Delicious Hot Scotch Eggs Recipe for Foodies
In my experience as a chef specializing in British cuisine, I must say that Scotch eggs are one of the most beloved and classic dishes out there. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe for Hot Scotch Eggs that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
If you’re not familiar with Scotch eggs, let me enlighten you: it’s a hard or soft-boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat and coated with bread crumbs. Once cooked, the result is a crispy and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed as a meal or taken on-the-go.
Now, while traditional Scotch eggs are perfect as picnic dishes or quick breakfast options, the Hot Scotch Eggs recipe is here to take things to the next level. With hints of thyme, sage, and ground cloves combined with hot sausages and ground turkey, this recipe will rock your world.
So heat up the oven to 400°F, grab your ingredients list and let’s learn how to make the best Hot Scotch Eggs recipe ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to impress your guests, look no further than this hot Scotch eggs recipe. I guarantee that this dish will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement and delight.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to serve it as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch or dinner or even as a picnic dish, hot Scotch eggs are sure to please. You can also enjoy them hot or cold, making it the perfect snack for any time of day.
Furthermore, this recipe uses traditional Scottish flavors such as thyme, sage and ground cloves to give it a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other egg recipes in the world. With the perfect combination of spices and seasonings mixed into the pork sausage meat surrounding the hard-boiled eggs, this dish is an explosion of flavor in every bite!
What’s more, if you’re health-conscious, you can easily substitute ground turkey or beef instead of pork sausage without sacrificing the taste of the dish. You can air fry or bake instead of deep frying to make it even healthier.
In conclusion, not only is this dish scrumptious and tasty, but it’s also adaptable to different tastes and occasions. The perfect blend of spicy flavors and textures will leave everyone craving more! So why not try making these hot Scotch eggs today and prove how amazing they can be?
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to prepare Hot Scotch Eggs Recipe:
For the Filling
- 1 pound of hot sausage: Hot sausage adds a kick of spiciness to the scotch eggs that makes them irresistible. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to use breakfast sausage instead.
- ½ pound ground turkey: Ground turkey provides a lighter option as opposed to just using pork sausage, which can be heavy.
- 1 tsp thyme and sage: These herbs add a unique flavor that helps balance the spiciness of the sausage.
- a pinch of ground cloves: Ground cloves add a touch of warmth and sweetness to the filling.
For the Scotch Eggs
- 8 boiled eggs: Make sure they are not overcooked or undercooked. The perfect boiled egg should have a firm white and a runny yolk that will bring your scotch eggs to the next level.
- 1 pound pork sausage meat: Pork is a traditional choice for scotch eggs. However, feel free to use turkey, beef or any other meat of your preference.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: We recommend using panko or cornflakes crumbs. They provide a nice crunchy texture that complements the soft boiled egg perfectly.
- Water: To boil the eggs in and dip your hands when forming the sausage around them for easy handling.
- Oil for deep-frying.
Make sure you gather all these ingredients before starting with this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Bring water to a boil
Before anything else, we need to cook the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a pan and add enough cold water to cover the eggs completely. Then, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, set a timer for 8 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
While waiting for the eggs to cook, prepare the sausage mixture. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage meat and break it up using a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes or until browned.
Step 3: Mix in Herbs and Spices
Remove the skillet from heat then mix in thyme, sage, ground cloves, and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 4: Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs
Once the timer goes off, remove the eggs from heat and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for a few minutes until you can handle them with your hands. Then, peel off their shells.
Step 5: Wrap Eggs with Sausage Meat
Now is the tricky part – wrapping the egg with sausage meat. Take around 2 tablespoons of sausage meat and form them into a disc using your hands. Place an egg on top of the sausage disc then carefully mold the sausage meat around the egg until it is completely covered.
Step 6: Coat Scotch Eggs
To add texture and flavor, coat each Scotch Egg by rolling them into breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or flour.
Step 7: Bake or Fry
There are two ways to cook your Scotch Eggs – fried or baked:
- To deep-fry, heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat, then gently lower the eggs into the hot oil. Cook for about 4-minute, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
- To bake in an oven, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sausage-wrapped eggs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
That’s it, our Scotch Eggs recipe is ready. You can serve your Scotch Eggs hot or cold, as a breakfast or picnic dish. Either way, it will be a tasty and satisfying meal that everyone will surely love!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, substitutions and variations are essential to take any dish from good to great. And this recipe for Hot Scotch Eggs is no exception. Here are some ideas to help you customize the recipe according to your taste or dietary preferences:
– Ground beef: Try using ground beef instead of turkey or pork sausage for a different flavor and texture. This option is perfect for those who don’t eat pork.
– Different herbs and spices: While I love the combination of thyme, sage, and ground cloves in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin or rosemary.
– Air fryer: If you prefer a healthier version of this recipe, use an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Simply coat the eggs in corn flakes or breadcrumbs and air fry them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
– Baked scotch eggs: Another healthier alternative would be baking instead of frying the eggs. Baking them gives a crispy crust and a soft center. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the wrapped eggs for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
– Vegetarian version: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, substitute the sausage meat with a meatless option such as tofu, seitan or mushrooms.
Whether you’re looking to change things up, accommodate special dietary requirements or simply want to try something new, these substitution ideas are sure to impress your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
After you’ve prepared your hot Scotch eggs, it’s time to indulge in this delicious and hearty dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be served both hot and cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
For a traditional scotch egg experience, serve them hot right out of the oven or deep fryer. The contrast between the crispy sausage shell and the soft-boiled egg with its runny yolk will leave your taste buds amazed. If you prefer cold Scotch eggs, place them in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This makes them perfect for picnics or as a snack.
To add a bit of freshness to the dish, consider serving your Scotch eggs with a side salad dressed with fresh herbs like thyme and sage. If you’re feeling more indulgent, French fries or homemade potato chips will complement these savory delights perfectly.
For drinks, I would recommend pairing your Scotch eggs with your favorite beer or cider. A thirst-quenching drink can balance out the richness of the dish. If you wish to go for a non-alcoholic option, you can never go wrong with iced tea.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Scotch eggs, one thing is guaranteed – they won’t disappoint!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead and reheating, these scotch eggs are versatile and convenient. You can easily prepare them ahead of time for a picnic, party or as a breakfast on-the-go. Simply store the cooked scotch eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to enjoy them hot, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to cover them with foil while reheating to keep the moisture intact.
Another great way of reheating is by using an air fryer. Just preheat your air fryer at 375°F (190°C), place the scotch eggs inside and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy.
If you’re planning to freeze the scotch eggs, make sure to wrap each individual egg tightly with plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or air fryer. It’s important not to thaw them at room temperature because it may promote bacterial growth.
Overall, these scotch eggs are perfect for those looking for an easy-to-make make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed anytime hot or cold.
Tips for Perfect Results
The ingredients and cooking method for scotch eggs may seem simple, but there are some tips and tricks to achieving perfect results every time. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have a few insights that I’d like to share with you to make your scotch egg-making experience even better.
1. Use high-quality sausage meat
The sausage meat is the star ingredient of this dish, so it’s important to use high-quality sausage meat for the best flavor and texture. If possible, try making your own sausage meat using ground pork or turkey, as it can be more flavorful and healthier than store-bought options.
2. Freeze the sausage-wrapped eggs before frying
To prevent the sausage from falling apart or slipping off during frying, it’s best to freeze the wrapped eggs for about an hour before frying. This will help the meat stay in place and form a crispy crust when fried.
3. Coat with corn flakes or bread crumbs
For an extra crispy finish on your scotch eggs, coat them with crushed corn flakes or bread crumbs before frying. This will add another layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
4. Experiment with different seasoning blends
While traditional scotch eggs are seasoned with thyme, sage, and ground cloves, feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends to discover what works best for you. Ground beef or breakfast sausage also make great substitutes for a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Try baking or air frying instead of deep frying
While deep frying is the most traditional method of cooking scotch eggs, it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try baking or air frying your scotch eggs instead. This will still give you a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the yolks perfectly runny on the inside.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect scotch eggs every time, whether you’re serving them up as a picnic dish or as a breakfast item. So don your chef’s hat, and let’s get cooking!
FAQ
Before wrapping up, let me give you some answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about this unique recipe for Hot Scotch Eggs. The questions will not only provide further understanding of the recipe, but it will help you avoid common mistakes and create perfect results each time. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section and get your questions answered!
Can you have scotch eggs hot?
For ideal Scotch Eggs, the sausage meat must be of high quality and the dish should be served at a chilly temperature.
What’s the best way to heat up a Scotch egg?
When it comes to reheating Scotch eggs, utilizing caution is a must. Avoid microwaving the entire egg, or you may end up with a messy explosion. It is advisable to slice the egg into quarters before reheating in the microwave. However, an alternative and safer option is to either warm it up in frying oil or toss it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.
Do you serve scotch eggs hot or cold?
The Scotch egg is a classic British delicacy made by encasing a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat, coating it in breadcrumbs, and frying or baking until it turns golden, crispy, and delicious. This dish is a popular choice in pubs and outdoor picnics, and it is commonly enjoyed cold across the UK.
Why do my scotch eggs split when frying?
One of the key steps in making scotch eggs is ensuring that the sausage meat completely covers the boiled eggs. This will help prevent any potential splitting during the cooking process. Make sure to cover the eggs thoroughly without leaving any gaps or spaces where the egg might peek through.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, hot Scotch eggs are a delicious and versatile British dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer your yolk runny or hard-boiled, these eggs wrapped in sausage meat are sure to satisfy your cravings. With the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can make a perfect batch of Scotch eggs at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen to try this amazing recipe out for yourself. Once you’ve tasted the savory and satisfying flavors of hot Scotch eggs, you won’t want to go back to regular boring breakfasts anymore. They’re the perfect picnic dish or on-the-go snack, and they go great with a side of tangy mustard or crispy bacon.
So go ahead, experiment with different spice blends and variations to make this classic dish your own. Whatever way you decide to serve your Scotch eggs – hot or cold – it’s sure to be a hit with everyone around the table. With this recipe on hand, you’ll always know how to make the best Scotch eggs possible.
Hot Scotch Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot sausage (bulk, not links)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon sage (dried, crushed)
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 egg (beaten, to coat prior to bread crumbs)
- 4 eggs (hard boiled)
Instructions
- Mix mince and spices together by hand.
- Encase one shelled hard boiled egg in mince mixture. (I've had questions about the amount of meat -- you are aiming for bigger than a baseball and smaller than a softball in total size).
- Dip uncooked Scotch Eggs in beaten egg then gently roll in bread crumbs until coated.
- Refrigerate for 45-90 minutes.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes in a 400 degree oven, until bread crumbs are browned (the fat expressed by the mince alone is partially absorbed by the breadcrumbs, allowing for a beautiful browning and flavor). Allow to rest five minutes if serving hot, can also be served traditionally cold.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.