Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2024)

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Bangers and Mash is a popular recipe that originated in Britain and has become wildly popular in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

This dish is made up of cooked sausage (Bangers) served with Mashed Potatoes (Mash). And most often it is served with a thick onion gravy coating the entire dish.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (1)

And for those that would like to add an additional side dish, it is typically served with a side of peas.

But where did the term Bangers and Mash come from?

It is thought that the term originated around the time of World War I. Because there was a huge meat shortage, sausages were often pumped with various fillers, including water.

Once they were put in a pot to cook, they would explode, causing a loud ‘banging’ noise as they were thrown against the side of the pot.

And of course, the ‘mash’ is a simple abbreviation for mashed potatoes.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2)

Today’s Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash have come a long way since World War I. There is no longer a shortage of meat and this dish is wildly served across pubs and restaurants throughout the U.K.

The sausages that are used now are made with a high quality pork or beef and easily cook without exploding.

The type of sausage that you use in this recipe is totally up to you. With hundreds of different varieties available, each chef has their own preference.

Some prefer to use 100 percent beef or pork. And others prefer to use sausage that have been made with a combination of beef and pork.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (3)

Although there are sausage made from lamb, chicken and other meats, these tend to be less popular than the traditional varieties.

Once you determine what type of meat to use, the next step is to figure out what spices that you like in your sausage.

There are some flavored with savory spices, and some that have a sweeter taste.

Our personal preference is to use a spicy sausage made with a combination of beef and pork.

Onion Gravy

Bangers and Mash is historically served with a thick onion gravy.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (4)

It is important to allow the onions to saute until golden brown before adding the stock. The cooking process of the onions will cease once the stock is added.

And speaking of stock, be sure to use beef stock for the best results. Beef stock has a deeper and more rich flavor than chicken or vegetable stock.

Of course, if all you have is chicken stock, you can certainly use it. However, you will gain so much more flavor when using beef stock.

How To Serve Bangers and Mash

Once the gravy has had time to thicken, place the sausages back in the pot to heat up one final time before serving.

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (5)

There are two ways that you can plate the sausages. Either on top or alongside of the cooked mashed potatoes.

Then pour the onion gravy on top of both the Bangers and Mash.

And if you wish, you can add a serving of cooked peas to the plate as well.

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Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (6)

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Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (7)

Sausage and mashed potatoes served with a thick onion gravy that is traditional and economical meal famous in Britain and Ireland.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin oil, divided
  • 8 sausages
  • 1 large onion, halved and finely sliced
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • Cooked mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet pan over medium high heat. One hot, add sausages and cook, turning until browned cooked/heated through.
  2. Remove sausages and set aside.
  3. Turn skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
  4. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook and additional 1-2 minutes or until onions turn golden brown.
  5. Add flour and toss with the onions and garlic until absorbed.
  6. Add 3/4 cup of beef broth and mix until a thick mixture develops. Pour the remaining beef broth in the skillet and mix until combined.
  7. Bring to a simmer and stir frequently until the gravy thickens. Toss the sausages back into the pan and coat with the gravy. Note: the gravy will thicken as it stands. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve sausages and gravy with mashed potatoes.

Notes

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What kind of sausage is used in bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash consists of sausages ("bangers") served with mashed potatoes ("mash") and onion gravy. While lamb or beef sausages can be used, the most traditional choice is pork – specifically the Cumberland variety, a type of pork sausage seasoned with pepper, thyme, sage, nutmeg and cayenne.

How do you make James Martin onion gravy? ›

Method. Pop the onions into a pan with lard/fat and cook until deeply coloured. Add the madeira stock, marmite and Bovril. Bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes, season, then finish with butter.

What is bangers and mash in the UK? ›

bangers and mash, a common British dish consisting of sausages (“bangers”) and mashed potatoes (“mash”). It is traditionally served with onion gravy. Bangers and mash is a staple of the country's overall cuisine and is a popular pub dish.

What goes with bangers and mash? ›

What To Serve With Bangers And Mash - 45 Tasty Sides
  • Meat. • 1 portion Garlic mushrooms and bacon, creamy.
  • Produce. • 1 portion Braised leeks. • 1 portion British baked beans.
  • Bread & Baked Goods. • 1 portion Yorkshire pudding.
  • Dairy. • 1 portion Cauliflower cheese.
  • Deli. • 1 portion Coleslaw.

What American sausage is closest to bangers? ›

**Hot Dogs/Frankfurters:** These are perhaps the closest equivalent to bangers in terms of appearance and usage. Hot dogs are typically made from finely ground meat (such as pork, beef, or a combination) and are often served in a bun with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.

Are bangers just brats? ›

Sausages, brats, bangers, and dogs are terms that are often used when referring to any of the fresh sausage links we adore for their ability to pair well with ball games and beer.

What is onion gravy made of? ›

Heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan. Add the onions and sauté until brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and continue to cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the stock, herbs and Worcestershire sauce and continue to cook until thickened.

What do Americans call bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash, also known as sausages and mash, is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages and mashed potato. It may consist of one of a variety of flavoured sausages made of pork, lamb, beef, or a meat alternative.

What is bangers and mash in America? ›

Published:25 Oct '21 Updated:29 Oct '21. 252 Comments. Sausage with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potato – affectionately known as “Bangers and Mash” – is one of the greatest of all comfort foods. A sausage recipe for a quick easy dinner with a side of peas or steamed vegetables to douse in the homemade gravy.

What do British people call mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed potato or mashed potatoes (American, Canadian and Australian English), colloquially known as mash (British English), is a dish made by mashing boiled or steamed potatoes, usually with added milk, butter, salt and pepper. It is generally served as a side dish to meat or vegetables.

What alcohol goes with bangers and mash? ›

Red wine, in my opinion, is best drunk as it is. Cider though is just lovely served warm with festive spices. In my version, I add chilli, peppercorns and star anise for an extra spicy kick.

What vegetable goes with bangers and mash? ›

Save your great fronds of purple sprouting broccoli, they'll just get in the way. Instead, include the flavours that augment sausage 'n' mash, but in an easily eaten format: iron-rich brassicas (shredded savoy cabbage, spinach); earthiness (mashed celeriac) and sweetness (shavings of carrot, chopped leeks).

Why is it called a banger? ›

Why Are They Called Bangers ? British sausages being called bangers seems to be a historical legacy, a colloquial term left over from war time when sausages sometimes exploded in the pan when you cooked them.

Why is it called Cumberland sausage? ›

Traditional Cumberland Sausage is the signature dish of Cumbria and Lakeland. It is a traditional food that is completely grounded in this region and is identified with Cumbria in the same way that pasties are to Cornwall and haggis is to Scotland. In fact it could be called 'the chieftain of the sausage race'.

What is another name for Irish sausage? ›

Irish Sausage is also commonly known as “English Sausage”, “British Sausage, and as “Bangers” outside of the UK; the terms are used interchangeably. The traditional recipe consists of ground pork, a rusk bread filler, eggs, seasonings and a natural pork or beef casing.

Is Jimmy Dean sausage pork sausage? ›

PORK, WATER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: CORN SYRUP, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, VINEGAR, SUGAR, PORK BROTH, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE.

What are pork Cumberland sausages? ›

Cumberland sausage is typically filled with chopped or coarsely minced pork, to which is added pepper, thyme, sage, nutmeg and cayenne, and some rusk as a binder. The meat content is usually 85–98%.

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