Toad in the Hole
This Toad in the Hole is a comforting, hearty classic — a beautifully puffed Yorkshire pudding batter baked around savory sausages, golden on the edges and soft in the center. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the sausages to shine, creating a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures. While vegetables like carrots and spring onions make for a delicious upgrade, this version sticks to the basics, allowing the focus to remain on the rich flavors of the sausage and batter.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 (1-oz.) breakfast sausage links
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
¾ cup all-purpose flour (about 3 ¼ oz.)
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Method:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, combine the olive oil and butter. Heat the skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the oil is hot and the butter has melted.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Add the sausages and sprinkle them with thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat and spread them evenly in the skillet. Roast in the oven for about 8 minutes, until the sausages are sizzling and starting to brown.
While the sausages roast, whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the flour and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the sausages to a plate. Do not wipe the skillet clean. Immediately pour the batter into the hot skillet, then return the sausages to the skillet on top of the batter, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Bake the Toad in the Hole for 22 to 28 minutes, until the batter has puffed up and is golden brown on the edges. The center should be set, with a deliciously light and airy texture.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this classic dish at its very best.
Tips & Notes:
Upgrade with Vegetables: For a delicious twist, you can add vegetables such as carrots and spring onions, roasted along with the sausages. Just remember, these are optional additions and not part of the classic recipe.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pour it into the hot skillet right before baking.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is best served immediately while the batter is still puffed and golden. Pair with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
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