What is toad in the hole?
Toad in the hole is a traditional English dish of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It is usually served with onion gravy and vegetables. Despite its name, it contains no toads.
The dish dates back to the 1700s. It was originally a way to make a small amount of meat go further by cooking it in batter.
Early versions used various meats, including leftovers. Today, sausages are standard.
Why the name
The origin of the name is uncertain. One theory is that the sausages poking out of the batter look like toads peeking out of a hole.
The batter is made from eggs, flour and milk, like Yorkshire pudding. It puffs up around the sausages as it bakes.
Toad in the hole is a popular family meal, especially in winter. It is easy to make and filling.
The dish is served in pubs and homes and is a favorite example of traditional English comfort food.
It is usually baked in a roasting tin in a very hot oven, so the batter rises quickly around the sausages. Some cooks brown the sausages first to give them more color and flavor before adding the batter.