Name: Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 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; Mashed potatoes (6 servings); Peas (6 servings)

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty British classic—and that’s exactly what this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe delivers. Imagine juicy pork sausages nestled in creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered with a rich, savory onion gravy. Let me show you how simple it is to bring this timeless favorite to your table.

A black cast-iron pan holds six browned sausages sitting in a thick creamy orange-brown sauce with translucent cooked onion slices spread over and around them. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the sausages and sauce, adding a pop of color. A silver spoon rests in the pan, filled with sauce and onions, positioned near the bottom right. Above the pan are two white bowls, one full of bright green peas and the other creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture. The background and surface are white marbled, with a gray textured cloth partially under the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this dish, it feels like wrapping up in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. It’s that perfect mix of crispy, savory, and creamy that just hits the spot.

Authentic British Flavor: Classic pork sausages paired with an onion gravy that’s deep and rich, thanks to caramelized onions and red wine.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Family Favorite: A hearty meal that satisfies everyone, served with creamy mash and fresh peas on the side.
Customizable: Swap ingredients easily for vegetarian or non-alcoholic options without losing flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking your ingredients, fresh and quality items make all the difference. Choose sausages with good meat content and sweet onions that’ll caramelize beautifully. And don't worry about the red wine—if you prefer, extra broth works just as well.

Flat lay of six fresh raw pork sausages with smooth skins, two small-medium onions halved and thinly sliced showing white and purple layers, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small white bowl of rich brown beef broth, one fresh green sprig of thyme, a white ceramic bowl with creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, a small white bowl of vibrant green peas, a small white bowl of golden cooking oil, and a set of two clean white ceramic dishes holding whole uncracked brown eggs and a balanced mix of coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pork Sausages: These provide juicy, flavorful bites that crisp up nicely in the pan.
Onions: Thinly sliced for quick caramelization, they form the flavorful base of the gravy.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the gravy.
Flour: Used to thicken the gravy and create that silky texture we all love.
Dry Red Wine: Brings a rich depth and complexity; can be substituted with extra beef broth to keep it alcohol-free.
Beef Broth: The umami-packed liquid that forms the body of the gravy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Optional, but it adds a nice tangy and savory note.
Thyme: Fresh sprigs infuse the gravy with gentle herbal undertones.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, the perfect canvas for the sausages and gravy.
Peas: Bright and fresh, they add a pop of color and sweetness on the side.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to tweak the herbs, swap out ingredients, or add a personal touch to make every bite just right for you.

Vegetarian Version: I’ve tried swapping pork sausages for plant-based ones and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The texture and flavors still come together beautifully for a comforting meat-free meal.
Wine-Free Gravy: If you’re avoiding alcohol, simply skip the red wine and add a little extra beef broth. The gravy turns out just as rich and savory without missing a beat.
Herb Variations: Fresh thyme is wonderful, but I also love experimenting with rosemary or adding a bay leaf while simmering to give the gravy an aromatic twist.
Extra Creamy Mash: For an indulgent touch, stirring a knob of butter or a splash of cream into your mashed potatoes makes the whole plate feel ultra creamy and comforting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe

A white bowl filled with three browned sausages placed on top of creamy mashed potatoes, all covered with a light brown onion gravy with visible onion slices and chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. On one side of the bowl is a generous serving of bright green peas. The mashed potatoes have a smooth texture, and the peas appear fresh and round. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and knife nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Browning the Sausages to Perfection

Start by heating ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your 6 pork sausages and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and have a delicious crispy skin. Then remove them from the pan and keep them warm — this crust is essential for texture in the final dish!

Step 2: Sautéing Onions for a Rich Base

Using the same pan, add 2 halved, thinly sliced onions (about 1.5 to 2 cups). Cook them over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re softened and beautifully golden. This slow sauté develops the sweetness that makes your onion gravy sublime. Next, toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 more minutes to build more depth in flavor. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the onions then stir well – this will help thicken your gravy later.

Step 3: Crafting the Perfect Onion Gravy

Pour in ⅓ cup of dry red wine, or extra beef broth if you prefer no alcohol, while scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom. This step releases all those deep flavors. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth along with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce if using – pour it in gradually to avoid lumps forming. Add 1 sprig of thyme for a subtle fragrant note. This gravy is the heart of the dish, so be attentive as it forms!

Step 4: Simmering until Silky and Thickened

Bring your gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. You want it to thicken nicely—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still smooth and pourable. This simmer melds all the flavors perfectly and gives you that luscious, comforting sauce we all love in this classic.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Return the browned sausages to the pan and gently toss them in the onion gravy. Let them simmer together for a few minutes so the sausages absorb the sauce’s rich flavors and heat through completely. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed – this final adjustment ensures every bite bursts with savory goodness.

Step 6: Serving Your Classic British Comfort

Plate your crispy sausages over creamy mashed potatoes, ladle generous amounts of the onion gravy on top, and add a side of peas to brighten the plate. This traditional British bangers and mash will warm you up and satisfy the soul, every single time.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own kitchen adventures with this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe, helping you get perfectly browned sausages and irresistibly rich gravy every time.

Use Medium-High Heat: I always make sure my pan is hot enough to brown the sausages nicely without burning them, which locks in juiciness and adds that essential crispy texture.
Take Your Time with Onions: Slowly caramelizing the onions over medium heat is key — rushing this step can lead to underdeveloped flavor in your gravy.
Whisk Gradually: Adding the beef broth slowly while whisking helps me avoid lumps and creates a smooth, velvety gravy.
Season at the End: Salt and pepper can intensify as the gravy reduces, so I wait until the last moment to season to avoid overdoing it.

How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with light golden brown cooked onion slices spread evenly on the bottom. On top of the onions, there is a pile of white flour in the center, lightly scattered but mostly concentrated in one area. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves add a bright contrast to the rich gravy. For an extra touch, a small pat of butter melted on top of the mashed potatoes brings a welcoming shine and richness. If you like a little zing, a dollop of wholegrain mustard on the side pairs beautifully with the sausages.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing is creamy mashed potatoes and buttered peas, but you can mix it up with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to add fresh texture. For a comforting meal, steamed cabbage or sautéed mushrooms also work wonderfully alongside this hearty dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sausages and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep mashed potatoes and peas separate if possible, to maintain their texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the sausages with gravy for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to preserve the sausages’ crispiness and prevent the gravy from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausages in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional and offer the best flavor, beef, chicken, or even plant-based sausages can be used to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy isn’t thick enough after simmering, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy and cook a few more minutes until thickened.

Can I prepare the gravy in advance?

Yes! You can make the onion gravy ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. Just be sure to whisk it well while reheating to restore its smooth texture.

Is the red wine necessary for the gravy?

Red wine adds wonderful depth and richness, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply substitute with extra beef broth for an equally delicious gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is a timeless British comfort food that warms the heart as much as the stomach. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a dish bursting with homey flavors anytime you crave a plateful of cozy goodness. Give it a try, savor every bite, and perhaps share it with those you love — because good food tastes even better when shared.