Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Mains

Toad in the Hole

Nov 7, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 13 Comments

75 shares
Jump to Recipe
Toad in the hole with a text title overlay.
Toad in the hole with a text title overlay.

When we think of comfort food, we think of Toad in the Hole. Crispy sausages cooked in a golden brown Yorkshire pudding batter and then smothered in gravy. This is SUCH an easy recipe to make and a real family favourite.

Toad in the hole, mashed potato and boiled cabbage covered in gravy.

About this toad in the hole recipe

This toad in the hole recipe is what Sundays are made for. When you don't have the time or effort to make a full roast dinner, this toad in the hole is the answer. It's also a more budget friendly option than a full roast.

It's so simple to make, and totally foolproof (as long as you don't open the oven door!!!). Nobody will care what it looks like, as the giant Yorkshire pudding surrounding sausages looks good no matter what. We have tested this hundreds of times and it is a firm favourite with our kids.

It originated as a cheap way to feed a family, as the batter is made of flour, eggs and milk which are all cheap ingredients and then sausages were added to bulk it out. As for the toad part, the English Breakfast Society has some insight of where toad in the hole originates from.

Looking for more comfort food recipes? Why not try our Sausage and Mash Pie, Cumberland Pie or Slow Cooker Bolognese?

Jump to:
  • About this toad in the hole recipe
  • Ingredients and substitutions
  • How to make toad in the hole - Step by step
  • Top Tip
  • Serving suggestions
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Extra tips
  • More sausage recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and substitutions

All the ingredients needed to make this recipe each with a text overlay label.
  • Sausages - Use the best quality sausages you can. You can use different flavour sausages like pork and apple or chilli ones to add some extra flavour.
  • Onion - This is our own little twist on a classic. We like adding some red onions in with the sausages, for some added texture and sweetness.
  • Oil - You need to use sunflower oil for this. We usually use olive oil for all our cooking, but it won't get to a high enough temperature. The temperature of the oil is very important for a toad in the hole recipe, as the batter has to start cooking as soon as it hits the oil.
  • Flour - Regular plain flour (all purpose).
  • Salt - We use sea salt.
  • Eggs - Medium sized eggs.
  • Milk - We used whole milk.

A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to make toad in the hole - Step by step

Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.

Raw sausages and sliced red onion in a baking dish.

One: Put the sausages, red onion and oil into a baking dish. Mix well and cook for 15 minutes.

Flour and eggs in a mixing bowl.

Two: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, add the salt and crack in the eggs.

The flour and eggs whisked into a paste.

Three: Whisk together to form a thick paste.

Yorkshire pudding batter formed in the bowl.

Four: Gradually add the milk and water, continuing to whisk, until a smooth batter is formed.

Part cooked sausages and onions surrounded by batter.

Five: Remove the sausages from the oven and pour the batter around them.

Cooked toad in the hole in a rectangular baking dish.

Six: Return to the oven for 30 minutes. Do not open the oven until the cooking has finished.

Top Tip

It is SO, so important not to open the oven door whilst the toad in the hole is cooking. This will cause the batter to sink and that's not what you want.

Serving suggestions

Toad in the hole and mashed potato are a match made in heaven! We recommend our Mustard Mash or Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes to save some time.

Then, you need to smother it with gravy. It's definitely worth taking the little extra time to make your own gravy and our Onion Gravy couldn't be easier.

This toad in the hole recipe is a petty heavy meal, so we like to lighten it up with some greens. Why not try our Sautéed Cabbage, Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli or Minted Peas?

Variations

The toad in the hole batter is a bit of an exact science when it comes to measurements so we won't mess with that and give any variations.

However, you can definitely change the sausages used and even use vegetarian sausages to make this veggie comfort food. These will need less cooking time though, so keep and eye on them.

This is a toad in the hole for 4 people, however you could make it for 6 or 8 people by using a larger baking dish and doubling the recipe.

Three cooked sausages encased in Yorkshire pudding.

Storage

Store: This is best eaten straight away. However, if you do have leftovers then they can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge until the next day. Any longer than that and the Yorkshire pudding will just be soggy and not very nice.

Freeze: We don't recommend freezing this.

Reheat: You can reheat this in the microwave or oven. The microwave is quicker, but it can get soggy. We would recommend the oven, but cover it with foil and don't overheat it as it will become dry.

Toad in the hole dinner on a plate in front of a striped towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?

You can definitely prep parts of it in advance. You can make up the batter and then keep it in a jug in the fridge for a couple of hours until ready to use. You can also brown the sausages in advance.

How do I get the toad in the hole batter really smooth?

The key to a smooth batter is adding the liquid a little at a time, whisking, and then adding some more liquid. Make sure your flour is sifted too.

Why is my batter stuck to the tin?

It's best to leave it to rest for 5 minutes before trying to lift it out of the tin, otherwise it will be stuck. Don't leave it any longer though, as it's best served hot.

heart icon

Extra tips

• The most important tip here is to not open the door, certainly not for the first 20 minutes, because the batter will sink if you do.
• Like when making Yorkshire puddings, it's best to use a metal tin to make them rather than a ceramic dish, as it gets hotter which is key to them getting crispy.
• Some say that adding a little mayo to your Yorkshire pudding batter can help them rise more, but it sounds a bit odd so I have never tried it myself.
• You can add some sprigs of thyme at the same time as the onion for extra flavour. Just take them out before you pour the batter in.

More sausage recipes

  • A plate of slow cooker sausage casserole and mashed potato
    Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
  • Cooked pasta bake in a large baking dish.
    Sausage Pasta Bake
  • A pile of air fryer sausage rolls on a wooden board.
    Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
  • Sausage and Bean Casserole on a plate with mashed potatoes.
    Sausage and Bean Casserole

If you’ve tried this toad in the hole recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A portion of toad in the hole on a plate with mashed potato and cabbage.

Toad In The Hole

By: Dannii Martin
Fuss free Toad in the Hole - a golden brown Yorkshire pudding batter surrounding crispy sausages smothered in gravy. Perfect for comfort food lovers.
5 from 16 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 45 minutes mins
Total: 50 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 627kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat

Ingredients

  • 8 Pork sausages - (about 50g/1.75oz each)
  • 1 Red onion - sliced
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 150 g (1.25 cups) Plain flour
  • 3 Eggs - medium
  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 220 ml (1 cups) Whole milk
  • 2 tablespoon Water

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
  • Put 8 Pork sausages, 1 Red onion and 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil into a baking dish. Mix well and cook for 15 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift 150 g Plain flour, add 1 pinch Sea salt and crack in 3 Eggs.
  • Whisk together to form a thick paste.
  • Gradually add 220 ml Whole milk and 2 tablespoon Water, continuing to whisk, until a smooth batter is formed.
  • Remove the sausages from the oven and pour the batter around them.
  • Return to the oven for 30 minutes. Do not open the oven until the cooking has finished.

Recipe Tips

  • The most important tip here is to not open the door, certainly not for the first 20 minutes, because the batter will sink if you do.
  • Like when making Yorkshire puddings, it's best to use a metal tin to make them rather than a ceramic dish, as it gets hotter which is key to them getting crispy.
  • Some say that adding a little mayo to your Yorkshire pudding batter can help them rise more, but it sounds a bit odd so I have never tried it myself.
  • You can add some sprigs of thyme at the same time as the onion for extra flavour. Just take them out before you pour the batter in.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 627kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • Halloumi tray bake on a wooden surface.
    Halloumi Tray Bake with Gnocchi and Vegetables
  • A large cooking pot full of creamy beef pasta.
    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
  • A bowl of chicken and ricotta meatballs and spaghetti.
    Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs
  • A turkey smash burger in a bun on a piece of parchment paper.
    Turkey Smash Burgers

Comments

  1. Elisa says

    November 13, 2023 at 6:32 pm

    5 stars
    New recipe for me this Toad in the Hole recipe, but definitely will be making this soon for the family. Looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
  2. Sara Welch says

    November 13, 2023 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a unique and unexpected dish that does not disappoint! Easy, hearty and delicious; my whole family loved it!

    Reply
  3. Ben says

    November 13, 2023 at 5:42 pm

    5 stars
    Boom! Now this is what I call breakfast. No, no. It's a breakFEAST!

    Reply
  4. Shelby says

    November 13, 2023 at 4:53 pm

    5 stars
    I love how easy this classic dish is. It's super satisfying to make and eat, and everyone loves it!

    Reply
  5. Kathleen says

    November 13, 2023 at 3:48 pm

    5 stars
    I had no idea that toad in the hole was this easy to make. It looks marvelous and I can't wait to try this delicious meal.

    Reply
  6. Traci says

    November 09, 2023 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious, comforting, and easy! Will make this on repeat. Thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
  7. Beth says

    November 09, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    I love recipes like this that are simple and so tasty! Just looking at these is making me hungry!

    Reply
  8. Suja md says

    November 09, 2023 at 3:33 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!

    Reply
  9. Ashley says

    November 08, 2023 at 2:22 pm

    5 stars
    As an American, I'm so interested in trying foods that are beloved by other countries. This has always appealed to me but I didn't quite know how to go about making it, so thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
  10. Holley says

    November 08, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make! Tasted delicious and everyone loved it!

    Reply
  11. Ali says

    November 08, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great classic recipe for toad in the hole! Made it for my mom and she loved it.

    Reply
  12. Ann says

    November 08, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the tip, so helpful.

    Reply
  13. Lauren says

    November 08, 2023 at 11:51 am

    5 stars
    Such a delicious classic recipe! Love the sweetness the red onions bring to the dish.

    Reply
5 from 16 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.