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 a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and a comforting texture, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Its unique presentation and hearty ingredients are sure to impress your guests while bringing warmth and cheer to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The combination of savory turkey bacon and chipolata sausages creates a deliciously festive taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly, making it accessible for all home cooks.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for Christmas dinners, Boxing Day buffets, or cozy family meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves six, making it ideal for entertaining friends and family during the holiday season.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by using vegetarian options for a meat-free alternative.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Christmas toad in the hole, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting tin (23x33cm/9x13in)
• Balloon whisk
• Sauté or frying pan
• Measuring jug
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting tin: A deep roasting tin allows for even cooking of all ingredients while ensuring the batter rises perfectly.
• Balloon whisk: Ideal for mixing batter smoothly without lumps, ensuring light and fluffy Yorkshire pudding.
• Sauté or frying pan: Essential for preparing the gravy, allowing you to achieve that rich flavor through proper cooking of onions.

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. This ensures that your dish starts cooking at the right temperature for optimal results.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

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

Step 3: Prepare Pigs in Blankets

1. Stretch each Turkey Bacon rasher by about one-third before cutting them in half.
2. Wrap each half around a chipolata sausage.

Step 4: Cook 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 about 20 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Make Gravy

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

Step 6: Add Vegetables

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

Step 7: Combine Everything

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

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with onion gravy drizzled on top alongside cranberry sauce on the side for that festive kick!

Enjoy this hearty Christmas toad in the hole, perfect for creating lasting memories at your holiday table!

How to Serve Christmas toad in the hole

Serving Christmas toad in the hole is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. This dish pairs well with various sides and accompaniments that enhance its flavors and add to the holiday spirit.

With Rich Onion Gravy

• A generous drizzle of homemade onion gravy adds depth and richness, complementing the savory sausages beautifully.

Accompanied by Cranberry Sauce

• The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Side of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes can add color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing the meal’s rustic charm.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the overall flavor profile.

Served with a Crisp Green Salad

• A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette can offer a refreshing crunch that complements this warm dish wonderfully.

How to Perfect Christmas toad in the hole

Perfecting your Christmas toad in the hole means paying attention to details for an unforgettable meal. Here are some tips for success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a fluffier batter.

• Preheat Your Roasting Tin: Ensure your roasting tin is hot when you pour in the batter. This helps achieve that signature puffiness.

• Don’t Open the Oven Door: Avoid checking on your dish too often while it cooks. Opening the door can cause fluctuations in temperature affecting how well your batter rises.

• Season Generously: Don’t skip on seasoning! Properly seasoned batter and sausages enhance overall flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.

• Experiment with Sausages: Try different types of sausages (like chicken or turkey) for varied flavors that suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas toad in the hole

To complement your Christmas toad in the hole, consider these delicious side dishes. Each one adds something special to your festive table.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and garlic, these sprouts become crispy and nutty when roasted, making them an excellent addition.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair well with rich gravy.

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey offer a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully against savory elements.

4. Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans maintain their crunch while adding color and freshness to your plate.

5. Cranberry Orange Relish: A vibrant relish made from fresh cranberries and orange zest adds brightness and acidity alongside rich flavors.

6. Bread Rolls: Soft, fluffy bread rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy and add a comforting touch to any meal.

7. Stuffing Balls: Flavorful stuffing balls made from breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables bring additional texture and taste as a perfect match for this dish.

8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out heavier components of your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Christmas toad in the hole, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Failing to preheat the oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before adding the roasting tin. This helps achieve a well-risen Yorkshire pudding.
• Not resting the batter: Allowing the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes is crucial for creating a light and airy texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcrowding the roasting tin: Packing too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for hot air to circulate around the sausages and vegetables.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can taste bland. Be generous with salt and pepper in both the batter and gravy for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the gravy: The gravy is essential for complementing this dish. Take your time to make a flavorful gravy that enhances your Christmas toad in the hole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Christmas toad in the hole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Keep frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Christmas toad in the hole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F, cover with foil, and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, checking often until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, using a skillet. Cover with a lid to retain moisture while reheating.

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?

You can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best cooked fresh for optimal texture.

What can I use instead of Turkey Bacon?

If you prefer, you can use chicken or beef bacon as an alternative while keeping your dish deliciously festive.

How do I customize my Christmas toad in the hole?

Feel free to add different vegetables like carrots or parsnips or switch up your stuffing flavors according to your preference!

How should I serve Christmas toad in the hole?

Serve it with onion gravy and cranberry sauce on the side for a delightful combination that enhances its flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze portions of your Christmas toad in the hole for later enjoyment. Just follow proper freezing instructions.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas toad in the hole is not only a festive treat but also versatile enough for family gatherings throughout winter. Its combination of savory sausages wrapped in turkey bacon, fluffy Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides!