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. The Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of turkey bacon and chipolata sausages creates a savory taste that embodies holiday spirit.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for Christmas dinner, a Boxing Day buffet, or even casual family meals throughout winter.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it up at your next gathering, and watch as guests rave about this comforting dish.
• Customizable Options: Easily substitute vegetarian options to suit various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools at hand. This will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin ensures even cooking and prevents spills while baking.
• Balloon whisk: This tool is key for achieving a smooth Yorkshire pudding batter without lumps.
• Frying pan: Essential for making delicious onion gravy with perfectly sautéed onions.

Ingredients

For this delightful Christmas toad in the hole, gather the following 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 Pigs in Blankets

• 6 rashers smoked streaky Turkey Bacon
• 12 chipolata sausages

For Roasting Vegetables

• 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 Onion 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: Prepare the Yorkshire Pudding Batter

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and create a well in the middle.
2. Beat together the eggs and milk, then pour into the well.
3. Mix with a balloon whisk until smooth; add mustard and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to rest.

Step 3: Create Pigs in Blankets

1. Stretch each turkey bacon rasher by about one third.
2. Cut each rasher in half; wrap around each chipolata sausage.

Step 4: Roast Ingredients

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large roasting tin.
2. Add pigs in blankets, onion wedges, and stuffing balls; roast for 20 minutes until 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 thyme; cook until onions are tender and starting to brown.
3. Stir in plain flour; cook for another 30 seconds before slowly pouring in stock while stirring constantly.
4. Bring to boil, lower heat, simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

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

Step 7: Pour Yorkshire Batter

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

Step 8: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Christmas toad in the hole, perfect for any festive occasion!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Serving Christmas toad in the hole can be as festive and delightful as the dish itself. Here are some fantastic ways to present this comforting meal that will impress your guests.

With Rich Onion Gravy

• Serve generously with homemade onion gravy for a rich flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Accompanied by Cranberry Sauce

• A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange slices of Christmas toad in the hole on a large platter, surrounded by seasonal vegetables for an appealing display.

With Seasonal Greens

• Pair with sautéed Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a nutritious and vibrant addition to your plate.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• Include it in a buffet along with other festive dishes, allowing guests to help themselves while enjoying a variety of flavors.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

Creating the perfect Christmas toad in the hole is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a lighter batter.

• Preheat the tin properly: Ensure your roasting tin is hot enough before adding the batter. This helps achieve that signature puffiness.

• Rest the batter: Letting your Yorkshire pudding batter rest for at least 30 minutes allows gluten to relax, resulting in a fluffier texture.

• Don’t open the oven door: Avoid checking on your dish during baking; opening the oven can cause it to collapse.

• Mix thoroughly but gently: When combining ingredients, mix until just smooth. Overmixing can lead to tough Yorkshire pudding.

• Serve immediately: For best results, serve your Christmas toad in the hole right out of the oven while it is still puffy and warm.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

Pairing side dishes with Christmas toad in the hole enhances its flavors and makes for a complete meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized add sweetness and earthiness.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes enriched with butter and cream provide a comforting contrast.

3. Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans seasoned with garlic offer crunch and freshness alongside this hearty dish.

4. Braised Red Cabbage: Sweet and tangy braised red cabbage adds a lovely color and flavor balance that complements savory elements.

5. Cauliflower Cheese: This creamy baked dish offers richness that pairs wonderfully with Yorkshire pudding’s lightness.

6. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Glazed carrots bring sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors while adding vibrant color.

7. Stuffing Balls: Extra stuffing flavored with herbs rounds out this festive meal, giving another layer of flavor that everyone loves.

8. Peas with Mint: Bright green peas tossed with fresh mint provide freshness and an appealing pop of color on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas toad in the hole can be fun, but a few common mistakes can impact your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the Yorkshire pudding batter to rest can result in less fluffy pudding. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
• Overcrowding the roasting tin: Filling the roasting tin too full can prevent the batter from rising properly. Ensure there’s enough space between sausages and vegetables.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and milk can lead to a dense batter. Use room temperature ingredients for a lighter, airier Yorkshire pudding.
• Not preheating the oil: Pouring batter into unheated oil will cause it to absorb oil instead of rising. Always heat the oil until it’s hot before adding the batter.
• Ignoring seasoning: A lack of seasoning in the batter or gravy can result in bland flavors. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Place on a baking tray and cover with foil, reheating for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Slice portions and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes, you can prepare most of it ahead. Make the batter and cook your sausages and stuffing earlier. Assemble just before baking.

What can I substitute for turkey bacon?

You can use chicken bacon or any other preferred meat alternative that suits your taste.

How do I ensure my Yorkshire pudding rises?

Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the batter and that your ingredients are at room temperature.

Is there a vegetarian version of Christmas toad in the hole?

Absolutely! Replace sausages with vegetarian options and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for gravy.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like carrots or parsnips.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toad in the hole is not only perfect for festive gatherings but also adaptable for any family dinner. This dish allows you to get creative by swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. We encourage you to try this comforting classic and make it your own!