Scotch eggs are a classic British dish that combines the goodness of eggs with savory sausage and crispy breadcrumbs. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a unique appetizer, Scotch eggs are sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make perfect Scotch eggs that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Scotch Eggs
For the Scotch eggs:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 pound (450g) sausage meat or ground pork
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the optional dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Scotch Eggs
- Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 9 minutes. Remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat with the salt, pepper, nutmeg, sage, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Peel the Eggs: Once the eggs are cool, peel them carefully. Set them aside.
- Assemble the Scotch Eggs: Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin patty. Place a peeled egg in the center of each patty and wrap the sausage around the egg, making sure it is completely covered.
- Coat the Scotch Eggs: Roll each sausage-wrapped egg in flour, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Fry the Scotch Eggs: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Scotch eggs in batches for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Serve the Scotch eggs warm with the dipping sauce on the side, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Understanding the main ingredients in Scotch eggs can help you appreciate the flavors and textures they bring to this classic dish.
Eggs: Eggs are the star of Scotch eggs, providing a rich, creamy yolk and a tender texture. Boiling the eggs before wrapping them in sausage ensures that they are cooked to perfection.
Sausage Meat or Ground Pork: The sausage meat or ground pork forms the outer layer of the Scotch eggs, adding savory flavor and a crispy texture when fried. Choose a high-quality sausage or ground pork for the best results.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, sage, onion powder, and garlic powder add depth of flavor to the sausage mixture, complementing the richness of the eggs.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs give the Scotch eggs a crispy coating when fried. Use fine breadcrumbs for a more uniform texture.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the Scotch eggs. It should be heated to the correct temperature to ensure that the eggs cook evenly and the coating becomes crispy.
Scotch eggs are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a party snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its flavorful sausage, tender eggs, and crispy coating, Scotch eggs are a true British classic. So why not give them a try and add a touch of British flair to your next meal?
