Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole

Pigs in blankets toad in the hole is exactly the sort of recipe Shirley would come up with after a post-Christmas freezer clear out.

And honestly, it is an inspired idea.

In some ways, it is a crying shame that any pigs in blankets end up in the freezer after Christmas, but Shirley does have a tendency to over-order when she’s feeling festive. Don’t we all?

It’s fair to say no one has ever left her house hungry.

This recipe takes classic toad in the hole and swaps the usual sausages for pigs in blankets. So you get sausages, streaky bacon and crisp Yorkshire pudding-style batter all in one dish.

We called it “pigs in the hole” originally, but pigs in blankets toad in the hole probably explains it a little better.

What Is Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole?

Pigs in blankets toad in the hole is a twist on classic toad in the hole.

Instead of using plain sausages, you use pigs in blankets, which are sausages wrapped in streaky bacon. They are cooked first, then covered in batter and baked until golden, crisp and risen.

It is simple, comforting and perfect for Christmas leftovers, family dinners or any time you decide pigs in blankets should not just be for December.

Can You Use Pigs in Blankets for Toad in the Hole?

Yes, pigs in blankets work brilliantly in toad in the hole.

The sausage gives you the classic toad in the hole base, while the streaky bacon adds extra flavour, saltiness and crispness.

You just need to make sure the pigs in blankets are partly cooked before adding the batter. That helps the bacon start to crisp and gives the batter a hot tray to rise around.

Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole Ingredients

• 1 pack of pigs in blankets
• 100g plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 medium egg
• 300ml milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter

How to Make Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5, 190°C, or 170°C fan.
2. Place the pigs in blankets in a small shallow baking dish.
3. Cook for around 20 minutes, until the sausages are starting to brown and the bacon is beginning to crisp.
4. While the pigs in blankets are cooking, sieve the flour and salt into a bowl.
5. Add the egg and half of the milk.
6. Beat until you have a smooth batter.
7. Stir in the rest of the milk.
8. Stir in the melted butter.
9. Remove the pigs in blankets from the oven and turn them over so the browned side faces down.
10. Increase the oven temperature to Gas Mark 7, 220°C, or 200°C fan.
11. Pour the batter over the pigs in blankets.
12. Return to the oven and cook for around 20 to 30 minutes, until the batter is risen, golden and crisp.
13. Serve straight away.

How Long Does Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole Take?

Pigs in blankets toad in the hole takes around 45 to 50 minutes in total.

The batter is ready when it is puffed up, golden brown and crisp around the edges.

How Do You Get the Batter to Rise?

The secret to a good toad in the hole is heat.

The dish, fat and sausages need to be hot when the batter goes in. That helps the batter rise quickly and gives you a crisp edge.

Do not open the oven door too early while the batter is cooking, or it can collapse before it has properly set.

Can You Use Leftover Pigs in Blankets?

Yes, this recipe is a great way to use leftover pigs in blankets.

If the pigs in blankets are already cooked, you do not need to cook them for the full 20 minutes first. Warm them in the dish until hot, then add the batter and bake.

Make sure reheated pigs in blankets are piping hot all the way through before serving.

Can You Buy Pigs in Blankets All Year Round?

Yes, you certainly can.

Here at True Bites, we believe pigs in blankets are not just for Christmas. You can order them from our online store all year round.

And to be honest, once you’ve had them in toad in the hole, saving them only for Christmas feels like a mistake.

Can You Grill Pigs in Blankets?

Yes, pigs in blankets can be cooked under the grill, although they are usually easiest in the oven.

To grill them, preheat the grill to a medium heat and cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, turning regularly to avoid scorching the streaky bacon.

For this recipe, the oven is better because you need the baking dish hot for the batter.

Can You Freeze Pigs in Blankets?

Yes, pigs in blankets can be frozen.

Freeze uncooked pigs in blankets before the use-by date on the packaging. Defrost thoroughly in a covered container in the fridge before cooking.

If freezing cooked pigs in blankets, cool them first, place them in a sealed container, and freeze within 24 hours of cooking.

Can Pigs in Blankets Be Reheated?

Yes, cooked pigs in blankets can be reheated.

If reheating from chilled, cover and heat until piping hot all the way through.

If reheating from frozen, defrost thoroughly in the fridge first, then reheat until piping hot throughout.

Can You Freeze Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole?

You can freeze it, but it is best eaten fresh.

Toad in the hole batter is at its best straight from the oven when it is risen, crisp and golden. Once frozen and reheated, the texture may become softer.

If you do freeze leftovers, cool them fully, wrap or cover well, freeze, then defrost in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.

What to Serve with Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole

Pigs in blankets toad in the hole is best served with proper comfort-food sides.

Good options include:

• mashed potatoes
• onion gravy
• peas
• carrots
• roast vegetables
• cabbage
• baked beans, if you’re that way inclined

For Christmas-style leftovers, you could also serve it with roast potatoes, stuffing, sprouts, red cabbage and plenty of gravy.

Browse our pigs in blankets or full sausage range for more easy family meal ideas.

Tips for Better Pigs in Blankets Toad in the Hole

• Part-cook the pigs in blankets before adding the batter.
• Use a shallow baking dish so the batter cooks evenly.
• Make sure the dish is hot before pouring in the batter.
• Increase the oven temperature before adding the batter.
• Do not open the oven door too early.
• Serve straight away while the batter is puffed and crisp.
• Add plenty of gravy. Obviously.

Final Thoughts

Pigs in blankets toad in the hole is simple, comforting and a brilliant way to use pigs in blankets beyond Christmas.

You get the sausage, the bacon, the crispy batter and the gravy-friendly dinner all in one dish.

It started as a post-Christmas freezer clear-out recipe, but honestly, it is good enough to make on purpose.

FAQs

Can you make toad in the hole with pigs in blankets?

Yes, pigs in blankets work brilliantly in toad in the hole. Cook them first, then add the batter and bake until golden and crisp.

What is pigs in blankets toad in the hole?

It is a twist on classic toad in the hole made with pigs in blankets instead of plain sausages.

How long does pigs in blankets toad in the hole take?

It takes around 45 to 50 minutes in total, including 20 minutes to cook the pigs in blankets before adding the batter.

What do you serve with pigs in blankets toad in the hole?

Serve it with mash, gravy, peas, carrots, roast vegetables, cabbage or baked beans.

Can you use leftover pigs in blankets?

Yes, leftover cooked pigs in blankets can be used. Warm them in the dish first, then add the batter and bake until the batter is crisp.

Can you freeze pigs in blankets?

Yes, pigs in blankets can be frozen. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

Can you freeze toad in the hole?

You can freeze leftovers, but toad in the hole is best eaten fresh because the batter is crispest straight from the oven.