Delicious Recipe for Homemade Scotch Eggs
Are you in the mood for a British classic with a twist? Look no further than this oven style scotch eggs recipe. For those who are unfamiliar, scotch eggs consist of a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. While delicious, this traditional preparation can be heavy and greasy. That’s why I’ve developed a healthier alternative that bakes the scotch eggs in the oven, resulting in a lighter yet still deeply satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch or even as a snack.
But don’t let the connotation of “healthier” deter you – these oven-baked scotch eggs are just as flavorful as the original version. Imagine biting into a savory pork sausage patty, wrapped around a hard-boiled egg cooked to perfection and coated with flour. As you take your first bite, you’ll savor the subtle spices of garlic powder, onion powder, and sage, with just enough heat from cayenne pepper and ground black pepper to tantalize your taste buds. Trust me; it’ll be hard to stop at just one.
What’s best is that this oven-style scotch eggs recipe is simple to follow and requires few ingredients – many of which you may have already in your kitchen! Keep reading for ingredient list, detailed how-to instructions and tips for perfect results that will make you a fan of baked scotch eggs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you something, if you’re a fan of eggs or simply looking for a different yet super easy, scrumptious recipe to try, this Oven Style Scotch Eggs dish is the way to go!
Do you want to experience the feeling of biting into a crispy casing, followed by moist sausage meat and finally the perfectly cooked hard-boiled egg center? Well, my friend, look no further because this recipe is exactly what you need!
Not only that, but it’s also extremely convenient. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or make a large batch and freeze them for later. Who doesn’t love a meal prep success story? Plus, they make fantastic leftovers for those busy days when you don’t have much time to cook but still want a delicious meal.
Did I mention the versatility of this recipe? You can enjoy them on their own, take them outside with some dipping sauce for picnics or complement your breakfast spread with elegance. What more could you ask for?!
Oh, and if you’re following a specific diet like keto or paleo or simply trying to stay away from bread crumbs or deep-fried eggs, no worries! We’ve got you covered as this recipe is totally customizable. Simply adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs while still getting all the deliciousness and satisfaction you deserve.
So trust me on this one folks, this dish will surely become your new favorite!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these oven-baked scotch eggs. Don’t worry, these ingredients can easily be found in your local grocery store.
For the Scotch Eggs:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 pound pork sausage meat
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- a pinch of cayenne pepper
- a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before proceeding with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step One: Preheat the Oven
The first step to making perfect oven baked Scotch eggs is to preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit [200° Celsius].
Step Two: Mix Your Ingredients
While your oven heats up, mix 1 pound of pork sausage with onion salt, a pinch of garlic powder, a pinch of onion powder, a pinch of ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, blend the spices with the pork sausage meat thoroughly.
Step Three: Boil the Eggs
Boil enough water in your pot to cover six hard-boiled eggs completely. Once it comes up to boil, gently place the hard boiled eggs into the water, and let them cook for 6-7 minutes. Once done, drain and cool them in a bowl of cold water. Peel off their shells and set aside.
Step Four: Shape the Meat Mixture
Take about 2 tablespoons of your sausage meat mixture and form it into a ball. Afterward, flatten it on your palm into a disc shape. Place one hard-boiled egg within the center of the flattened disc, then form the meat mixture around the egg entirely so that no white part remains visible.
Step Five: Flour Coat Each Scotch Egg
In three separate bowls, add some flour, two beaten eggs, and some dry breadcrumbs. In that order, coat each Scotch egg in flour first by rolling it in a bowl of flour.
Step Six: Add Beaten Eggs and Breadcrumbs
After coating all six eggs with flour inside one bowl, roll each Scotch egg in beaten egg mixture next bowl dish. Then place it over breadcrumbs under another bowl dish plate and coat well.
Step Seven: Bake Your Scotch Eggs at 375 F for 25-30 Minutes
Place the Scotch eggs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack, then serve them either warm or cold sliced into halves.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put your own twist on this classic scotch eggs recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try. Here are some ideas:
– Meat: Instead of pork sausage, you can use ground beef or bacon for a slightly different flavor profile. You can even try using a meat substitute like vegetarian or vegan sausage.
– Keto and Paleo: If you’re following a low-carb or paleo diet, you can substitute the flour and bread crumbs with almond flour, coconut flour or crushed pork rinds instead. You can also opt for turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.
– Spices: Experiment with different spices to create your own unique blend. For example, add thyme, paprika or fennel seeds to the meat mixture. You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and garlic powder to make it more or less spicy.
– Soft-Boiled Eggs: Instead of using hard-boiled eggs, try using soft-boiled eggs for a runnier center. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they’ll need less time in the oven.
– Air Fryer: Want a crispy coating but without deep frying? Try cooking the scotch eggs in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Whatever substitutions and variations you decide to try, make sure to tweak cooking times and temperatures as needed. The best way to ensure success is to be creative and test different combinations until you find your perfect recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Scotch eggs are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They make a perfect snack, appetizer or even a main course. If you’re planning to serve it as an appetizer, I recommend serving it with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard, sriracha mayo or ranch dressing. These sauces provide a great balance to the rich and savory flavors of the Scotch eggs.
As a main course, you can pair Scotch eggs with a light salad or roasted vegetables. The salad will add freshness to your meal while the roasted vegetables will provide the necessary texture and flavor.
Another popular way to serve Scotch eggs is to put them in sandwiches. The combination of sausage meat, hard-boiled egg and crispy breadcrumbs sandwiched between two pieces of soft bread is irresistible. Add some lettuce, tomato or avocado for more flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for beverage pairing options for your Scotch eggs, I suggest going for a crisp lager or pale ale. You can also opt for red wine if you prefer something bold and assertive.
Overall, there are many ways to serve and pair your Scotch eggs depending on your taste preference and occasion. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about oven baked Scotch eggs is that they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick and easy snack or breakfast. To make sure your Scotch eggs remain fresh, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They should be consumed within 2-3 days.
If you want to reheat your Scotch eggs, there are several methods you can use. One option is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual eggs on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the power of your microwave. Just be careful not to overheat as this can make the egg rubbery.
If you want to freeze your Scotch eggs for later use, make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat frozen Scotch eggs, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Lastly, if you have leftover sausage meat or hard-boiled eggs from this recipe, you can use them in other dishes such as meatballs or salads. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the perfect “crunch” with your baked scotch eggs, make sure to follow these tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Sausage Meat: Overusing the meat can toughen the texture of your scotch eggs. Use a light hand when mixing the sausage meat and avoid overpacking it.
2. Keep the Meat at Room Temperature: It’s important to let your sausage meat get to room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. Cold sausage meat will stick to your hands, making it harder to work with.
3. Add Seasonings Sparingly: While seasoning is key to achieving a delicious scotch egg, resist the urge to add too much spices, cayenne pepper, garlic powder or onion powder to your mixture. The hard boiled eggs have their own flavors so try not to overpower them.
4. Use Fresh Flour: Make sure the flour you use for coating your scotch eggs is fresh, as it can become rancid over time. Rancid flour will make your coating taste stale and leave an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.
5. Preheat Your Oven: It’s essential that you preheat your oven at 400 F/200 C for 15-20 minutes before you start baking your scotch eggs. This ensures that they cook evenly and retain their perfect shape.
6. Baking Time and Oven Placement are Key: For best results bake Scotch eggs on an aluminum foil-lined baking tray placed in the middle of the oven at 400 F /200 Cfor 25-30 minutes until golden brown but not burnt.
7. Don’t Undercook or Overcook Your Scotch Eggs: Always test one of your scotch eggs before pulling them out of the heat oven. A perfectly cooked scotch egg should be hard on the outside but still moist on the inside.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and crispy scotch eggs that will have everyone asking for more.
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make the perfect oven style Scotch eggs, it’s only natural to have questions about the recipe. Whether you’re a cooking novice or an experienced chef, I’ve got you covered with some frequently asked questions that will help you to further understand and tweak the recipe according to your preferences. Keep reading for some valuable tips and insights that will help take your baked Scotch eggs to the next level.
How long to heat scotch eggs in oven?
To start off, we want to ensure that our oven is heated up perfectly for our dish. So, preheat your oven to Gas Mark 5/190°C/fan oven 170°C/325°F. Next up, let’s get those eggs beautifully baked! Take a baking sheet and place the eggs on it. Then, let them cook for around 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Finally, let them cool down before serving – and voila! You have a deliciously cooked egg dish to enjoy.
Why do my scotch eggs split in the oven?
To avoid the eggs from curdling when baking, there are some simple steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that the sausage meat mixture is spread evenly and completely covers the egg. Additionally, it’s recommended to refrigerate the eggs for 10-20 minutes prior to baking.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for scotch eggs?
For those looking for a fulfilling and tasty British dish, consider trying out a crispy and crunchy variation by substituting traditional bread crumbs with alternatives such as almond flour, almond meal, coconut flour, or crushed pork rinds. To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on the outside. Looking to switch up your preparation method? Try making air fryer Scotch eggs for a healthier and quicker cooking option.
What’s the best way to heat up a Scotch egg?
If you want to reheat a Scotch Egg, avoid microwaving them whole as they may burst. It is recommended that you cut them into quarters before microwaving to prevent this issue. However, another alternative is to either give them another quick frying or bake them in the oven at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 5 minutes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this oven-baked scotch eggs recipe is the perfect British delicacy for anyone who values a delicious meal with a rich history. With these simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a fantastic dish that will have everyone coming back for more. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile – you can experiment with different spices or even substitute sausage meat with ground beef or bacon.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a quiet night in, these perfectly baked scotch eggs will make a fantastic centerpiece for your meal. So why not put on your apron and get cooking? You won’t regret it!
Oven Style Scotch Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage meat, turkey, pork or italian sausage (450 g)
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 medium hard-boiled eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups fine breadcrumbs, for coating
Instructions
- Shell hard-boiled eggs.
- In a small bowl combine sausage meat with sage, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and black Pepper.
- Divide sausage into 8 equal portions, flatten each portion to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Roll each egg in flour and place on top of each sausage patty.
- Use each sausage patty to wrap around each egg until it is completely encased, pressing edges together to seal (wet or floured hands make this easier).
- Beat the egg in a shallow dish and place breadcrumbs on a flat plate.
- Dip each sausage-coated eggs in beaten egg and roll in crumbs.
- Place on baking tray lined with aluminum foil and bake in oven at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown (turn every 10 minutes for even browning).
- For a crispy crust spray very lightly with Pam baking spray before baking.
- When ready to serve, line platter with lettuce and arrange Scotch Eggs, cut in half, among the lettuce.
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.