There is something incredibly comforting about a classic British dish that brings together hearty flavors and simple ingredients in perfect harmony. The Bangers and Mash Recipe is a delightful combination of juicy pork sausages cooked to golden perfection, smothered in a rich onion and garlic gravy, and traditionally served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends where everyone wants a satisfying, home-cooked classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bangers and Mash Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish wholesome and irresistible. From the savory sausage to the silky gravy, every element plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced plate.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a light but flavorful base for cooking the sausages without overpowering their taste.
- Pork sausage links: The star of the dish, juicy and packed with seasoning, they bring rich, meaty goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps develop a beautifully caramelized onion base for the gravy.
- Sweet onion: Thinly sliced to cook down into a luscious, golden bed of flavor for the gravy.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the gravy with aromatic depth and warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the gravy, creating that silky yet rich texture.
- Beef broth: Adds robust flavor and liquid for the gravy to come together perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the savory notes throughout the dish.
- Mashed potatoes (optional): A creamy, fluffy base that pairs perfectly with the sausages and gravy.
- Sweet baby peas (optional): A vibrant, fresh side that adds color and a mild sweetness to the plate.
How to Make Bangers and Mash Recipe
Step 1: Cook the sausages
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add your pork sausage links, and cook them slowly, turning frequently until they are evenly browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausages to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat, but keep about one tablespoon of that flavor-packed fat in the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Make the gravy base
Next, add the unsalted butter to your skillet with the reserved sausage fat and allow it to melt until it’s bubbling. Toss in the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook them gently until they become translucent and develop a beautiful golden brown color. This transformation usually takes about 10 minutes and releases the sugars in the onion, adding subtle sweetness to your gravy. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Thicken the gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously to combine. This step creates a smooth roux, which is essential for thickening your gravy. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps, and keep cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, though still a bit thinner than you want the final sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
Step 4: Warm the sausages in the gravy
Return the browned sausages to the skillet with the gravy, nestling them into the rich sauce. Let them simmer gently, allowing the sausages to soak up some of the gravy’s flavors while warming through. This additional simmer melds the dish together beautifully, making every bite bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Bangers and Mash Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish’s presentation and add a fresh touch, sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the sausages and gravy. A little green not only livens up the plate but also adds a subtle herbaceousness that cuts through the richness. For an extra burst of color and texture, a few cracked black peppercorns or a zest of lemon over the mash can brighten things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, creamy mashed potatoes are the best companion for bangers and gravy, because their smoothness balances the robust flavors. Sweet baby peas or buttered green beans add a vibrant splash of color and contrast with their slight sweetness and crunch. For a heartier meal, try roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Bangers and Mash Recipe in a rustic style by mounding mashed potatoes at the center of a warm plate, then artfully arranging sausages around it and drenching everything in the luscious onion gravy. Alternatively, for a casual twist, slice the sausages and serve them over a bed of mashed potatoes in a deep bowl, spooning gravy liberally on top. For a pub-inspired vibe, consider serving the sausages in a toasted baguette with gravy for dipping on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and let’s be honest, it’s hard not to after making such a delicious Bangers and Mash Recipe—you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
While fresh bangers and mash taste best, you can freeze the cooked sausages and gravy separately for up to two months. Be sure to cool everything completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, and label them with the date. This makes it ultra-convenient to reheat whenever you’re craving this comforting dish.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the sausages and gravy in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little butter or cream to restore their creamy texture. Avoid drying out the sausages by reheating slowly and turning often.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this Bangers and Mash Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional, you can try chicken, beef, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the sausage thickness and type.
Is it okay to use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be a quick shortcut that still complements the bangers and gravy nicely. For a richer texture, consider stirring in a bit of butter, cream, or cheese to elevate their flavor.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable and luscious. It will thicken a bit more as it cools, so aim for slightly thinner in the pan and adjust with more broth if needed when reheating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy. Also, check that your beef broth and sausages are gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.
What wine pairs well with Bangers and Mash Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or Merlot works beautifully, as it complements the savory sausages and rich gravy without overpowering the dish. For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay with a buttery profile can also be delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Bangers and Mash Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of British comfort food into your kitchen with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. It’s satisfying, approachable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every cozy bite as much as I do.
Print
Bangers and Mash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
A classic British comfort food, Bangers and Mash features juicy pork sausages served with a rich onion and garlic gravy. This hearty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Accompany it with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas for a complete traditional meal.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 pork sausage links
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet baby peas
Instructions
- Cook sausages: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausages and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the pan for gravy: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the skillet, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for the gravy.
- Make the onion gravy: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt until bubbly. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps, creating a smooth gravy base. Simmer the gravy while stirring occasionally until it slightly thickens; it will continue to thicken as it stands. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reheat sausages in gravy: Return the cooked sausages to the skillet with the gravy, allowing them to warm through and absorb some of the sauce flavors before serving.
- Serve: Plate the sausages and pour over the rich onion gravy. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas for a traditional bangers and mash experience.
Notes
- For a smoother gravy, strain the gravy before adding the sausages back in if desired.
- You can substitute pork sausages with your preferred sausage variety such as beef or chicken.
- Make ahead tip: The gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated before adding sausages.
- Adjust seasoning to preference, especially if using low-sodium beef broth.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
