Frog in a Hole With Vegemite, Sausage, Bacon and Barbecue Sauce

My fondest memories of childhood camping trips aren’t of pristine wilderness or majestic sunsets, but rather the smell of sizzling bacon drifting from the camp stove. My dad, a man of simple culinary pleasures, would always whip up his version of “Frog in a Hole” for breakfast, though his never had the boldness that I’m about to share. The crispy bacon, the runny yolk, and the excitement of eating something cooked outdoors always made it taste a hundred times better. Now, I’ve taken that simple dish and given it a gourmet (okay, maybe not gourmet, but definitely more interesting) twist with the addition of some deeply savoury flavours that will really kickstart your day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Dietary Type: Not Diet-Friendly

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 average veal sausage
• 3 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Vegemite

Equipment Needed

• Frying pan
• Small glass or cookie cutter
• Spatula
• Absorbent paper towels
• Plate

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the olive oil in the frying pan and heating it over medium heat. Allow the pan to warm up properly; this will ensure even cooking of the bacon and sausage.
2. Add the bacon and sausage to the pan. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the sausage is cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once cooked, remove the bacon and sausage from the pan and place them on an absorbent paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Keep them warm while you prepare the “Frog in a Hole”.
4. Using the top of a small glass or a cookie cutter, cut a hole in the center of each slice of bread. Retain the cut-out circles; they can be fried alongside for a tasty snack!
5. Place the bread slices with the holes in the pan, using the remaining oil from cooking the bacon and sausage. If necessary, add a little extra olive oil to the pan.
6. Carefully crack an egg into the hole of each bread slice. Reduce the heat slightly to prevent the bread from burning before the egg is cooked.
7. Cook the egg to your preferred doneness. For a runny yolk, cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. For a firmer yolk, cook for a longer duration on each side.
8. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the “Frog in a Hole” from the pan and place it on a plate.
9. Immediately spread a thin layer of Vegemite over the surface of the “Frog in a Hole”. Be careful not to overdo it, as Vegemite has a very strong flavour.
10. Top the “Frog in a Hole” with the cooked sausage and bacon.
11. Finally, drizzle the barbecue sauce generously over the entire creation.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty and flavourful dish! It’s great on its own, but as an optional extra serve with hash browns and grilled tomato.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy bacon, start with the bacon in a cold pan and allow it to heat up gradually. This renders the fat more effectively.
• If you don’t have veal sausage, any breakfast sausage will work well. Consider trying different types like pork, chicken, or even a spicy chorizo.
• To prevent the bread from sticking to the pan, make sure the pan is well-oiled and heated before adding the bread.
• If you want to get fancy, try adding a sprinkle of cheese on top of the egg while it’s cooking in the bread. Cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan would all be delicious.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and sausage with grilled halloumi cheese or sauteed mushrooms.
• A little bit of onion and garlic powder is great for adding flavour to the fried egg. Sprinkle it on top just before cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your “Frog in a Hole” immediately while the egg is still runny and the bacon is crispy. This dish is best enjoyed hot. Unfortunately, due to the egg, it doesn’t store well. If you absolutely must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. However, the texture will change, and the bread may become soggy. Reheating is not recommended.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	476.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	238 g	50%
Total Fat	26.5 g	40%
Saturated Fat	7.7 g	38%
Cholesterol	388.3 mg	129%
Sodium	1372.7 mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate	33.8 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	6.4 g	25%
Protein	24.2 g	48%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg for a bit of heat.
• Cheese lover’s version: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack) into the hole before adding the egg.
• Garlic bread “Frog”: Use garlic-infused olive oil for cooking the bread.
• Sweet and savory: Substitute the barbecue sauce with a drizzle of maple syrup for a different flavour profile.
• Healthy twist: Use whole wheat bread and turkey bacon for a slightly healthier version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While standard white bread works well, you can use sourdough, brioche, or even English muffins for a different texture and flavour.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Unfortunately, this dish is best served immediately. The egg will continue to cook, and the bread can become soggy if stored.

Q: What if I don’t like Vegemite?
A: If you’re not a fan of Vegemite, you can omit it or substitute it with another savoury spread like Marmite or even a thin layer of cream cheese.

Q: Can I cook this in the oven?
A: While possible, it’s not the ideal method. You would need to bake it at 350°F (175°C) until the egg is cooked to your liking, but the bread might become too dry.

Q: What if my egg sticks to the pan?
A: Make sure your pan is properly preheated and well-oiled before adding the bread and egg. Using a non-stick pan can also help prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my amped-up version of “Frog in a Hole,” a dish that’s equal parts comforting and surprisingly delicious. Don’t let the Vegemite scare you off; it adds a unique depth of flavour that perfectly complements the bacon, sausage, and barbecue sauce. This isn’t a dish for the faint of heart, but it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a memorable breakfast experience. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! And if you are still feeling adventurous, consider pairing with a side of grilled tomato. Enjoy!