If you have a craving for something exceptionally comforting and full of hearty, satisfying flavors, this Bangers and Mash Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic British dish brings together juicy pork sausages cooked to perfection and a silky onion gravy that’s rich and flavorful, all served atop fluffy mashed potatoes. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal meal for any day of the week when you want to indulge in simple yet incredibly delicious food. Trust me, once you get the hang of this Bangers and Mash Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bangers and Mash Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a critical role, whether it’s adding depth to the gravy or bringing that luscious texture to the dish, so having the right basics on hand is key to pulling off this comfort food classic.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use this at the start to give your sausages a beautiful golden sear without overpowering their flavor.
- Pork sausage links: These are the stars of the dish, juicy and bursting with savory flavor when cooked just right.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the pan to create a rich base for cooking onions and building the gravy’s depth.
- Sweet onion: Thinly sliced for caramelizing, it delivers sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the gravy with aromatic warmth — just enough to complement but not overpower.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the gravy into a luscious consistency that coats everything beautifully.
- Beef broth: Adds savory richness and depth to the gravy, making it irresistibly flavorful.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the gravy to taste, bringing all the flavors together.
- Mashed potatoes (optional): The classic bed for the sausages and gravy, offering creamy softness to round out the meal.
- Sweet baby peas (optional): A pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness that brighten the plate and add freshness.
How to Make Bangers and Mash Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
Start by heating the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the pork sausage links in the skillet, cooking them until they are beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to turn them frequently so they cook evenly, and once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Carefully pour off all but a tablespoon of the fat from the pan to prepare for the next step.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt until bubbly. Toss in the halved and thinly sliced sweet onion and cook gently until they become translucent and develop a lovely golden-brown color; this caramelization is what gives the gravy its sweet, rich flavor – a process that takes about 10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic just until fragrant, which should only take about 30 seconds to keep it bright and fresh.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and stir continuously to combine it well with the onions and garlic. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. The mixture will first look like a thick slurry but gently simmer it, stirring often until the gravy thickens to a perfect pouring consistency. Don’t worry if it seems slightly thinner than you want at first, as it will thicken more as it cools. Finally, season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Return the Sausages
Put the cooked sausages back into the pan with the onion gravy, allowing them to warm through and soak up some of the luscious sauce for a minute or two before serving.
How to Serve Bangers and Mash Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top can elevate your Bangers and Mash Recipe visually and add a subtle herbal lift. A little greenery always brightens the plate and the palate.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate traditional experience, and if you want to introduce some veggies, sweet baby peas are a delightful choice that offer a mild sweetness and vibrant contrast. Roasted root vegetables or sautéed greens also work beautifully as side dishes to complement the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the sausages sliced on top of a neat mound of mashed potatoes with the onion gravy drizzled artistically over the dish. Alternatively, use ramekins to assemble individual portions layered with mash, sausages, and gravy for a cozy and elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Bangers and Mash Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect ready-to-reheat meal for busy evenings or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked sausages and gravy separately for up to two months. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sausages and gravy gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the sausage juicy and the gravy smooth. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a little butter or cream to restore their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages in this Bangers and Mash Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausage links are traditional, you can experiment with beef, lamb, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is there a way to make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with cold water before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps and thicken the gravy smoothly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can cook the sausages and prepare the gravy ahead of time, then reheat everything together just before serving. Mash potatoes can also be made early and warmed gently when needed.
What can I substitute for beef broth if I don’t have any?
Vegetable broth or chicken broth can work as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different. For more depth, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the gravy.
How do I keep mashed potatoes creamy when reheating?
To keep mashed potatoes creamy, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a little butter, milk, or cream during reheating to refresh their texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bangers and Mash Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring a little warmth and comfort to your table. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for sharing with family or friends who appreciate a classic meal made with love. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to dinners when you want something irresistibly delicious and comforting.
Print
Bangers and Mash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
A classic British comfort food, Bangers and Mash features juicy pork sausages cooked to perfection and served with a rich onion gravy. This hearty dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
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 the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausage links and cook them evenly until browned and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Turn sausages frequently to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the sausages to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, and discard all but one tablespoon of the fat from the pan.
- Make gravy base: Add the butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt and bubble. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and develop a golden brown color, approximately 10 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir until fully combined to create a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth while continuously stirring to ensure a smooth mixture. Let the gravy simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly; it will still be a bit thinner than desired since it will continue to thicken as it sits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reheat sausages: Return the cooked sausages back into the skillet with the gravy and let them warm through for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the sausages and onion gravy with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas for a traditional and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of pork sausages; for richer flavor, opt for sausages with herbs and spices.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- The gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently; add a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much upon standing.
- Leftover sausages can be sliced and added to stews or pasta dishes.
- To make the dish more filling, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized bacon to the gravy.
