Bangers and Mash is the epitome of cozy British comfort food. This dish features savory sausages served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, all topped with a rich and savory onion gravy. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a cold day or simply want to indulge in British pub fare, this dish is easy to make and absolutely satisfying. The golden sausages, velvety potatoes, and flavorful gravy make every bite a perfect combination of savory goodness.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Sausages:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 sausages (pork, beef, chicken, or plant-based)
For the Gravy:
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2 to 4 tablespoons butter
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2 medium white or yellow onions, sliced
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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⅔ cup dry white wine
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2 cups beef stock
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For Serving:
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Mashed potatoes
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Sweet peas (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Make a batch of creamy mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. -
Cook the Sausages:
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausages in an even layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. (Cooking time will vary depending on the type of sausages.) Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside. -
Make the Gravy:
In the same pan, leave about 2 tablespoons of sausage grease, or if not enough, add extra butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour and sauté for an additional minute.
Add the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the beef stock, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Let the gravy simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve:
To serve, place sausages over mashed potatoes and generously ladle the onion gravy on top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Add sweet peas on the side, if desired.
Nutrients (per serving, approximate)
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Calories: 590 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 41g
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Saturated Fat: 14g
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Cholesterol: 75mg
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Sodium: 721mg
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Potassium: 795mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 5g
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Vitamin A: 450 IU
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Vitamin C: 20mg
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Calcium: 65mg
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Iron: 3mg
A Hearty and Savory Meal
At its core, Bangers and Mash is a simple dish. It features sausages, often made from pork, beef, or chicken, served on a bed of mashed potatoes. However, what truly elevates this dish is the rich, savory onion gravy that accompanies it. The sausages are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The mashed potatoes, creamy and velvety, serve as the perfect base to absorb the flavorful gravy. Together, these elements create a dish that is deeply comforting and incredibly satisfying. Whether served as a hearty dinner or a filling lunch, Bangers and Mash delivers a balance of flavors and textures that make it a favorite in British cuisine.
The Sausages: The Star of the Dish
The sausages in Bangers and Mash are truly the star of the dish. They are the focal point, providing a savory, meaty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes. While traditional Bangers and Mash typically uses pork sausages, you can choose from a variety of different sausages, such as beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives, to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. The key to perfect sausages is ensuring they are cooked until golden brown and cooked through. The outside should have a satisfying crispness, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
In a traditional preparation, the sausages are pan-fried, which helps them develop a flavorful, caramelized exterior. As the sausages cook, they release natural fats and juices, which can be used to add flavor to the onion gravy. While cooking the sausages, it’s important to turn them occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned on all sides. Once they are cooked through, they are set aside, and the pan is used to prepare the gravy, ensuring that every bite is infused with the delicious sausage flavor.
The Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Indulgent
The mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the sausages and gravy in Bangers and Mash. Creamy and indulgent, the mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that absorbs the rich gravy and balances the savory flavors of the dish. The key to great mashed potatoes is achieving a smooth, velvety texture without being too heavy or dense. Using high-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds helps create a fluffy, soft texture that works beautifully in this dish.
To enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes, many people add butter and cream, which contribute to the richness and creaminess of the dish. A dash of salt and pepper helps season the potatoes, making them flavorful enough to stand up to the bold flavors of the sausages and gravy. While some people prefer mashed potatoes made with milk and butter, others opt for cream for an even richer result. No matter how you make them, the mashed potatoes should be smooth and silky, serving as the perfect canvas for the savory gravy and sausages.
The Onion Gravy: Rich and Savory
What sets Bangers and Mash apart from other sausage and potato dishes is the rich, flavorful onion gravy that ties everything together. The gravy is made by sautéing onions in the pan used to cook the sausages, allowing the caramelized bits from the sausage to infuse the gravy with deep, savory flavor. The onions themselves become soft and sweet as they cook, adding both texture and sweetness to the sauce. Once the onions are softened, flour is added to thicken the gravy, followed by a splash of dry white wine, which helps deglaze the pan and adds acidity and brightness to the dish.
Beef stock is then stirred into the mixture, giving the gravy a rich, meaty flavor that perfectly complements the sausages and potatoes. Seasonings such as garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard add depth and complexity to the gravy, balancing the sweetness of the onions and the savory notes of the stock. The result is a rich, umami-packed gravy that coats the sausages and mashed potatoes in a velvety sauce. The gravy can be adjusted to your taste—add more vinegar for acidity or more mustard for a tangy kick.
The Versatility of Bangers and Mash
While Bangers and Mash is traditionally served with sausages, mashed potatoes, and gravy, there are many ways to make this dish your own. One common variation is to add vegetables to the plate, such as peas, carrots, or even sautéed cabbage, to add color, texture, and additional flavor. These vegetables complement the richness of the sausages and gravy, providing a balanced plate that feels both hearty and wholesome. Sweet peas, often served on the side, provide a pop of freshness and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.
Another variation is to experiment with different types of sausages. While pork sausages are the most common choice for this dish, you can easily swap them out for other types of sausage to change the flavor profile. Beef sausages offer a heartier, richer flavor, while chicken sausages provide a lighter option for those who prefer less fat. For those following a plant-based or vegan diet, there are now many plant-based sausages available that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional sausages, making it easy to enjoy Bangers and Mash without the meat.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Bangers and Mash is a wonderfully versatile dish that works well for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even as a comforting weekend meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an easy and accessible recipe, while the rich flavors and satisfying textures make it feel special. For those looking to impress guests with a hearty British meal, Bangers and Mash is a fantastic option. It’s a classic dish that’s both nostalgic and comforting, offering a taste of traditional British pub fare right in your own home.
Customizing Bangers and Mash
While the traditional version of Bangers and Mash is undeniably delicious, there are many ways to put your own spin on the dish. You can adjust the level of richness by using different types of potatoes for the mash, such as sweet potatoes or a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes, for a slightly different texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the gravy, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, to add additional depth to the sauce.
For a lighter version, consider serving the sausages with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, instead of mashed potatoes. You could even swap the mashed potatoes for a lighter potato option like roasted new potatoes or mashed cauliflower to reduce the overall richness of the dish. The beauty of Bangers and Mash is its adaptability—there’s room for experimentation while still maintaining the comforting essence of the dish.
Conclusion
Bangers and Mash is the epitome of British comfort food, offering a satisfying combination of savory sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy. This dish is perfect for those times when you crave something hearty and indulgent, whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold day or simply looking to enjoy a classic British meal. With its simple ingredients, rich flavors, and versatility, Bangers and Mash can easily become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family meal or served at a casual gathering, this dish will always deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite.