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Mary Berry Toad in the Hole – classic winter warmer

Mary Berry Toad in the Hole – classic winter warmer

Mary Berry’s Toad in the Hole is a classic winter warmer that’s delicious and easy to make. Fluffy, crisp Yorkshire pudding batter rises around golden pork sausages, creating a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for hearty family dinners. The batter can be prepared ahead and baked to golden perfection, serving as a charming British staple.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hour
Serves: Serves 6
Dietary: None specified
Mary BerryBy Mary Berry
From Mary Berry Recipes

Equipment

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Ingredients

  • 12 pork sausages
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 75g (3 oz) plain flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 150ml (1/4 pint) milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Notes

  • Sausages: Choose good-quality pork sausages for the best flavour and texture.
  • Flour and eggs: Form the basis for the light, fluffy batter surrounding the sausages.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the batter helping it rise well.
  • Sunflower oil: Used to grease and heat the roasting tin creating crispy edges.

Customise

  • Sausage alternatives: Try chicken or vegetarian sausages for a lighter or meat-free option.
  • Flavour boosters: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the batter for extra aroma.
  • Milk swaps: Use plant milk (e.g., oat or almond) for a dairy-free version.

Method

  1. Make the batter: sift the plain flour into a mixing bowl. Create a well in the centre and crack the eggs into it. Whisk together, gradually adding the milk until you achieve a pouring consistency similar to cream.
  2. Season the batter with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix in the chopped parsley if using.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (190°C fan)/Gas Mark 6. Pour the sunflower oil into a large roasting tin and place it in the oven to heat for 10 minutes until very hot.
  4. Remove the roasting tin carefully, arrange the sausages evenly in the hot oil, and return to the oven for about 25 minutes until the sausages are browned and partially cooked.
  5. Take out the tin again and quickly pour the batter evenly over the sausages. Return immediately to the oven.
  6. Cook for a further 30 to 40 minutes. The toad in the hole is ready when the batter has risen to a golden, crispy finish and the sausages are fully cooked.
  7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Toad in the Hole, with its rich and crispy Yorkshire pudding and savoury pork sausages, pairs beautifully with balanced, medium-bodied wines. Here are three accessible choices under £12.50 from UK stores:

  • Majestic: Domaine Lafage Tessellae Old Vines Grenache – Fruity and spicy with soft tannins that complement the dish’s flavourful richness.
  • Tesco: Tesco Finest Pinot Noir – Light and delicate with bright red berry notes that balance the savoury sausages.
  • Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône – Classic Rhône blend with peppery spice and smooth texture ideal for hearty dishes like toad in the hole.

What can you serve with this

  1. Mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, a perfect partner for soaking up the gravy.
  2. Garden peas: Fresh and sweet, adding a bright contrast to the rich dish.
  3. Onion gravy: Deeply savoury and rich, a classic sauce for toad in the hole.
  4. Roast root vegetables: Earthy, caramelised sides to round out the meal.
  5. Crisp mixed salad: Provides freshness and texture to balance the hearty main.

FAQs for Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

  • Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the batter up to 12 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until needed.
  • What sausages work best?
    Good-quality pork sausages are traditional, but chicken or vegetarian sausages are suitable alternatives.
  • How do I ensure crispy batter?
    Make sure the oil and roasting tin are very hot before adding sausages and batter helps the batter rise and crisp up beautifully.
  • Can I add herbs to the batter?
    Yes, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley work well to boost flavour.
  • What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in a moderate oven or microwave until hot throughout. Avoid reheating too many times to keep texture intact.

Nutri-Score Health Check

Nutri-Score D Mary Berry’s Toad in the Hole scores a Nutri-Score D due to the rich sausages and batter but balanced by the protein content and satisfying portion size – a perfect occasional comfort food.

Positive Factors

  • Sausages: Provide quality protein for muscle repair.
  • Eggs and flour: Deliver energy and help create a light, fluffy batter.
  • Portion size: Encourages moderate, balanced eating.

Negative Factors

  • High fat content: Rich sausages and cooking oil add saturated fats.
  • White flour: Offers less fibre than wholemeal alternatives.

This Nutri-Score is automatically calculated from the ingredients and is meant as a guide only.

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