The Scotch egg is a bit of a British institution, continually popular over many, many years. It consists of a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried or baked until crispy. The name "Scotch egg" is somewhat misleading, as it doesn’t have any direct connection to Scotland. The exact origin of the dish is uncertain, and we take a look into that later on, but in the meantime..

Scotch eggs as snacks or a wholesome meal

Scotch eggs are often served on their own as a standalone snack or appetizer, cut into segments if they are large, or whole if they are the miniature version. However, they can also be accompanied by various condiments and side dishes, to make them into a more substantial meal option.

Serving suggestions for Scotch eggs:

Dipping Sauces

Scotch eggs go well with different sauces, such as mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, spicy tomato chutney, or even a tangy tamarind sauce. These sauces add extra flavour and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Mustard sauce

Mustard is a common condiment served with various meat-based dishes, and Scotch eggs are no exception. This combination has become a traditional and classic pairing - the piquant and zesty notes of the mustard sauce bring out the best in the Scotch eggs and give it an extra punch.

Pickles and Chutneys

Pickles and chutneys can provide a tangy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the Scotch egg. Consider serving them with pickled onions, Branston pickle, or mango chutney.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw, with its creamy texture and crunchy vegetables, can be a delicious accompaniment to a Scotch egg. The creaminess of the coleslaw cuts through the richness of the fried egg and sausage.

Potato Wedges or Chips

Serve your Scotch eggs with crispy potato wedges or chips (try our Beer-Battered Chips) for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of the crunchy coating of the Scotch egg and the crispiness of the potatoes creates a delightful contrast in textures.

Cabbage

A strangely popular way of serving Scotch eggs is with cabbage, which can be prepared in various ways, including sautéed, steamed or stir-fried with oil, garlic and possibly onions. This gives the dish a slightly earthy taste which complements the richness of the Scotch eggs.

Macaroni cheese

Like cabbage, this less obvious side dish is also very popular. Both Scotch eggs and macaroni cheese are beloved comfort foods in their own right and, when served together, they provide a hearty meal, with a bit of a nostalgic feel to it.

Bread or Rolls

If you’re planning to serve your Scotch eggs with salad but would like something to make the meal more substantial, consider adding slices of crusty bread or rolls. Warm the rolls through and serve with butter for extra luxury.

Some frequently asked questions about Scotch eggs

Although Scotch eggs are incredibly well-known and loved by the Brits, people often have questions about the logistics of them! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.

How do you store Scotch eggs?

Our Scotch eggs have a chilled shelf life of 6 days, if you can resist that long!

Can you freeze Scotch eggs?

We don’t recommend freezing our Scotch eggs, they are most delicious eaten fresh and chilled, which is how they arrive.

Do you eat Scotch eggs hot or cold?

Scotch eggs can be enjoyed hot or cold. When served hot, the egg yolk is usually still slightly soft and runny, while a fully-cooked yolk is more common when served cold. Scotch eggs can be found served hot in pubs and restaurants, although they are most well-known served cold as a convenient snack from the fridge, and on picnics.

What are the origins of Scotch eggs?

There’s some debate over the origins of Scotch eggs. There is talk of them being created in 1738 by the London department store Fortnum & Mason to sell as a luxury food, possibly as a convenient travelling snack.

However, contrary to this, others believe that the egg’s origins are in fact rooted in the Yorkshire town of Whitby. Named after the establishment that created them, William J Scott & Sons are said to have invented the ‘Scotties’. The original eggs were covered in a creamy fish paste rather than sausage meat, before being covered in breadcrumbs. The sausage meat replaced the fish when the eggs began to be sold in big food shops, as it was easier to package.

So what will you serve alongside your Scotch egg?

We hope you take inspiration from all these fabulous serving suggestions - you'll have loads of options next time you fancy a Scotch egg for a snack or even a full dinner! Why not browse our delicious sides today and pop some into your box, along with a Scotch egg or two?