Sausages and Onion Gravy: Bangers and Mash! [Recipe with Video] (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.

Fresh and fragrant herbs and spices

The key to boosting bland gravy is to use fresh herbs that you chop up yourself instead of the dried, shaken variety. Fragrant herbs that'll brighten up the flavor of your gravy include rosemary, parsley, basil, sage, and thyme.

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. But use your own judgment.

The term bangers supposedly originated during World War I, when meat shortages resulted in sausages' being made with a number of fillers, notably water, that caused them to explode when cooked.

A banger is a nickname that the British and Irish give to sausages. The nickname “bangers” originated during World War II, when rationing was common and meat was scarce. Bangers have two distinct characteristics – they have a much softer texture and are much less salty than their American and continental counterparts.

If your gravy tastes great but it lacks a little depth, add an umami flavor boost. Umami flavors are deeply savory and feel round on the palate. Spruce up the gravy with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (if the gravy isn't already too salty, that is).

If you don't have milk, you can use slightly thinned-out cream or half-and-half. Feel free to play with the proportions of milk and cream if you would prefer a gravy that's a little thicker or thinner. If need be, you can use butter instead of pan drippings in equal proportions.

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.

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. The dish is usually served with onion gravy, but may also include fried onions and peas.

What do the Irish call bangers and mash? ›

British. The Irish would eat sausages and potato but they wouldn't call it “bangers and mash”. And they are fairly likely to make the potato into something like colcannon which is basically mashed potatoes with bits of green vegetables such as cabbage.

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet, and slice. Melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in onions and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes.

When preparing raw onions, soak in cold water before hand to remove some of the pungency and soften the flavor. However since soaking too long will dilute the flavor, soaking in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes is recommended.

The combination of both bacon and sausage is one of the essential elements to a full fry up. A simple pork sausage (like the banger) is ideal and the type of bacon is up to preference.

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.

Traditional Cumberland Sausages are made from boneless pork cuts and includes pork fat. The pork is de-rinded to remove skin and gristle and the boneless pork cuts are broken down using a mincer or in some cases cut up by hand.

Our original premium pork fresh sausage is flavored with delicious signature seasonings. This savory, high-quality pork can be enjoyed at breakfast or even dinner.