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.

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.

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.

A Primitivo, an Italian red wine made from the grape of the same name, would be a good match for Bangers and Mash. This wine is known for its bold, fruity flavors, which would complement the richness of the sausages.

Try serving accompanied by some extra green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale or broccoli.

Mashed potato or mashed potatoes (American, Canadian and Australian English), colloquially known as mash (British English), is a dish made by mashing boiled or steamed potatoes, usually with added milk, butter, salt and pepper. It is generally served as a side dish to meat or vegetables.

Sausages were made with cheap ingredients and high levels of water, which meant that they had a tendency to explode during cooking as the water turned to steam. 'Bangers' today are far less likely to explode. 'Mash' of course, refers to mashed potatoes.

Bangers and mash is a staple of the country's overall cuisine and is a popular pub dish. 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.

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.

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common, and perhaps the simplest way, to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry.

What kind of sausage is used in an English breakfast? ›

Go for a fresh coarse ground pork sausage that's seasoned simply. In the UK the sausages of choice are usually coarse ground Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages. Black pudding. Not an absolute necessity but black pudding is super common and for black pudding lovers it's a hill they will die on.

As an alternative, Large Black, Gloucestershire Old Spots, and Welsh breeds can be used.

In England, the term “banger” is only used to refer to the dish “Bangers and Mash“; otherwise they are simply called sausages. English sausages are usually served at breakfast, but are also used in dishes like: “Toad in the Hole” – Sausage baked into Yorkshire Pudding.

PORK, WATER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: CORN SYRUP, SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, VINEGAR, SUGAR, PORK BROTH, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE.