Christmas toad in the hole

What do you get when you cross pigs in blankets with toad in the hole? You create a Christmas toad in the hole, an ideal dinner for the festive season. This dish is perfect for hunkering down or serving to visiting friends and family. With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, it’s a standout option that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The combination of turkey bacon, sausages, and seasonal vegetables brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for busy cooks during the holidays.
• Versatile Dish: It can be easily customized with vegetarian options, making it suitable for everyone at your gathering.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serving six, this dish is great for family meals or festive celebrations with friends.
• Comfort Food: The fluffy Yorkshire pudding batter complements savory fillings, creating a cozy eating experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Christmas toad in the hole, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure your dish comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting tin (23x33cm/9x13in)
• Large mixing bowl
• Balloon whisk
• Frying pan or sauté pan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin helps contain all the ingredients while allowing them to cook evenly.
• Balloon whisk: This tool is perfect for achieving a smooth Yorkshire pudding batter without lumps.
• Frying pan: Ideal for making gravy efficiently, ensuring the onions caramelize nicely.

Ingredients

For this delicious 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 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 (for serving)

How to Make Christmas toad in the hole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. This high temperature will help achieve that lovely golden crust on your Yorkshire pudding.

Step 2: Prepare Yorkshire Pudding Batter

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl.
2. Make a well in the middle of the flour.
3. Beat together the eggs and milk, then pour into the well.
4. Mix using a balloon whisk until smooth.
5. Add mustard and season with salt and pepper; set aside to rest.

Step 3: Prepare Pigs in Blankets

1. Stretch each Turkey Bacon rasher by about one third.
2. Cut each rasher in half.
3. Wrap each piece around a chipolata sausage.

Step 4: Roast Initial Ingredients

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large roasting tin.
2. Add turkey bacon-wrapped sausages, onion wedges, and stuffing balls.
3. Cook for 20 minutes until starting 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.
3. Stir in plain flour; cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring; bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
6. Add 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 the roasting tin.
2. Return to oven for another 5 minutes until vegetables start softening.

Step 7: Pour Batter Over Fillings

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

Step 8: Serve

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

Enjoy your festive feast with this delightful Christmas toad in the hole!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Christmas toad in the hole is a festive dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Serving it with delightful accompaniments can elevate the meal and make it even more special for your guests.

With Onion Gravy

• A rich onion gravy adds depth and flavor, making each bite of the Yorkshire pudding a savory experience.

Accompanied by Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the savory elements, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens the dish.

Served with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can bring sweetness and texture, balancing out the hearty flavors of the toad in the hole.

Paired with a Fresh Salad

• A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a crisp and refreshing side that lightens up the meal.

Alongside Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting addition, soaking up any excess gravy while adding richness to each plate.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

Perfecting your Christmas toad in the hole can enhance its taste and presentation. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Choose quality ingredients: Using good-quality sausages and fresh vegetables will significantly improve flavor.
• Let the batter rest: Allowing your Yorkshire pudding batter to rest helps it rise better during cooking, resulting in a fluffier texture.
• Preheat your roasting tin: Heating your tin before pouring in the batter ensures that it cooks evenly and puffs up beautifully.
• Don’t open the oven door: Avoid opening the oven while baking; this can cause temperature fluctuations that may prevent proper rising.
• Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the batter or stuffing can add an aromatic twist.
• Serve immediately: For best results, serve as soon as it comes out of the oven for maximum puffiness and warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

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

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy. They add a delicious crunch.

2. Caramelized Carrots
   Sauté carrots in butter with honey until tender and caramelized for a sweet side that complements savory dishes well.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with gravy.

4. Yorkshire Pudding Bites
   Mini versions of Yorkshire puddings filled with your favorite fillings make an excellent appetizer or side dish option.

5. Steamed Green Beans
   Lightly steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest add brightness and color to your plate without overpowering flavors.

6. Root Vegetable Mash
   A blend of mashed potatoes, parsnips, and carrots creates a colorful and flavorful mash that is perfect alongside meat dishes.

7. Savory Stuffing Balls
   Flavorful stuffing balls made from breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables provide an additional texture contrast.

8. Cranberry Relish
   A fresh cranberry relish adds acidity and freshness, making it a delightful complement to rich main dishes like Christmas toad in the hole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas toad in the hole, there are several common pitfalls to watch out for to ensure your dish is a success.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs and milk can lead to a dense batter. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for the best results.
• Skipping the resting time: Not letting the batter rest can affect its ability to rise. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overcrowding the tin: If you pack too many ingredients into the roasting tin, they may not cook evenly. Give everything enough space for heat circulation.
• Not preheating the oven properly: A well-preheated oven is crucial for perfect Yorkshire pudding. Make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before adding your tin.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your batter and gravy can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently until heated completely.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Christmas toad in the hole that might help you further.

Can I make Christmas toad in the hole vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap turkey bacon and sausages for vegetarian alternatives and use vegetable stock in the gravy.

What can I serve with Christmas toad in the hole?

This dish pairs well with onion gravy, cranberry sauce, and seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.

How do I ensure my Yorkshire pudding rises?

Make sure your oil is hot before adding the batter, and don’t open the oven door while it’s cooking!

Can I use different meats in my Christmas toad in the hole?

Absolutely! You can use chicken, beef, or lamb sausages as substitutes according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Christmas toad in the hole is a festive twist on a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes—whether you’re using different meats or adding seasonal vegetables. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a delicious meal!