Toad in the hole is a classic British dish that consists of sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter.
This hearty and comforting meal is often served with gravy, but there are many other delicious accompaniments that can elevate this dish even further.
In this article, we will explore various options for what to serve with toad in the hole, from traditional sides to more creative and modern twists.
What To Serve With Toad In The Hole? 20 Delicious Side Dishes
When it comes to enhancing your toad-in-the-hole experience, selecting the right side dishes is key.
From lush greens and root vegetables to rich, creamy dishes, the possibilities are endless.
In the following list, we’ve curated 20 delicious sides that promise to complement and elevate this traditional dish to new heights.
Whether you’re looking for something classic or craving a modern twist, these accompaniments are sure to impress.
1. Onion Gravy
A staple in British cuisine, onion gravy is the ultimate companion to toad in the hole.
Its rich, savory flavors, derived from slowly caramelized onions simmered in a beef or vegetable stock, meld perfectly with the crispness of the Yorkshire pudding and the juiciness of the sausages.
For an extra layer of complexity, a splash of red wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can be added during the cooking process.
This luscious gravy not only complements the dish but also adds a comforting warmth, making it an essential addition to any toad in the hole serving.
2. Mashed Potatoes
A side of creamy mashed potatoes is perfect for soaking up the rich gravy and complementing the textures and flavors of the toad in the hole.
The smooth, buttery potatoes offer a soothing contrast to the crisp Yorkshire pudding and savory sausages, creating a well-rounded plate.
For an added touch of luxury, consider incorporating a bit of cream or garlic into your mash for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Mozzarella Sticks
While not a traditional British side, mozzarella sticks can add a fun and cheesy twist to your toad in the hole dinner.
The crispy outer coating and gooey cheese center provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft pudding and tender sausages.
Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, which adds a tangy flavor that can cut through the richness of the dish.
This unconventional side might just become a new favorite, bringing a touch of Italian flair to the classic British meal.
4. Buttered Peas
Buttered peas are a simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with a toad in the hole.
Gently cooked in butter with a pinch of salt and pepper, perhaps with a hint of mint for an extra layer of flavor, these peas are effortlessly delightful.
This classic side not only adds a pop of color to the plate but also offers a tender, buttery bite that complements the dish’s overall hearty nature.
5. Roasted Root Vegetables
A medley of roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes, can bring a rich, earthy element to the meal.
Roasting these vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness and providing a perfect counterbalance to the savory sausages and Yorkshire pudding.
For an added touch of flavor, toss the vegetables with herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.
This side not only introduces a spectrum of textures and tastes but also adds a vibrant splash of color to your toad in the hole feast.
6. Blooming Onion
This fried delicacy, made by slicing a whole onion to resemble a flower, then coating it in batter and frying until it’s crispy and golden, provides a crunchy, savory counterpart to the tender, airy consistency of Yorkshire pudding.
It’s commonly accompanied by a zesty or spicy dipping sauce, which can enhance the flavor of the sausages wonderfully.
The blooming onion is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a conversation starter, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table.
7. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is the epitome of simplicity, yet it brings a refreshing balance to the rich and flavorful toad in the hole.
Lightly steamed to preserve its vibrant green color and natural crunch, broccoli offers a healthy and fiber-rich side that complements the density of the batter and sausages.
Toss with a little butter or a sprinkle of lemon zest to elevate the flavors further.
This straightforward but nutritious side is ideal for those seeking a lighter option that still packs a punch in terms of taste and texture.
8. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn serves as a delightfully sweet and creamy complement to the rich flavors of Toad in the hole.
For an added depth of flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese into the creamed corn.
This side dish not only brings a touch of Americana to the table but also introduces a comforting, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the overall meal.
9. Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is a hearty British classic that combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often topped with a crispy breadcrumb or cheese layer for added texture.
The sharpness of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the mild sweetness of the cauliflower, making it an irresistible side dish that adds both flavor and substance to your meal.
10. Colcannon
Colcannon, a beloved Irish dish, is a comforting blend of mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage, enriched with butter, milk, and occasionally, leeks or onions for added flavor.
This hearty side dish brings a creamy texture and a burst of greenery that perfectly complements the savory richness of the toad in the hole.
Colcannon is not just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, adding a traditional Celtic twist to the meal.
11. Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage adds a vibrant splash of color and a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the toad in the hole.
Slowly cooked with apple, vinegar, and a hint of sugar, this side dish marries sweetness and acidity in a way that gracefully cuts through the savory toad in the hole.
A pinch of cinnamon or cloves can be added for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
This tangy, slightly sweet cabbage not only complements the meal aesthetically but also brings a welcome balance to the palate, making it a perfect option for what to serve with toad in the hole.
12. Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce brings a sharp, pungent flavor that can awaken the taste buds and cut through the richness of toad in the hole like no other.
Serving this condiment on the side allows guests to adjust the intensity of flavor according to their preference.
For a smoother, milder sauce, it can be blended with sour cream or mayonnaise, which tempers the heat but retains the distinctive horseradish zing, offering a delightful complement to this hearty British classic.
13. Apple and Fennel Salad
An apple and fennel salad brings a refreshing and slightly tangy crunch to the table, serving as a palate-cleansing counterpart to the rich and savory toad in the hole.
Thinly sliced crisp apples paired with the licorice-like crunch of fennel, all tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, introduce a burst of freshness and a hint of acidity.
This salad not only adds a bright, light dimension to your feast but also integrates a wonderful texture and flavor contrast that can lift the entire meal.
Garnish with a few fennel fronds or toasted nuts for an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish.
14. Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
These delectable morsels, overflowing with a rich mixture of garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese, are the perfect bite-sized complement to toad in the hole.
The earthiness of the mushrooms harmonizes with the robust flavors of the garlic and herbs, while the creamy cheese filling adds a luxurious texture.
Baked until golden and crispy on top, garlic and herb-stuffed mushrooms offer a satisfying contrast in both taste and texture, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
15. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash can be roasted to perfection, its natural sweetness and creamy texture forming a perfect harmony with the savory depth of the toad in the hole.
Spice it up with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to accentuate the squash’s sweetness, or add a dash of chili flakes for a subtle heat that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the main dish.
This side introduces a comforting, autumnal element to the meal, making it a versatile and warmly welcomed addition to any table setting.
16. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, when roasted to a crispy perfection, provide a delightful contrast to the soft and savory profile of the toad in the hole.
Roasting these little cabbages until they are golden and crispy brings out their inherent sweetness, making them an unexpectedly perfect companion for the rich, meaty flavors of the main dish.
Their slight bitterness and nutty flavor enhance the overall dining experience, especially when tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and perhaps a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy finish.
17. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak, a quintessentially British dish made from leftover vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, finely chopped and pan-fried until crispy, brings a rustic charm and homey comfort to any meal.
The dish’s name comes from the sounds it makes while cooking, making it as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.
Seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic, bubble, and squeak unites simplicity with flavor, making it a perfect, no-waste addition to the dinner table.
This traditional side dish pairs wonderfully with toad in the hole, introducing a crispy texture and satisfying use of leftovers that resonate with the heartiness of the main.
18. Lemon Parmesan Green Beans
Lemon Parmesan green beans are a zesty, light side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of toad in the hole.
Quick to prepare, these green beans offer a burst of freshness with every bite, making them an excellent choice for balancing out the meal’s heavier elements.
Also, the combination of the bright lemon zest and the nutty, salty Parmesan cheese elevates the natural crispness of the green beans, creating a side dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
19. Creamed Leeks
Creamed leeks offer a silky, subtly sweet addition to the robust flavors of toad in the hole.
Gently sautéed leeks folded into a rich, creamy sauce present a luxurious texture and a mild, onion-like taste that complements the savory main dish beautifully.
The creaminess of the sauce, combined with the tender leeks, introduces an element of decadence to the meal.
This side dish, with its simple elegance, not only provides a lovely color contrast but also a soothing balance to the hearty, meat-centric toad in the hole, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.
20. Carrot and Swede Mash
Carrot and swede mash is a deliciously comforting and colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the savory depths of the toad in the hole.
The subtle sweetness of carrots blended with the earthy tone of Swedes (rutabagas) creates a smooth, velvety mash that’s both hearty and rich in flavor.
A touch of butter, a dash of cream, and some seasoning with salt and pepper elevate this mash into a luxurious complement to any main course.
This mash not only adds a vibrant splash of color to your plate but also provides a sweetly nuanced counterpoint to the robust main dish, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the toad in the hole dish.
Conclusion
To conclude, toad in the hole is a classic British dish that proves simplicity doesn’t sacrifice depth of flavor or the potential for creative accompaniment.
What to serve with toad in the hole – we have numerous answers to it.
From the fiery kick of horseradish sauce to the autumnal warmth of butternut squash, and the rustic charm of bubble and squeak, a variety of side dishes can enrich this traditional dish, offering a palette of textures and flavors.
Each side dish suggested in this post aims to balance the hearty, meaty main with elements of freshness, creaminess, and crunch.
So, try pairing different sides with this classic British comfort food and see how each one adds its unique touch to elevate the meal into a truly memorable feast.
What To Serve With Toad in the Hole?
Ingredients
- 1 toad in the hole
Instructions
- Make the tasty toad in the hole by using your favorite recipe.
- Prepare and cook a side dish from the list mentioned above. You can eat the dish "toad in the hole" with any of the suggested sides or try different combinations to find your favorite: horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes, onion gravy, buttered peas, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, bubble and squeak, lemon parmesan green beans, creamed leeks, carrot and swede mash, mozzarella sticks, blooming onion, garlic and herb stuffed mushrooms, colcannon, roasted root vegetables, creamed corn, cauliflower cheese, braised red cabbage, apple and fennel salad, and steamed broccoli.
- Serve hot and enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal.