Bangers and Smashes with Onion Gravy

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy is a British pork sausage dish served with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with a thick onion gravy. Enjoy the best of British pub comfort food in your own home. You’ll find this classic dish on almost every British and Irish pub menu around the world.

When I ask people what they know about British food, they usually mention Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, then bangers and mash.

This recipe has been a favorite since 2016, because it’s easy to make and who doesn’t like comfort food with sauce?

Ingredients

• potato
• English Banger (sausage)
• Butter
• Onion
• Flour
• Beef stock/broth
• Mustard
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Milk

Why is it called a banger?

The name originates from the Second World War, when meat was scarce and sausages were made with more fillers such as cereal and water than meat. These ingredients cause the sausage to pop or “bang” when cooked, giving the sausage its famous nickname.

The best sausage to use

Any English sausage is usually made from pork. Choose thick, high-quality pork sausages with at least 80% meat. For my British friends, traditional Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages have the best taste and texture. For my American friends, you can sometimes find English bangers in some grocery stores.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try my Bangers recipe and make your own. No skin required.

Tips for timing the cooking process

This dish cooks quickly because everything is cooked at once. While the potatoes are boiling, start cooking the sausages. (They cook in one pan with the sauce). Once the color is brown, start making the sauce by softening the onions.

Once the onions are soft, add the beef stock along with the mustard and Worcestershire sauce – these two ingredients make the gravy rich and full of flavour.

Chef’s tips for cooking Bangers and Mash

1. Don’t rush into making sausages.
Cook over low heat and slowly until browned evenly without breaking. Cook in a cold pan with a little oil, then increase the heat gradually.

2. Cream mash is important.
Use starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold.
Mash with warm milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt for a smooth, rich texture. An easy trick to make the mash fluffier, drain the potatoes well and let them dry a bit before mashing. A potato masher provides the smoothest texture, but a potato masher can also be used.

3. Add flavor to the mash.
For extra indulgence, throw in a dollop of cream cheese, roasted garlic, or even a bit of horseradish.

4. Improves the taste of onion sauce.
Gently caramelize the onions until golden and sweet. Deglaze the pan with a little red wine, beer before stock to add flavor.

5. Keep everything warm.
Serve on a warm plate to keep your creamy mash and thick sauce hot

Serving ideas for Bangers and Mash

If you want to serve it like a Brit, add simple green beans – 99% of the time that’s what you’ll find. For something more traditionally British, try Mushy Peas.

More British comfort food recipes:

Steak and Ale Pie
Tender beef slow-cooked in beer with onions and spices, baked under a golden pastry crust. Pure pub perfection.

Toad in the Hole
Golden Yorkshire pudding batter is baked around sausages—simple, comforting, and perfect with onion gravy.

Minced Beef and Dumplings
Slow-cooked beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped off with soft, tender dumplings for the ultimate comforting meal.

Bubbles and Squeaks
Great for using up leftovers. Potatoes and vegetables, fried until crispy and golden on the outside and soft on the inside.

If you’ve made Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy, please leave a star rating on the recipe. You can also leave a comment below or ask a question.