Bangers and Mash Recipe: A Hearty British Classic

If you’re looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a classic bangers and mash recipe. This traditional British dish consists of juicy sausages served atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, often accompanied by a rich, flavorful gravy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bangers and mash recipe is a staple of British cuisine for a reason it’s simple, yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The combination of savory sausages, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a tangy gravy is a match made in heaven.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or potatoes you have on hand, making it a very budget friendly option.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal or just want to try something new and exciting, this bangers and mash recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s get started and explore the world of this delicious, quintessential British dish!

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

4 6 British style sausages (such as bangers or Cumberland sausages) these sausages have a coarser texture and more robust flavor than regular sausages, which makes them perfect for this dish.

3 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes high starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho work best for mashed potatoes, as they yield a light, fluffy texture.

1 large onion, chopped adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the gravy.

2 cloves of garlic, minced adds a pungent flavor to the gravy and sausages.

1 cup of chicken or beef broth helps to create a rich, savory gravy.

2 tablespoons of all purpose flour used to thicken the gravy and create a smooth, velvety texture.

2 tablespoons of butter adds a creamy, richness to the mashed potatoes and gravy.

Salt and pepper, to taste essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish.

Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a bright, freshness to the dish.

Why These Ingredients

British Style Sausages

These sausages are the star of the show in this recipe, and for good reason. They have a coarser texture and more robust flavor than regular sausages, which makes them perfect for this dish.

You can use any type of British style sausage you like, such as bangers or Cumberland sausages.

When choosing your sausages, look for ones that are made with high quality ingredients and have a good balance of meat and seasonings. This will ensure that your sausages are flavorful and juicy, and will add a lot of depth to the dish.

High Starch Potatoes

High starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho are the best choice for mashed potatoes, as they yield a light, fluffy texture. They have a higher starch content than waxy potatoes, which makes them absorb more liquid and become softer and more prone to mashing.

When choosing your potatoes, look for ones that are high in starch and have a rough, brown skin. These will be the best choice for mashed potatoes, and will yield a delicious, creamy texture.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Cook the Sausages cook the sausages in a large pan over medium high heat, browning them on all sides. This will help to create a crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

Step 2: Make the Gravy remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, then add the flour to the pan and cook for 1 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer gradually add the broth to the pan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, then drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some milk or cream to the potatoes to make them creamier and more flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy serve the sausages on top of the mashed potatoes, spooning some of the rich, flavorful gravy over the top. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the dish for a bright, fresh flavor.

How To Serve

serve the bangers and mash with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a well rounded, nutritious meal. The crispy, tender vegetables will provide a nice contrast in texture to the soft, fluffy mashed potatoes and juicy sausages.

serve the bangers and mash with a fried egg on top for a hearty, filling breakfast or brunch. The runny, golden yolk will add a rich, creamy texture to the dish, and the crispy, savory egg white will provide a nice contrast in texture.

serve the bangers and mash with a side of toasted bread or crackers for a satisfying, comforting snack. The crunchy, crispy bread will provide a nice contrast in texture to the soft, fluffy mashed potatoes and juicy sausages.

serve the bangers and mash with a side of braised red cabbage or sautéed spinach for a flavorful, nutritious meal. The sweet, tender cabbage or spinach will provide a nice contrast in flavor and texture to the savory, umami sausages and mashed potatoes.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

you can store the cooked bangers and mash at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s best to refrigerate or freeze them as soon as possible to prevent foodborne illness. Make sure to store the dish in a covered container and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Refrigerator

you can store the cooked bangers and mash in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the dish in a covered container and keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

You can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

Freezer

you can store the cooked bangers and mash in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to store the dish in a covered, airtight container or freezer bag and keep it at a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F ( 18°C) or below.

You can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

Top Tips

Use High Quality Sausages

Using high quality sausages will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

Look for sausages that are made with high quality ingredients and have a good balance of meat and seasonings.

Don’t Overmix the Mashed Potatoes

Overmixing the mashed potatoes can make them gluey and unappetizing.

Stop mashing as soon as the potatoes are tender and fluffy, and add any additional ingredients such as butter or milk gradually, stirring gently to combine.

Use a Variety of Vegetables

Adding a variety of vegetables to the dish will provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

You can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as carrots, peas, and onions, and add them to the dish at different stages of cooking to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve made this delicious bangers and mash recipe, you can experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own.

Try using different types of sausages or vegetables, or adding some grated cheese or diced herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy this hearty, comforting dish and make it a regular part of your meal rotation!