Classic Bangers and Mash Recipe: Savory Sausages with Rich Onion Gravy

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Bangers and Mash Recipe. Elevate ordinary pork sausages to a whole new level by serving them in a rich and flavorful brown onion gravy that is surprisingly simple to prepare. This hearty dish is not only budget-friendly but also pure comfort food that brings warmth to any mealtime!

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the beloved British classic, Bangers and Mash, right to your kitchen! This recipe, originally published in 2015, has been cherished by many, and I’m thrilled to present it now with updated photos and even more detailed insights to help you perfect this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this iconic dish, prepare to be delighted by its rustic charm and profound flavors.

What Exactly is Bangers and Mash?

Bangers and Mash is a quintessential dish that hails from the British Isles, a true staple of pub menus and home cooking alike. At its heart, it’s a simple combination of sausages (the “bangers”) and mashed potatoes (the “mash”), typically served with a generous pour of rich onion gravy and often a side of peas. But there’s more to this dish than meets the eye!

The intriguing name “bangers” dates back to World War I, when meat shortages led to sausages being made with a higher water content. This caused them to audibly “bang” or burst open when cooked, hence the playful moniker. “Mash,” of course, refers to the creamy, comforting mashed potatoes that form the perfect bed for the savory sausages. My version may not be identical to every traditional recipe you’d find across the pond, but it captures the spirit and deliciousness of this classic, making it approachable for any home cook.

If you’re looking to explore more delightful comfort food recipes, don’t miss my Baked Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi for a fast and easy weeknight meal, or try my hearty Slow-Cooker Chili, which is fantastic on its own or used to make chili dogs in the summer!

Why You’ll Love This Bangers and Mash Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is remarkably straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common, inexpensive ingredients, it’s a fantastic option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably satisfying about tender sausages nestled on a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich, savory gravy. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug.
• Flavorful Onion Gravy: The star of this dish, the brown onion gravy, is surprisingly simple to make yet incredibly deep in flavor, with hints of sweetness and tang from the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
• Customizable: While classic, this recipe allows for easy adaptations to suit your taste, from the type of sausage to the richness of your mash.

Key Ingredients for Making Bangers and Mash

Crafting the perfect Bangers and Mash starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Sausages: Traditional Bangers and Mash typically use thick, unseasoned pork sausages, often referred to as “bangers” in the UK, such as Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages. For this recipe, I find that good quality pork bratwurst works wonderfully, offering a robust flavor and satisfying texture that holds up well in the rich gravy. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality pork sausages.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, fluffy mash is non-negotiable! While the recipe card focuses on the gravy and sausages, remember to prepare your favorite mashed potatoes as the essential accompaniment. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for mashing due to their starchy texture, which results in a lighter, creamier consistency.
• Onion: Sliced onions are the backbone of our flavorful gravy. Slow-cooked until soft and lightly golden, they develop a natural sweetness that forms a deep, caramelized base for the sauce. Don’t rush this step – patience here truly pays off in flavor.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves of thinly sliced garlic add an aromatic depth to the gravy, complementing the savory onions beautifully.
• Butter: Used for browning the sausages and sautéing the onions, butter adds a rich, unctuous flavor to the entire dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a small amount of flour is used to create a roux with the butter and onion drippings, acting as a thickener for the gravy. This ensures a velvety smooth, rather than watery, sauce. We’re aiming for a perfectly coating gravy, not an overly thick one.
• Brown Sugar and Balsamic Vinegar: These two ingredients are my secret weapons for an elevated gravy. The brown sugar provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes and enhances the caramelization of the onions. Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and tang, cutting through the richness and adding complexity. You can omit them if you prefer a simpler gravy, but I highly recommend including them for that extra special touch.
• Beef Broth/Stock: This is the liquid base for our gravy. Using a good quality beef broth or stock is crucial for a rich, savory sauce. It truly makes a difference in the final depth of flavor.

More Mashed Potato Recipes to Explore

Since the mash is such a vital part of this dish, here are some fantastic mashed potato recipes to perfectly pair with your Bangers and Mash:

• Bacon Mashed Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
• Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Easiest Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes

How to Make My Bangers and Mash Recipe: A Step-by-Step Overview

This recipe brings together simple techniques to create a wonderfully flavorful dish. Here’s a quick overview of the method for preparing these delicious bangers and mash with their signature onion gravy. As always, specific measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of this post.

STEP 1: Brown the Sausages. Start by preheating your oven and then melt some butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen pork sausages and brown them thoroughly on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory crust and locking in their flavor. Once beautifully browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside, allowing any released juices to collect, as these will contribute to our gravy.

STEP 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic. In the same skillet, adding a little more butter if needed to ensure enough fat, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become wonderfully soft and lightly golden. This caramelization process builds a fantastic depth of flavor. Stir in the thinly sliced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

STEP 3: Build the Flavorful Gravy. To the softened onions and garlic, stir in the flour, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar until everything is well combined and coats the onions. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, cohesive gravy. Once incorporated, return the browned sausages and any accumulated juices back into the pan, submerging them in the rich, aromatic sauce.

STEP 4: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. This allows the sausages to cook through gently in the flavorful gravy, absorbing all the wonderful tastes, while the gravy itself thickens and develops further. The result is perfectly cooked sausages enveloped in a glossy, savory onion gravy, ready to be served immediately with your freshly prepared mashed potatoes.

Expert Tips for Excellent Bangers and Mash

To ensure your Bangers and Mash turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

For the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes:

• Consistent Cut: Cut your potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others turn mushy.
• Thorough Draining: After boiling, drain the potatoes really well. Then, put them back into the hot, empty pot over low heat for a minute or two to let any extra liquid evaporate. This step is crucial for preventing watery mash.
• Tool Choice: For the absolute creamiest, lump-free potatoes, use a potato ricer or a sturdy potato masher. Avoid using a food processor, which can over-process the potatoes and make them gummy.
• Warm Dairy: Always add warm milk, cream, or butter to your potatoes. Cold dairy can cool down the potatoes too quickly and make them lumpy.

For a Rich, Lump-Free Gravy:

• Patience with Onions: Caramelizing onions properly takes time. Don’t try to cook them on high heat to rush the process, or they will burn instead of sweeten. Cook them slowly over medium-low heat until deeply golden and soft. This step builds incredible flavor.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the sausages, if there are any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet (known as “fond”), use a splash of broth or water and a wooden spoon to scrape them up. These bits are packed with flavor for your gravy.
• Lump-Free Flour Incorporation: To ensure a lump-free gravy, thoroughly mix the flour with the sautéed onions and any remaining fat to form a paste (roux) before slowly stirring in the beef broth. Whisk constantly as you add the liquid, incorporating it gradually until smooth.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your gravy. Adjust seasonings as needed – a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a tiny bit more balsamic vinegar or brown sugar can elevate the flavor significantly.

Serving Suggestions for Bangers and Mash

While Bangers and Mash are fantastic on their own, traditional accompaniments truly complete the meal:

• Peas: A classic pairing, sweet garden peas add a touch of freshness and color.
• Other Green Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus can also be wonderful additions.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible onion gravy.
• Crispy Fried Onions: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, a sprinkling of crispy fried onions on top of the gravy is a delightful touch.

Variations & Customizations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Different Sausages: While pork is traditional, you can try chicken or even vegetarian sausages for different dietary needs or flavor profiles. Consider Italian sausages for a spicier kick, or specialty gourmet sausages.
• Gravy Enhancements: Add a splash of red wine or a dark stout beer to the gravy for even deeper flavor. Mushrooms can also be sautéed with the onions for a mushroom onion gravy.
• Mashed Potato Variations: Get creative with your mash! Try adding cheese for a cheesy mash, different herbs like chives or parsley, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness. For a healthier twist, a blend of mashed potatoes and parsnips or cauliflower can be delicious.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs added to the gravy during baking can infuse it with aromatic notes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bangers and Mash

This Classic Bangers and Mash recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition, a heartwarming escape, and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. With its savory sausages, creamy mash, and rich, sweet-and-tangy onion gravy, it’s a dish that promises to become a regular favorite in your home. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!

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