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 best for bangers and mash? ›

The Best Sausage for Bangers and Mash

Thick, unaged pork sausages are traditionally used for bangers and mash. A mildly spiced sausage is more common, but feel free to use your favorite sausages when making the dish at home.

What are the two main components of the dish bangers and mash? ›

bangers and mash, a common British dish consisting of sausages (“bangers”) and mashed potatoes (“mash”). It is traditionally served with onion gravy.

What is bangers and mash in America? ›

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.

Why is my onion gravy too bitter? ›

Just dice the onion and saute it in a little oil for a few minutes before adding all the other ingredients (liquid & whatever). When they get translucent, they won't be bitter anymore.

How do you thicken onion gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What American sausage is closest to bangers? ›

If, after much searching, you find yourself without bangers (and without the proper equipment to make a batch yourself), then in a pinch substitute any sort of plain, fatty pork sausage. Bratwurst always seems closer to a proper banger than a mild Italian sausage in my mind.

What is the fancy name for bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash, also known as sausages and mash, is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages and mashed potato.

What makes Irish bangers different? ›

Bangers have two distinct characteristics – they have a much softer texture and are much less salty than their American and continental counterparts.

What are sausages called in England? ›

British sausages are sometimes called bangers because back then, sausages had a habit of bursting open while cooking.

Do Irish people eat bangers and mash? ›

Today, bangers and mash with onion gravy is a typical pub dish in Great Britain and Ireland, with the Irish sometimes including a side of cabbage as well. Here in the States, it's popular in Irish bars and restaurants, and sometimes makes appearances at other establishments during St.

Why is it called toad in the hole? ›

The most commonly accepted explanation for its name is that the sausages resemble toads peeking from a crevice made of crisp batter.

What do British bangers taste like? ›

Coupled with ingredients like cloves, maple syrup and brown sugar, they tend to have a sweeter taste. Bangers, on the other hand, are more savory, containing a greater quantity of herbs like thyme, sage, marjoram, mace, nutmeg and onion powder.

Does Trader Joe's have Irish bangers? ›

Irish Bangers & Champ | Trader Joe's.

What is British slang for bangers? ›

banger
  • British : sausage.
  • British : firecracker.
  • British : jalopy.
Apr 3, 2024

What is a good substitute for onion gravy? ›

You don't need onions or mushrooms, you can make gravy from strong stock, thickened using a roux or cornstarch slurry. This only really comes out well if you can get concentrated stock, it's not really that good with stock cubes, as they aren't really stock, more of a flavored salt.

What is gravy usually made of? ›

At the most basic level, gravy is a simple pan sauce that requires liquid and a thickener. Traditional turkey gravy usually has fat, flour, and stock. You can make excellent turkey gravy with just those ingredients, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.

Why is my onion gravy sweet? ›

Most onions have a high sugar content and slowly cooking them in a cast iron pan or sauté pan releases that sugar. Try a low flame for 30 minutes or so, you'll have Caramelized Onions.

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