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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
Traditional British Bangers and Mash features juicy pork sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes and peas, all smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy made with caramelized onions, garlic, red wine, and beef broth. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Sausages and 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 (6 servings)
- Peas (6 servings)
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 6 sausages and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the sausages from the pan and keep warm.
- Sauté onions: In the same pan, add 2 halved and thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour 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 from the pan bottom. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (if using) to prevent lumps. Add 1 sprig thyme if desired.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return the sausages to the pan and toss to coat them in the onion gravy. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sausages are heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the sausages over prepared mashed potatoes, ladle the onion gravy over the top, and serve with peas on the side.
Notes
- Use pork sausages for the most authentic flavor, but beef or chicken sausages can also be substituted.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Red wine adds depth to the gravy, but extra beef broth can be used as a substitute for a non-alcoholic option.
- For extra creaminess, stir a knob of butter or a splash of cream into the mashed potatoes before serving.
- Make sure to whisk the broth in slowly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Fresh thyme adds flavor, but dried thyme or other herbs like rosemary can be used if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


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