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You are here: Home / Food / Bangers & Mash with Savory Onion Gravy

Bangers & Mash with Savory Onion Gravy

February 25, 2025 by Robin 22 Comments

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There’s something magical about a plate of bangers and mash, it’s like a big, warm hug! Golden brown sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich onion gravy made from sausage drippings. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for St Patrick’s Day or any night you want a cozy, comforting meal. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!

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bangers and mash

How to Make Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – A Cozy St. Patrick’s Day Recipe You’ll Love

St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in my family. It’s not just about wearing green, it’s about remembering where we came from. My great-grandparents came from County Mayo in Ireland and started a new life here. To celebrate, we keep Irish traditions alive, and food is a huge part of that. One dish we love is bangers and mash. It’s more than just dinner, it’s like a tasty little tradition we share every year.

Bangers and mash is pretty simple, but it’s so good. You have golden-brown sausages (those are the “bangers”) sitting on creamy mashed potatoes. The best part is the onion gravy, made from the sausage drippings. It’s rich, savory, and ties the whole meal together. Whenever we eat it, the smell fills the house, and we sit around the table talking and laughing. It’s the perfect cozy meal for St. Patrick’s Day, or really any day you want something comforting and delicious!

Table of Contents

  1. Ingredients
  2. Instructions
  3. Why do Brits call them bangers?
  4. Equipment & Tools
  5. Delicious Variations
  6. Best Way to Serve
  7. Meal Plan Idea
  8. Storage Tips
  9. Bangers & Mash Recipe
  10. Helpful Tips
  11. More Inspiration

The Magic Behind Bangers and Mash

It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to make something so delicious. With juicy sausages, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a rich onion gravy, this dish is real comfort food. Each part plays an important role. The sausages bring that savory, smoky flavor, while buttery potatoes give it a soft, creamy base. And oh, the gravy, it ties everything together with its deep, hearty taste! These traditional foods work like a team, turning basic ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Bangers (sausage): It’s very difficult to find traditional English or Irish sausage where I’m at, so I substitute it with a flavorful pork sausage, like brats. The brats have a lot of flavor, like the English and Irish sausage, which makes the gravy more flavorful. Do you know why they’re called bangers? My grandmother said that when the sausage cooks the liquid “pops” (bangs) out of the casings.

Mash (Potatoes): For the best mashed potatoes use either Russets or Yukon Gold. These starchy potatoes taste the best and make the smoothest, fluffiest mashed potatoes.

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How to make Bangers and Mash

Let’s Whip Up Some Comfort Food Magic!

Sizzle the Sausages – Start by heating up a bit of oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the sausages and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they look all crispy and delicious! When done, take the sausages out and set them aside. Don’t worry, we’ll come back to them later.

Cook Up the Onions and Garlic – Turn the heat down to medium so we don’t burn anything and add your onions and garlic to the same skillet. That’s where all the flavor magic happens! Stir them around a bit and cook until they’re soft and a nice golden-brown color. The smell? Absolutely amazing, you might even have the family wandering into the kitchen to check what you’re up to.

Make That Gravy Extra Velvety – Here’s where things get fun. Sprinkle some flour right over those cooked onions and garlic, then mix it in well. You want everything coated. Now, slowly pour in your broth while stirring non-stop. Keep going until you see the gravy turn into a smooth, thick sauce. Season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for that perfect flavor.

Bring It All Together – Time to plate it up. Grab some creamy mashed potatoes and pile a couple of those sausages right on top. Pour that rich gravy over everything—it’s okay to be generous! For a little extra color and freshness, serve it all with some cabbage or peas on the side. And there you go, comfort food in all its glory! Now call your family to the table and watch it disappear.

question

Why do Brits call them bangers?

The term “bangers” for sausages comes from Britain during World War I and II. Back then, meat was in short supply, so sausages were often made with fillers like water, breadcrumbs, and rusk. When cooked, the high water content caused the sausages to sizzle and sometimes even burst with a “bang” in the pan—hence the nickname “bangers.” It’s a fun and quirky name that stuck around, even as sausage recipes improved over time!

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variations

Delicious Variations

Another way that the sausage can be served is by placing the sausage on a bun and topping it with caramelized onions. The potatoes can be roasted or fried instead of mashed. You can also add some flavor to the sausage by cooking it in Guinness beer.

 

Serve It Up, Irish-Style!

When it’s time to dig in, make sure your bangers and mash shine with the perfect pairings! Start with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes as the base. Nestle the sausages on top, then drizzle that rich, golden onion gravy over everything, don’t be shy! For St. Patrick’s Day, I love serving this dish with a side of “extreme cabbage.” It’s tender, buttery, and so good, you’ll wish you made extra. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten up the plate and add a pop of color. And if you’re feeling a little fancy, a dollop of creamy mustard can take the flavors to the next level. Set it all out on the table and watch as your family happily piles their plates high, it’s pure comfort and cheer in every bite!

meal plan

MEAL PLAN IDEA

This Meal Plan is the perfect combination of hearty and indulgent!

Entrée: Bangers 
Side Dish #1: Mashed Potatoes
Side Dish #2: Extreme Cabbage
Drink: Shamrock Shake
Dessert: Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

Mashed Potatoes – store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Sausage – refrigerate in a shallow air-tight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, boil a pan of water, remove from heat, add cooked sausage, cover, and let stand for 10-15 minutes.

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recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Bangers & Mash with Savory Onion Gravy

Browned sausages served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes and then covered in a savory onion gravy made from sausage drippings. A simple recipe that will quickly become a St. Patrick’s day tradition.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British, Holiday’s, Irish
Keyword: British meal, holiday, Irish meal, pork, sausage, simple recipe, St. Patrick’s
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Robin | Fluster Buster

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 4 sausage English, Irish or brats
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons ail-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Serve With:

  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Extreme Cabbage

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage cooking until cooked through and brown. Remove sausages and set aside.
  • Lower heat to medium, add onion and garlic and cook until browned.
  • Sprinkle the cooked onions and garlic with flour and mix well. Slowly stir in broth, stirring constantly until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the gravy over mashed potatoes and sausage, along side some cabbage or peas.

Notes

  • Avoid using lean sausage, it won’t provide enough fat or juices to make a flavorful gravy.
  • The gravy will thicken as it cools, so cook the gravy until it is slightly thinner than what you actually want.
  • To add additional flavor and insure that the sausage is cooked through, boil the sausage in beer for 5-7 minutes before browning.
*The Nutritional Facts that have been calculated on this recipe are only estimates.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

With its juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, rich onion gravy, and a side of irresistible extreme cabbage, Bangers and Mash is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day comfort food. It’s a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that bring everyone together around the table. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this recipe has everything you need to make the day extra special. So grab your apron, get cooking, and prepare to serve up a feast that’s sure to bring big smiles and full hearts to your loved ones!

tips

TIPS

  • Avoid using lean sausage, it won’t provide enough fat or juices to make a flavorful gravy.
  • The gravy will thicken as it cools, so cook the gravy until it is slightly thinner than what you actually want.
  • To add additional flavor and ensure that the sausage is cooked through, boil the sausage in beer for 5-7 minutes before browning.

What’s the one thing that excites you most about trying Bangers & Mash for the first time?

inspiration

MORE INSPIRATION

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A simple and healthy side dish bursting with tons of garlic flavor. These zoodles are a delicious way to replace the carbs that you normally put on your plate.

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A quick, healthy snack bursting with delicious garlic flavor. This simple treat is fun to eat while being packed full of protein, fiber, and vitamins, all the things a healthy diet requires.

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are a show-stopping side dish with their crisp, golden edges and tender, flavorful center. Simple to prepare, these potatoes are sliced into thin, fan-like layers that roast to perfection, making them as stunning to serve as they are delicious to eat.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans
A simple, garlicky-flavored side dish that makes a delicious addition to your favorite meal. This simple recipe uses only a few ingredients, takes about 10 minutes, and will certainly become the star of the meal.

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Originally posted on: 02/25/2019

Filed Under: Food, Holiday Recipes, Simple Recipes Tagged With: entree, holiday, pork, recipe, St. Patrick's day

Comments

  1. Kippi says

    March 5, 2019 at 10:51 pm

    Bangers are a great idea for our Irish dinner too. We love them too. Happy St. Pat’s Day, Kippi #kippiathome

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:27 am

      My kids are always torn between bangers & mash and corned beef and cabbage for their St. Patty’s day meal. This year I’m doing both because we are expecting a big gathering.

      Reply
  2. Bryony shaw says

    March 6, 2019 at 4:51 am

    5 stars
    Not even joking I need bangers and mash now #dreamteam

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:22 am

      I’m with ya!

      Reply
  3. Donna Reidland says

    March 6, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Oh my! This looks delicious! Definitely pinning!

    Reply
  4. Claire Rocks says

    March 6, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    Yummy! This is such a british classic! Love bangers and mash!

    Reply
  5. Teresa says

    March 8, 2019 at 6:18 am

    Sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing the recipe at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!

    Reply
  6. Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says

    March 8, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Whoa!! That’s one delicious meal! I love the idea of using the same pan to make the gravy. It really makes the gravy tastier! Thank you for sharing this lovely dish at Fiesta Friday party!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:09 am

      You can never go wrong making gravy with pan drippings!

      Reply
  7. Annette, 3 Little Buttons says

    March 8, 2019 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    This was a favourite in our house when I was going up. There’s nothing like a good hearty bangers and mash supper to warm you through. Thank you for joining us for the #dreamteam linky.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 8, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Absolutely! It has always been a favorite in ours too!

      Reply
  8. Jean | Delightful Repast says

    March 8, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Love bangers and mash made with the wonderful “homemade” brats made onsite by my local family-run sustainable butcher shop. Love how beautifully brown you’ve made it. #BloggersPitStop

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 13, 2019 at 9:18 am

      I’m lucky enough to have a son that makes amazing sausage.

      Reply
  9. angie says

    March 10, 2019 at 11:29 pm

    I had a co=worker that simply loved this dish. I had no idea that it was called bangers and mash and yet I often made it. She was from England and promptly told me all about it thanks so much for sharing and helping me recall an old friend and boy what a great meal as well.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 13, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Like you I have fond memories of friends that are associated with food.

      Reply
  10. Rebecca - Glutarama says

    March 11, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    5 stars
    You cannot beat bangers and mash…love this recipe and delicious lip smacking photos too

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 13, 2019 at 8:50 am

      You really can’t, especially if you are lucky enough to find authentic Irish or English sausage.

      Reply
  11. Kay Shannon says

    March 16, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing why the sausages are called “bangers”. That’s so cute! Pinned, and will have to give this a try sometime!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 17, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      I thought it was cute too!

      Reply
  12. Kristen Osborne says

    February 25, 2025 at 10:11 am

    5 stars
    I have been wanting to make this for a long time. This is the second time in just 2 days that I’ve seen recipes for this. I guess its time to try it. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      February 25, 2025 at 7:29 pm

      It sounds like the universe is telling you it’s time to make Bangers & Mash! 😄 I hope you give it a try and love it. Let me know how it turns out! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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