Mary Berry Toad in the Hole Recipe

Mary Berry’s Toad in the Hole is a classic British comfort dish featuring golden, crispy Yorkshire pudding batter baked around juicy sausages. It’s simple, hearty, and delicious, making it a perfect family meal. Serve it with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables for a truly satisfying dinner.

What is Mary Berry Toad in the Hole?

Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages baked in a light and airy Yorkshire pudding batter. The puffy, golden crust encases the sausages, creating a delicious contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Other Popular Recipes

• Delia Smith Toad in the Hole
• Jamie Oliver Savoury Pancakes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic British Comfort Food – A timeless family favorite.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort.
• Crispy and Golden Batter – A perfect Yorkshire pudding texture.
• Great for Weeknight Dinners – Quick and filling.
• Perfect with Gravy – Elevates the dish to the next level.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

For the Batter:

• Plain Flour (125g / 1 cup) – The base for the Yorkshire pudding.
• Eggs (2, large) – Helps create a light, fluffy texture.
• Milk (300ml / 1 ¼ cups, full-fat preferred) – Makes the batter smooth.
• Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
• Black Pepper (¼ tsp, optional) – Adds a little seasoning.

For the Sausages:

• Sausages (6-8, high quality) – The main protein of the dish.
• Vegetable Oil or Beef Dripping (2 tbsp) – Helps create a crispy batter.

Optional for Extra Flavor:

• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (1 tsp, chopped) – Adds a herby touch.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp, mixed into the batter) – Gives depth of flavor.

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Onion Gravy – A rich, flavorful addition.
• Mashed Potatoes – A classic side dish.
• Steamed Vegetables – Carrots, peas, or green beans.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Measuring jug
• Frying pan

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, add the flour and salt.
• Make a well in the center and crack in the eggs.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Tip: Resting the batter allows the gluten to relax, giving a lighter, crispier Yorkshire pudding.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Sausages

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F, Gas Mark 7).
• Pour the oil or beef dripping into a baking dish and place it in the oven for 10 minutes until hot.
• In a frying pan, lightly brown the sausages for 3-4 minutes (optional but recommended for extra flavor).
• Remove the dish from the oven carefully and immediately place the sausages into the hot oil.

Step 3: Bake the Toad in the Hole

• Quickly pour the rested batter over the sausages while the oil is still sizzling.
• Immediately place the dish back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the batter is puffed up, golden, and crispy.
• Do not open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the batter to collapse.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
• Slice into portions and serve with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

• Rich Onion Gravy – A must-have pairing.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A comforting side dish.
• Steamed Peas and Carrots – Adds freshness and balance.
• Roasted Parsnips – A slightly sweet addition.
• Braised Red Cabbage – A tangy contrast to the crispy batter.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Toad-in-the-Hole

• Use a Hot Oven & Oil – Ensures the batter rises properly.
• Rest the Batter – Improves the texture and crispiness.
• Brown the Sausages First – Adds extra flavor.
• Don’t Open the Oven Door – Prevents the batter from sinking.
• Use a Metal Baking Dish – Helps the batter crisp up evenly.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

• Vegetarian Version – Use vegetarian sausages and vegetable stock in the gravy.
• Spicy Twist – Add ½ tsp chili flakes or paprika to the batter.
• Cheese & Herb Batter – Stir in grated cheese and fresh thyme.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour instead of plain flour.
• Mini Toad in the Hole – Use a muffin tin for individual portions.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Toad in the Hole

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the Oven – Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
• Freeze for Up to 1 Month – Wrap portions tightly and reheat in the oven.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

FAQs

Why didn’t my toad in the hole rise?

Ensure your oven and oil are hot before adding the batter. Also, resting the batter for 30 minutes improves its rise.

Can I make toad in the hole without eggs?

Yes, but it will have a slightly denser texture. Use a vegan egg substitute or a mixture of flaxseed and water.

How do I make sure my toad in the hole is crispy?

Use beef dripping or vegetable oil, and make sure it’s smoking hot before pouring in the batter.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Toad in the Hole is a hearty, crispy, and delicious British classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. With its golden Yorkshire pudding batter encasing juicy sausages, this dish is a comforting and satisfying favorite. Serve it with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables for the ultimate homemade British meal!

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Prep Time, Cooking Time, Cuisine, Cooking Method, Serving, and Category

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Cuisine: British
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Servings: 4
• Category: Main Course

Enjoy making this classic Mary Berry Toad in the Hole and impress your family with crispy Yorkshire pudding and juicy sausages!