Granny's Bangers and Mash Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Bangers and Mash recipe is a delicious blend of tender sausage in a mouthwatering Guinness gravy and caramelized onions in a mouthwatering brown gravy made with Guinness beer.

Looking for specifics on the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why this recipe works
  • 🔪 Ingredients
  • 🍲 Equipment
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • ⭐ How to store, reheat, and freeze
  • 💭 Expert Tips
  • 📋 Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🥗 Serving Suggestions
  • 🍽 Similar recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why this recipe works

  • Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a UK classic that's served in many pubs and homes in Great Britain and Ireland.
  • This is a hearty classic dinner recipe that my family has made for years with a twist from me.
  • My spin on bangers is a Guinness gravy with caramelized onions! Caramelizing the onions adds a sweetness to compliment the strong ale.
  • A few extra minutes to caramelize the onions adds amazing flavor to the entire meal. That rich Guinness onion gravy, I can't even express how good it tastes

🔪 Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • pork sausages
  • yellow onions
  • garlic
  • unsalted butter
  • Guinness Beer
  • olive oil
  • beef broth
  • all-purpose flour
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Colman's Mustard
  • dried parsley
  • ground thyme
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh chopped parsley, optional garnish

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

🍲 Equipment

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the sausages to brown on all sides, around 8-10 minutes. Remove sausages and set them aside.

2. Add butter to the skillet. Stir in onions and let them simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes to soften and caramelize the onions, stirring frequently. Mix in minced garlic, and stir for a few seconds to blend flavors.

3. Add Guinness and stir up all the brown bits sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Remove a few Tablespoons of the warm liquid and place them in a small bowl. Whisk the flour into the broth until smooth, with no lumps. Pour back into the pan and whisk all together.

4. To the skillet, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, parsley, and thyme. Stir together. Add bangers back into the skillet.

5. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover pot with lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes.

6. Serve with mashed potatoes and peas. Optional: garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

⭐ How to store, reheat, and freeze

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a covered airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: The sausages and gravy can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

If using a microwave to defrost, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

💭 Expert Tips

Expert Tip: Expert Tip: A savory pork sausage is a great replacement for an Irish or English sausage for a traditional bangers and mash meal.

📋 Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the sausages called bangers?

Bangers are the term used for sausage in Ireland and England. The "mash" is mashed potatoes. A very popular dish in Ireland and England.

I can't find bangers (Irish Sausage), what else can I use?

If Irish sausage is unavailable, use pork sausage or even bratwurst works really well. The big bonus, those sausages are in every market and way more cost-effective!

What is the mash in this recipe?

Mash is referring to mashed potatoes. No surprise that my Classic Mashed Potato recipe is AH-MAZING and my Granny's recipe. I wish I could have a dollar for every potato I've peeled to make mashed potatoes.

📖 Variations

Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways that you increase the flavor of this dish.

For anyone who follows a low-carb diet, use almond flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.

Instead of mashed potatoes, make low-carb cauliflower mash and enjoy with the bangers.

While pork sausages have the additional "fat factor" that adds amazing flavor, lean sausages such as turkey or chicken sausage can be used. Keep in mind the flavors are slightly different.

For those who do not cook with alcohol at all, use additional beef broth or beef stock for the Guinness beer.

For those who will use alcohol, other dark ales can be used in lieu of the Guinness such as Smithwicks.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Bangers (Irish Sausage) over creamy buttery mashed potatoes.

Any of our potato recipes would be a great pairing with the sausages and Guinness gravy.

A very simple side of peas with a hint of butter and salt and pepper is a classic side dish.

Candied carrots are another surefire winner.

Two of my most searched bread recipes would be delicious, Irish brown bread or Irish Soda Bread.

For dessert, try our Grasshopper No-Bake Cheesecakes!

After dinner, fire up your coffee pot and enjoy an Irish Coffee, my dad's recipe! Slainte!

🍽 Similar recipes

  • Guinness Beef Stewis a family favorite that's pure comfort food.
  • Beef and Mushroom Guinness Pie is a pub grub classic that is a crowd pleaser.
  • Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage is a simple and easy meal that uses a bit of Guinness and garlic to make this one extra special.
  • My Granny's Cottage Pie is a winner, pure comfort food!
  • Looking for an array of Irish party food, check out our collection of over 60 recipes.

I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:

FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM,PINTEREST,TWITTER

Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

Eileen xo

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:

FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM,PINTEREST,TWITTER

Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

Eileen xo

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below!

📖 Recipe

Granny's Bangers and Mash Recipe (7)

Granny's Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash Recipe is a hearty sausage dinner in a rich brown gravy made with Guinness stout and caramelized onions over mashed potatoes!

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: British, Irish

Keyword: bangers and mash recipe, Saint Patricks Day traditional meal, traditional bangers and mash

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 796kcal

Author: Eileen Kelly

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients

  • 8 pork sausage links Note 1
  • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Guinness Beer Note 2
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil Note 3
  • 2 cups beef broth Note 2
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard Coleman's dry mustard is our first choice for this recipe.
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground thyme
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • fresh chopped parsley, garnish

Serve with the mash

  • classic mashed potatoes

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive. Add in the sausages to brown, around 6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.

  • To the skillet, add in butter. Stir in onions, simmer about 15 minutes to soften and carmelize onion, stirring frequently. Mix in minced garlic, stir a few seconds.

  • Pour in Guinness and stir up and brown bits sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Remove a few Tablespoons of the warm Guinness and place in a small bowl. Whisk the flour into the small bowl with the Guinness until smooth, no lumps. Pour back into the pan and whisk all together.

  • To the skillet, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, parsley, and thyme. Stir together. Add bangers back into the skillet.

  • Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover pot with lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes.

  • Serve with mashed potatoes and peas. Optional: garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.

Note 1:Use Irish sausage, pork sausage, or beef sausage. Depending on where you live, Irish Import Stores, Specialty shops, and even grocery stores will carry Banger sausage.

Note 2: If you don't cook with alcohol, increase beef broth. For those with health concerns about sodium, use low-sodium or sodium-free beef broth. We generally use sodium-free beef broth with excellent results.

Note 3: Non-stick cooking spray can be used in place of oil.

The nutritional values are based on bangers only. You will need to adjust calories based on what mash you use, potato or cauliflower.

I'm not a registered dietician, I do my best to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Don’t forget to shop at theEveryday Eileenstore on Amazon.

Nutrition

Serving: 2sausages | Calories: 796kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1977mg | Potassium: 783mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

Granny's Bangers and Mash Recipe (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.

What are the two main components of the dish bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages (bangers) and mashed potatoes (mash), often served with onion gravy.

What do Americans call bangers and mash? ›

Bangers and mash, also known as sausages and mash, is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages and mashed potato. It may consist of one of a variety of flavoured sausages made of pork, lamb, beef, or a meat alternative. The dish is usually served with onion gravy, but may also include fried onions and peas.

What sausage is closest to bangers? ›

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. But use your own judgment.

What is the difference between a sausage and a banger? ›

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.

Can you still buy bangers? ›

Firecrackers, as you may remember them, cannot be purchased legally in the UK anymore. Back in 1997, they were labelled as potentially harmful and therefore were banned, together with 'jumping jacks' and 'bangers'.

What do British people call hot dogs? ›

According to the Daily Mail, Britain adopted the term banger during World War I when sausages were stuffed with more accessible ingredients like cereal and made more noise while cooking. Bangers and mash are a classic dish in the UK today.

How healthy are bangers and mash? ›

Classic bangers with delicious, veg-boosted mash to help get your 5 A Day! Per serving: 1,339kJ / 320kcal. 21g protein.

What alcohol goes with bangers and mash? ›

For Bangers and Mash, consider wines that balance the dish's hearty and savory characteristics. Primitivo, Blaufränkisch, Côtes du Rhône, and Refosco are excellent choices to enhance the flavors and provide a satisfying pairing.

What do they call mashed potatoes in England? ›

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.

What is a fun fact about bangers and mash? ›

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.

What is a good substitute for Irish sausage? ›

Any good soft pork sausage will do. Bratwurst is a good substitute, or even a mild Italian. You want links of soft sausage in casing, not a harder product like kielbasa or smoked sausage.

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.

What is the difference between English sausage and Italian sausage? ›

UK sausages tend to be flavored by herbs, or have apple in them. Italian sausages are generally more coarsely ground so you see distinct pieces of meat and fat throughout, they also have less fillers so they shed more fat when cooked.

What is another name for Irish sausage? ›

Irish Sausage is also commonly known as “English Sausage”, “British Sausage, and as “Bangers” outside of the UK; the terms are used interchangeably. The traditional recipe consists of ground pork, a rusk bread filler, eggs, seasonings and a natural pork or beef casing.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 6715

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.