How to make toad in the hole with frozen sausages
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please the whole family, look no further than toad in the hole. This classic British dish is made with sausages cooked in a golden, fluffy batter. And the best part? It can be made using frozen sausages, making it a convenient option for those days when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal.
To make toad in the hole with frozen sausages, start by preheating your oven to a high temperature to ensure a light and crispy batter. While the oven is heating up, place the frozen sausages in a greased baking dish and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. This will help defrost the sausages and give them a head start on cooking.
While the sausages are defrosting, prepare the batter. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and eggs, and whisk until smooth. Gradually add in the milk, whisking continuously, until you have a thin, pourable batter. This will create the classic Yorkshire pudding-style crust that surrounds the sausages.
Once the sausages are partially defrosted and the batter is ready, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the batter over the sausages. The sausages should be partially submerged in the batter, but make sure not to fully cover them. This will allow the batter to rise around the sausages and create the signature “toad in the hole” appearance.
Place the dish back in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the batter is risen and golden brown. This is the perfect time to step back and let the oven work its magic. The result will be a delicious, savoury dish that’s sure to impress.
Gathering the ingredients
Before you start making toad in the hole with frozen sausages, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen sausages
- Plain flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
You can find most of these ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store. Make sure you have enough sausages for the recipe, as well as sufficient flour and eggs. Fresh milk is preferred, but you can also use long-life milk or milk alternatives.
Having all the ingredients ready will ensure a smooth and hassle-free cooking experience.
Preparing the batter
To make the perfect batter for toad in the hole, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 200g plain flour
- 3 large eggs
- 300ml milk
- A pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for greasing
Gather the ingredients
Before you start preparing the batter, gather all the required ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand. This will help to streamline the cooking process and avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
Mix the batter
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Create a well in the center and crack in the eggs. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking the mixture together. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Pro tip: For a smoother batter, you can use an electric whisk or blender.
Note: For a slightly different flavor, you can replace some of the milk with beer.
Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. This will give the gluten in the flour time to relax, resulting in a lighter and fluffier toad in the hole.
Preheating the Oven
Before you start making your toad in the hole with frozen sausages, it’s important to preheat your oven for optimal baking results. Preheating the oven ensures that the dish will cook evenly and have a crisp, golden crust.
Step 1: Set the Temperature
To preheat your oven, turn the temperature knob or press the appropriate buttons and set it to 200°C (400°F). This temperature is perfect for achieving a crispy outer layer while keeping the sausages moist and juicy inside.
Step 2: Give It Time
Once you’ve set the temperature, allow your oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that it reaches the desired temperature and that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the oven. Preheating time may vary depending on the type and model of your oven, so refer to your oven’s user manual if needed.
Cooking the sausages
Before adding the sausages to the batter, you need to cook them first. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and place the frozen sausages onto a baking tray or dish.
To achieve a nice, crispy finish, drizzle a little vegetable oil over the sausages. This will help them brown and cook evenly. Alternatively, you can brush them with a bit of melted butter or butter substitute.
Place the sausages in the preheated oven and cook them for about 10-12 minutes until they start to brown. In the meantime, you can prepare the batter.
Once the sausages are slightly browned, remove them from the oven. They will finish cooking in the batter.
This cooking method allows the sausages to retain their moisture and flavor while still ensuring they are fully cooked by the time the batter is done. Plus, the initial cooking helps to prevent them from releasing too much additional fat into the batter, resulting in a lighter final dish.
Now that the sausages are cooked, it’s time to move on to the next step – making the batter. Follow the recipe instructions to complete the toad in the hole dish.
Adding the batter to the pan
After preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), it’s time to add the prepared batter to the pan.
First, carefully remove the hot frying pan with the sausages from the oven. Be sure to use proper oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands.
Next, evenly distribute the frozen sausages around the hot frying pan, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Placing the sausages on top of any remaining droplets of oil will enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
Once the sausages are placed, quickly pour the prepared batter over the top. The batter should cover the sausages completely, creating a delicious and fluffy Yorkshire pudding. Take care not to spill or splash the batter outside of the pan.
Tip:
To ensure a crispy and traditional toad in the hole, it’s important that the pan and oil are extremely hot when adding the batter. This will allow the batter to puff up and create that desired golden crust.
Final touches:
Once the batter is in the pan, immediately return it to the preheated oven. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause the pudding to deflate before it has a chance to rise and become crispy.
Cook the toad in the hole for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pudding has risen and turned a golden brown color. The sausages should also be cooked through at this point.
Once your delicious toad in the hole is finished cooking, remove it from the oven, and serve it hot as a main course or a yummy side dish!
Baking and serving
Once your toad in the hole is ready, you can take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
Serving suggestions
- Traditionally, toad in the hole is served with a rich onion gravy.
- You can also serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad.
Add-ons and variations
While toad in the hole is delicious on its own, you can also add some extra ingredients to customize the dish.
- Try adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to your batter for added flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add some chopped jalapenos or paprika to the batter.
- Consider substituting traditional sausages with different types like Cumberland or spicy Italian sausages.
Remember, toad in the hole is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors to suit your taste!
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Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
