighter texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and milk can prevent the batter from rising properly. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overcrowding the roasting tin: Placing too many ingredients in one pan can cause uneven cooking. Give each component enough space for optimal roasting.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in bland flavors. Season the batter and gravy generously with salt and pepper.
• Opening the oven door frequently: This can cause the batter to deflate. Avoid peeking until it’s nearly done cooking, and use the oven light instead.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Christmas toad in the hole in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm slices gently over low heat in a non-stick pan, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Christmas toad in the hole?

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

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chipolata sausages with vegetarian sausages and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the gravy.

How long does it take to prepare Christmas toad in the hole?

The total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep time of about 30 minutes.

What sides go well with Christmas toad in the hole?

This dish pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or traditional gravy. Cranberry sauce also adds a lovely contrast.

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute turkey bacon with chicken or beef bacon according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toad in the hole offers a cozy meal perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different meats or vegetarian options, making it suitable for various diets. Try this comforting dish during festive times or any chilly evening!