Bangers and Mash Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up and absolutely satisfying, this Bangers and Mash Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Picture juicy, perfectly browned pork sausages nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered with a rich, flavorful onion gravy that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s a classic British favorite brought right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal dish for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bangers and Mash Recipe plays a vital role, from the robust pork sausage links to the silky smooth mashed potatoes and that deeply savory gravy. They may be basic staples, but together they create a symphony of flavors and textures that are anything but ordinary.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausages evenly without burning.
- Pork sausage links: The star of the dish, providing juicy meatiness with a satisfying snap to each bite.
- Unsalted butter: Used to create a velvety base for the onion gravy with a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
- Sweet onion: Slowly caramelized for natural sweetness and depth in the gravy.
- Garlic cloves: Provide an aromatic punch that lifts the gravy’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency, giving it body without heaviness.
- Beef broth: Adds hearty umami notes that transform the gravy into a luscious sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
- Mashed potatoes (optional): Creamy and smooth, they serve as the comforting base of the dish.
- Sweet baby peas (optional): Add a pop of color and sweet freshness to brighten the plate.
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. Add the pork sausage links and cook them evenly, turning frequently to brown all sides beautifully. This process takes about 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the insides are cooked through without losing any juiciness. Once done, place the sausages on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon behind in the pan to build flavor for your gravy.
Step 2: Prepare the onion gravy
Next, melt the unsalted butter in the skillet until it’s bubbling with a rich aroma. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and sauté gently until translucent and golden brown, which usually takes around 10 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks the natural sugars in the onions, giving the gravy that irresistible sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic just before the onions finish to let its fragrance bloom without burning.
Step 3: Thicken the gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened onions and stir thoroughly to combine. This step ensures the flour cooks out and thickens your gravy without any raw taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously, encouraging the gravy to become smooth and slightly thickened. Let it simmer gently so the flavors meld and the sauce gains just the right consistency—thick enough to coat your spoon but still smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper to your taste to bring out all the savory notes.
Step 4: Return sausages to the pan
Once the gravy is ready, nestle the cooked sausages back into the pan, allowing them to warm through in the rich onion sauce. This step not only keeps the sausages hot but lets them soak up some of that delicious gravy, intensifying their flavor.
How to Serve Bangers and Mash Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a refreshing herbal note and a lift of vibrant color to your Bangers and Mash Recipe. For an extra touch of indulgence, a pat of butter melting over the hot mashed potatoes can elevate the creaminess and give the dish a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this dish is paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which offer a perfect canvas for soaking up that luscious gravy. To add some bright contrast and a pleasant texture, serve steamed sweet baby peas alongside. They provide a pop of green sweetness that balances the richness of the sausages and gravy beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, serve the sausages sliced on a platter with dollops of mashed potatoes arranged around them, drizzled generously with onion gravy. You can also spoon the entire dish into deep bowls for a rustic, comforting presentation, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave food that warms you inside and out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Bangers and Mash Recipe, store the sausages and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mashed potatoes can be stored separately to maintain their texture. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making for an easy next-day meal that’s just as tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially if you keep the components separate. Wrap the sausages tightly and freeze them along with the gravy in a sealed container. Mashed potatoes freeze best when whipped smooth and stored in portion-sized containers. Freeze for up to two months, ready to thaw when you need a quick, comforting dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sausages and gravy in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking or breaking. Mashed potatoes reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little splash of milk or cream to revive their creaminess. Stir well and taste for seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for Bangers and Mash Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausages provide the classic flavor, you can use beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages. Just adjust cooking times based on the sausage type and always ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I substitute for beef broth in the gravy?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth are good substitutes. For a richer taste, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can help boost the umami flavor in the gravy.
Is it necessary to use sweet onions?
Sweet onions work best because they caramelize beautifully and add natural sweetness, but yellow or white onions can be used in a pinch. Just keep an eye on them as they cook to avoid bittersweetness from overcooking.
Can I make the mashed potatoes from scratch?
Yes, homemade mashed potatoes are fantastic here! Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy texture, and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper. The fresh flavor complements the sausages and gravy perfectly.
How do I keep the gravy from getting too thick or lumpy?
The key is to add the beef broth gradually while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, silky gravy. If it does thicken too much while sitting, stir in a bit more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Bangers and Mash Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that combines straightforward ingredients into an unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining friends, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and you’ll soon understand why it’s been a beloved classic for generations.
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Bangers and Mash Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A classic British comfort food recipe featuring savory pork sausages served with a rich onion gravy, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas. This easy-to-make dish combines hearty flavors and textures for a satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sausages and Cooking Fat
- 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 (optional)
- Sweet baby peas (optional)
Instructions
- Cook sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausages and cook, turning frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving only 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Prepare the onion gravy: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the remaining fat and allow it to melt and become bubbly. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and golden brown, which will take about 10 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and stir well to combine with the onions and butter, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps, forming a smooth, slightly thickened gravy. Let it simmer, stirring often, until the gravy thickens slightly but remains a little thinner than you want, as it will thicken further when resting. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Rewarm sausages in gravy: Place the cooked sausages back into the skillet with the gravy to warm through evenly for a few minutes.
- Serve the dish: Plate the sausages topped with the rich onion gravy. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sweet baby peas if desired for a traditional and complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
- Ensure sausages are cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for pork.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
