Imagine a dinner recipe that’s as comforting as it is playful, perfect for bringing a sense of fun and warmth to your evening table.
Frogs & Toads in a Hole is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, turning simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and breakfast sausage into a baked, cheese-laden casserole that feels like a warm hug.
It’s ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering, offering a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
A Nostalgic Comfort Food Perfect for Dinner
This dish brings a nostalgic, homespun feel to the table, combining childhood favorites like eggs and toast with a grown-up twist of hot sauce and Gruyère cheese. Unlike the traditional stovetop version, this casserole-style recipe bakes everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and versatile enough to pair with a crisp green salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a relaxed weekend meal with friends, this recipe offers a comforting, crowd-pleasing option. Its layers of flavor and textures make it much more than the sum of its parts.
Easy Substitutions for Different Diets
One of the best things about Frogs & Toads in a Hole is its adaptability. You can modify this dinner recipe to suit various dietary needs without losing its charm. Here are some easy substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Swap the breakfast sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, umami-rich alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the base, ensuring the recipe stays just as comforting for those avoiding gluten.
- Low-Carb: Replace the bread with zucchini or eggplant slices, cutting carbs while keeping the recipe flavorful.
With these simple changes, this versatile dish becomes a go-to dinner option that caters to everyone at the table.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
To make this recipe shine, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The recipe’s simplicity relies on the quality of its components. Use fresh eggs, good bread, and flavorful sausage for the best results.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Gruyère cheese adds a nutty richness to the casserole. If unavailable, sharp cheddar or even Parmesan can work as substitutes.
- Customize the Heat: The hot sauce provides a subtle kick, but you can adjust it to suit your preference or let diners add extra at the table.
These small adjustments elevate the dish, ensuring it’s a standout at any dinner gathering.
Why Frogs & Toads in a Hole Is a Must-Try Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating a moment. The name itself invites curiosity and joy, making it a fantastic conversation starter.
And while the whimsical title draws you in, the savory flavors keep you coming back for more.
Its combination of fluffy eggs, crispy toast, and savory sausage is layered with just the right amount of cheese, creating a meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it’s a dinner recipe that blends simplicity and comfort effortlessly.
Serve It with Mediterranean Flair
To tie this recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired meal, pair it with sides like:
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes.
- A crusty baguette or focaccia to soak up any remaining sauce or egg yolk.
These sides enhance the dish’s natural flavors, adding balance and freshness to your dinner table.
Frogs & Toads in a Hole proves that comfort food can be creative, flavorful, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner recipe or a playful dish to share with friends, this casserole delivers on all fronts.
Frogs & Toads Dinner Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 2-inch cookie cutter or knife
- 10-inch oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 8 slices white or soft whole-wheat bread toasted
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces breakfast sausage casings removed
- 3 scallions white and green parts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves optional
- 3 ounces Gruyère cheese grated (~¾ cup)
- Freshly ground black pepper as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter or a knife to cut a circular hole in the center of 4 slices of toast. Set the cut slices and their circular cutouts aside for later use.
- Make the Egg Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 of the eggs, the milk, salt, and hot sauce until smooth. Submerge the 4 slices of toast and their cutouts in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the bread soak in the custard for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the sausage, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sliced scallions and thyme, if using, and cook for another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent burning, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Casserole Base: Arrange the uncut slices of toast over the cooked sausage mixture in the skillet, forming an even layer. Place the bread cutouts around the toast slices to fill in the gaps. Pour any remaining custard over the top to ensure everything is moistened. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Cheese: Carefully crack one egg into each of the holes in the toast slices. Season the eggs lightly with black pepper. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the entire dish. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, with an extra drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- This dish works well with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the custard mixture.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.