Sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter! Gluten free toad in the hole. Yes, please.
My husband always talks about this dish with a very funny name that his mom used to make when he was a child: Toad in the Hole.
It’s a very popular dish in Britain where his mom was from. No one knows exactly how it got its name though it is said that the sausage peeking out of the Yorkshire pudding is supposed to look like a toad.
It reminds me of the character Mr. Toad of Toad Hall from Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel Wind In The Willows. It’s just the kind of dish Mr. Toad would have enjoyed after his madcap adventures in his motorcar around the English countryside.
Indeed, this classic British dish of juicy sausages nestled in Yorkshire pudding makes for a seriously special dinner treat. Since today is my youngest son’s sixteenth birthday, it was the perfect occasion for a fun-filled meal. I decided to serve up a gluten free version of Toad in the Hole.
Gluten Free Yorkshire Pudding is one of the first recipes that I shared with you on the blog. But Toad in the Hole takes traditional Yorkshire pudding to a whole new level.
Though both Toad In The Hole and Gluten Free Pigs In A Blanket from my breakfast recipe collection feature sausages wrapped in a batter, the difference lies in the batter itself—where Yorkshire pudding batter replaces the usual pancake batter for a more savory, hearty result.
As you can see, I doubled the recipe and made two pans because there are six of us (one I made in a cake pan). They were both devoured straight away, no leftovers.
I’m not sure which I loved more: the spicy, savory Toad in the Hole or the creamy homemade onion gravy. This birthday dinner was truly out of this world.
Ingredients
Toad in the hole consists of a batter of eggs, flour and milk so I selected Bob’s Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
Today, I have delicious sausages from Jones Dairy Farm. Choose your favorite gluten free breakfast sausages. I also like Applegate Farms sausage because they’re not only gluten free, but antibiotic free, with no added hormones. Or go with sausages by Amylu Foods Breakfast Time Chicken Mini Links.
Sausages can contain fillers with gluten, so it’s important to check the label or use sausages specifically marked gluten-free.
How to make gluten free toad in the hole
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
Here’s a peek into my kitchen while I cooked up this fun dish.
First, I preheated the oven to 425℉. Then, I cooked the gluten free sausages in a skillet according to the package directions. Next, I transferred the sausages to a plate and covered them to keep them warm.
Next we add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and place the skillet in the oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs on the low speed of your electric mixer for half of a minute. Then add milk and beat 15 seconds. Finally, we add gluten free flour, salt, and pepper and beat 2 minutes more until smooth.
Take the skillet out of the oven and pour batter over hot drippings in pan. Add sausages and bake about 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare your onion gravy.
How to make onion gravy
*The free printable recipe card at the end of the post includes the onion gravy ingredients.
Much like my Velvety Smooth Gluten Free Gravy, this recipe delivers that same silky texture, but with the added richness of sautéed onions, giving it a hearty twist.
To thicken our gravy we make a roux.
How to make a roux
Our roux is a mixture of butter and flour cooked up to make a paste, which serves as the base to thicken our gravy. We cook the flour for about three minutes. This is to avoid a raw flour taste.
So for the gravy: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add onion, season with pepper, and cook until the onions start to brown, about 10 minutes.
Then stir in 2 tablespoons of gluten free flour until the mixture is thick and smooth. Continue to stir and slowly brown the flour over a low heat for 5 minutes.
Then add stock, Gravy Master (to enhance the flavor and color) and salt. Whisk and simmer so that the gravy stays smooth while it thickens, about 2 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Slice your Toad in the Hole into generous portions and smother it in your savory gravy that brings out all the delicious flavors.
Pair it with a refreshing light green salad tossed in zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the dish.
And choose veggies from my complete vegetable collection: try Sautéed Broccoli With Garlic for a burst of freshness, or indulge in a velvety Cauliflower And Carrot Puree.
For a sweet, fruity finish to your meal, try Simple Creamy Lemon Posset or classic Eton Mess.
Pro tips and recipe notes
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- You can use tallow instead of oil to keep your Yorkshire pudding authentic. I have used tallow from my Homemade Bone Broth.
- You should hear a sizzle when your batter hits the hot drippings. Working quickly, be sure to get your pan back into the oven right away. The hot fat and hot oven are the key to getting the iconic rise of your toad in the hole.
- I prepare my batter in a mixing bowl with a pourable spout which makes it easier to pour. It’s less messy.
- One more thing. Don’t open the door to your oven until baking is complete. You don’t want your toad in the hole to collapse.
- You can safely store leftover Toad in the Hole for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Leftover gravy can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Happy cooking!
If you make this recipe, share your snap on Instagram and tag #glutenfreehomestead. I always love seeing your photos.
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Gluten Free Toad In The Hole
Ingredients
For Toad in the Hole:
- 7 ounce package gluten free sausage
- 1½ cups Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
For onion gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion chopped
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour
- 1 cup beef stock chicken or vegetable broth will also work
- 1 teaspoon Gravy Master
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Directions for Toad in the Hole:
- Preheat oven to 425℉
- Cook the gluten free sausages in a skillet according to package directions. Then transfer sausages to a plate and keep warm.7 ounce package gluten free sausage
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Place skillet in the oven for 15 minutes.2 tablespoons oil
- Meanwhile, beat eggs on low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute. Add milk; beat 15 seconds. Add flour, salt and pepper and beat 2 minutes more until smooth.1½ cups Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1¼ cups milk, 1 teaspoon pepper
- Pour batter over hot drippings in pan. Add sausages.
- Bake about 20-25 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare onion gravy according to the recipe below.
Directions for Onion Gravy
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add onion, sprinkle with pepper, and cook until the onions start to brown, about 10 minutes.2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, pepper to taste
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of gf flour until the mixture is thick and smooth. Continue to stir and slowly brown the flour over a low heat for 5 minutes.2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill GF All Purpose Baking Flour
- Then add stock, Gravy Master and salt. Whisk and simmer so that the gravy stays smooth while it thickens, about 2 minutes.1 cup beef stock, 1 teaspoon Gravy Master, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Serve
- When your toad in the hole is ready, cut it into slices and smother in gravy.
Notes
- You can use tallow instead of oil to keep your Yorkshire pudding authentic. I have used tallow from my homemade bone broth.
- You should hear a sizzle when your batter hits the hot drippings. Working quickly, be sure to get your pan back into the oven right away. The hot fat and hot oven are the key to getting the iconic rise of your toad in the hole.
- I prepare my batter in a mixing bowl with a pourable spout which makes it easier to pour. It’s less messy.
- One more thing. Don’t open the door to your oven until baking is complete. You don’t want your toad in the hole to collapse.
- You can safely store leftover Toad in the Hole for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Leftover gravy can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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- Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe - December 23, 2024
- Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe - November 6, 2024
Lynn says
This looks delicious! I love Yorkshire pudding. Thank you for sharing.
Barbara says
Yummy Yorkshire pudding. Have you tasted Toad In The Hole? It’s irresistible.
Reema D'souza says
Thank you for sharing the reciepe. It looks delicious 🙂
Barbara says
You’re welcome!
Shanx says
That looks delicious. Also, Many many happy returns of the day to your son (though, I am late, I guess it still counts. Best Wishes 🙂 )
Barbara says
Welcome, Yes it still counts! Thanks!
Ashley says
This looks very good! Like, major comfort food!!!! I’d only change it to fake sausage, as I’m a vegetarian 🙂 How was your son’s birthday?
Barbara says
M-a-j-o-r comfort food. I can’t wait to make this again. Sure vegetarian sausage would be scrumptious nestled in the silky Yorkshire pudding. You can substitute vegetable broth for the beef stock, as well.
The birthday was delightful. Now that my children are older (even adults) I treasure our family celebrations.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
My kids would love these! I’d bet they freeze well, too. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Barbara says
It definitely would be handy on one of those busy days to have frozen toad in the hole. No fuss, just reheat!
Judy - Pedagogical Artist says
Love the way you add a bit of history/cultural flavor to your recipe post, Barbara! May give it a try! Have to get my head around Yorkshire Pudding. Being American, pudding for me means dessert – not savory dumplings. A couple of years ago, we had dinner with our British relatives. We had finished dinner, when their son came and went to the kitchen to heat something up. When he mentioned Yorkshire Pudding, I was convinced he was heating up our dessert and couldn’t understand why he and his mom were talking about gravy … ! Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday to your son. May you all enjoy many years of good health and happiness. HUGS <3
Barbara says
Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes.
Right, Yorkshire pudding is not a sweet creamy dessert it’s a silky bread served with gravy, our family has always looked forward to. And when I add the sausage for toad in the hole, it a scrumptious meal in itself.
You’ve just got to try this, today.
Catherine Atkinson says
Great post! The name ‘toad-in-the-hole’ comes from the fact that this dish was originally eaten by poorer people in Britain during Victorian times (as were salmon and oysters which are now expensive ‘desirable’ foods). The ‘toad’ was usually bits of meat off-cuts or offal ie of dubious quality, so would just be referred to as ‘toad’
Kate (London)
Barbara says
Thank you, Catherine. That’s so interesting. Have a great weekend. 😊
Rose says
Would you be able to make this without the skillet? Like cook the sausages in a frying pan then cook everything in a china casserole dish? I’d love to make this!
Barbara Bianchi says
Hi Rose,
Honestly, I haven’t tried this recipe in a china dish so I can’t say for sure.
The most important thing would be to place your dish with the oil in the oven. The oil needs to be hot, hot, hot. When you pour your batter in, you should hear that sizzle. Working quickly, be sure to get your pan back into the oven right away.
Also, one time I tried a different flour and it didn’t work as well. Gluten free flour can be finicky.
Please come back and let me know how it goes for you. Thanks so much.