If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to love this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s classic British bangers and mash done right—with juicy sausages nestled in rich, savory onion gravy and served atop creamy mashed potatoes. Can you think of anything better?
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this dish countless times, and every single time, it warms me up from the inside out. The crispy pork sausages pair perfectly with the silky onion gravy, plus the creamy mashed potatoes make it pure comfort on a plate.
- Perfectly crispy sausages: Pan-fried until golden for maximum flavor and texture.
- Rich homemade onion gravy: Slow-sautéed onions and garlic create deep, savory notes.
- Simple ingredients, big impact: Easy pantry staples come together beautifully in this classic meal.
- Great for family dinners: It yields 6 servings, making it perfect to share with loved ones.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Getting your ingredients right is key for this traditional British dish. I always recommend using good-quality pork sausages and fresh onions—the better the base, the better the gravy. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why each element plays its part.
- Oil: Helps brown the sausages evenly without sticking; a neutral oil works best.
- Pork sausages: Juicy and flavorful, these are the stars of our dish—opt for quality sausages for the best taste.
- Onions: Thinly sliced to soften and caramelize, bringing sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle yet essential aromatic layer to the sauce.
- Flour: The thickening agent that gives our gravy its luscious consistency.
- Dry red wine or extra beef broth: The wine adds acidity and complexity, but broth works great if you prefer no alcohol.
- Beef broth: The savory liquid base making our gravy rich and hearty.
- Worcestershire sauce (optional): Boosts umami and adds that signature tangy depth.
- Thyme (optional): An herbaceous touch that brightens the gravy.
- Salt and pepper: To bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and fluffy, they’re the ideal bed for soaking up that gravy.
- Peas: A fresh, slightly sweet side to balance the richness.
Make It Your Way
This Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is a fantastic base that welcomes a bit of personal flair. Whether you like your gravy a little thicker, or prefer a different twist on the sausages, there’s plenty of room to make this traditional dish uniquely yours!
- Variation: For a gluten-free option, I love swapping the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy. It thickens up beautifully without sacrificing that comforting, glossy finish.
- Variation: If you’re serving a crowd or want a fresher flavor, adding a pinch of fresh rosemary or substituting the thyme sprig with sage really elevates the herbaceous notes in the gravy.
- Variation: For those avoiding alcohol, replacing the dry red wine with extra beef broth keeps the gravy rich and flavorful while keeping it family-friendly.
- Variation: Feel like mixing up the meat? I’ve made this with beef sausages before — it adds a heartier flavor while still soaking up all that delicious onion gravy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages to Perfection
Start by heating half a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 6 pork sausages and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to get a beautifully even, golden-brown crust all around. Browning them well not only locks in those luscious juices but sets a flavorful base for your gravy. Once browned, remove the sausages and set them aside, keeping them warm while you prepare the onions.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions Until Golden and Sweet
Using the same skillet (so you keep all those flavorful drippings), add the thinly sliced onions — about 1.5 to 2 cups — and cook them over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally; you want them soft and deliciously golden. Then toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for an extra 2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the mixture, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic. This step is crucial because it helps thicken your onion gravy later.
Step 3: Build Your Rich, Savory Gravy
Pour ⅓ cup of dry red wine into the skillet as you scrape the bottom to lift those lovely browned bits—this adds deep flavor to your gravy. If you skip wine, substitute with extra beef broth. Next, slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce — this optional step really enhances the savory layers if you have it on hand. If you're adding thyme, drop in 1 sprig now for a subtle herbal aroma.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy Until Perfectly Thickened
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low to let it gently simmer. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until the gravy thickens slightly. You’re looking for a smooth, glossy texture that coats the back of a spoon—rich and comforting, just like it should be!
Step 5: Finish with the Sausages and Season to Taste
Return your beautifully browned sausages to the pan, nestling them in the onion gravy. Let them simmer together for a few minutes to heat through and soak up those flavors. Give the gravy a taste, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you adjust to make it just right for your palate.
Step 6: Serve Up Your Classic British Comfort
Plate the juicy sausages over approximately 6 cups of creamy mashed potatoes. Ladle generous amounts of the rich onion gravy over the top, and don’t forget a side of 1 cup cooked peas to bring a lovely pop of color and freshness. It’s a timeless dish that’s truly the epitome of cozy British comfort food.
Top Tip
Mastering the art of this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe means paying attention to a few key details that really elevate the dish. These tips come from many cozy dinners and plenty of trial and error in the kitchen, so you can feel confident making it your own.
- Brown the Sausages Properly: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the sausages to get that perfect crispy, golden exterior without overcooking inside.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Taking the time to slowly soften and caramelize the onions brings out their natural sweetness, making the gravy rich and flavorful.
- Scrape the Pan: When adding the wine or broth, gently scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the pan—this adds incredible depth to your gravy.
- Season Gradually: Season the gravy after simmering so you can adjust salt and pepper perfectly without oversalting early in the process.
How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top brightens the presentation and adds a lovely fresh note to the rich onion gravy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of sweet green peas. For a bit of variety, try buttery steamed carrots or sautéed greens like spinach or kale to add color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sausages and onion gravy stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked sausages and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the sausages and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the sausages.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional for this dish, beef or chicken sausages work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they're fully cooked through.
Simply replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch when thickening the gravy. This way, you keep all the flavor without the gluten.
No problem! You can swap the ⅓ cup of dry red wine for an equal amount of extra beef broth to keep the gravy rich without any alcohol.
Use medium-high heat and turn sausages regularly, allowing each side to brown nicely. Starting with a hot pan and a little oil helps achieve that perfect crisp without charring.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe truly brings a bit of British comfort to your table—hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Once you get the hang of the onion gravy and perfect sausage browning, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again, especially on cozy evenings. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most of all, share it with those you love!
Print
Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
Classic British Bangers and Mash features juicy pork sausages cooked in a rich, savory onion gravy. Served over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of peas, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Sausages & Gravy
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 6 pork sausages
- 2 small-medium onions (halved and thinly sliced, about 1.5-2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ⅓ cup dry red wine (or extra beef broth)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 sprig thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
To Serve
- Mashed potatoes (approximately 6 cups prepared)
- 1 cup peas
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 pork sausages and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, add thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the onions and stir well to combine.
- Make the gravy: Pour in ⅓ cup dry red wine (or extra beef broth) while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, if using, to prevent lumps. Add 1 sprig of thyme if desired.
- Simmer the gravy: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5–8 minutes, or until the gravy is slightly thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return the browned sausages to the pan, coating them in the onion gravy. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sausages are heated through. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the sausages over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and ladle the onion gravy over the top. Serve alongside cooked peas for a traditional and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use pork sausages for the most traditional flavor, but beef or chicken sausages can be substituted if preferred.
- Red wine can be omitted or replaced with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- To make mashed potatoes, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Adding thyme to the gravy enhances the flavor but can be skipped if unavailable.
- For gluten-free variation, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
- Cook peas separately by boiling or steaming for a few minutes until bright green and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Leave a Reply