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toad in the hole

Mary Berry Toad in the Hole Recipe

Caroline Sciberras
This hearty dish brings together succulent sausages and a golden, pillowy batter accompanied by an onion gravy. Every bite is a journey through rich flavours and a heartwarming tradition. Whether Mary Berry's Toad in the Hole is baked in individual portions or a large one, this cosy family dinner is sure to steal the show and leave you yearning for more.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine British
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • Sausages - 8 pork sausages
  • Plain flour - 100 grams 4 ounces plain flour
  • Eggs - 3 large eggs
  • Milk - 150 millilitres 2/3 cup milk
  • Sunflower oil - 3 tablespoons sunflower oil

For the Onion Gravy

  • Oil - 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
  • Onion - 1 onion very thinly sliced
  • Flour - 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • Beef stock - 450ml 15 oz beef stock
  • Soy sauce - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and a few drops of gravy browning

Instructions
 

  • Gather two four-hole Yorkshire pudding tins. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan / 425°F / Gas 7).
  • Arrange the sausages in a shallow roasting tin and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until they turn golden brown on one side.
  • Measure the flour into a bowl, creating a well in the center.
  • Add the eggs and whisk them together, gradually blending to form a paste.
  • Pour in the milk slowly, whisking until a smooth and slightly runny batter forms.
  • Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil into each mould and heat until it's piping hot.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the tins, pouring it into the hot oil.
  • Position a sausage, browned-side down, in the center of each mould.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes until the batter rises and turns a lovely golden hue.

For the Onion Gravy:

  • While the toads are baking, make the gravy.
  • Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion over high heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes until the onions soften.
  • Add the flour, stirring for 30 seconds, then gradually blend in the stock until it's smooth and free from lumps (see tips).
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and gravy browning.
  • Serve with Onion Gravy: Serve the toads piping hot, accompanied by the savory onion gravy.

Notes

  • Preparing batter in advance in a jug makes pouring it into the tins easier.
  • Ensure a smooth gravy by gradually blending stock into flour while making the onion gravy.