Irish Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy

Bangers and Mash is classic Irish and British pub food that I crave every year around St Patrick's Day.

In this recipe, bangers (sausages) are cooked in Guinness, then served on top of buttery cream cheese mashed potatoes and smothered in onion gravy that's flavored with thyme, mustard, and more Guinness.

Why are Bangers and Mash Called Bangers and Mash?

That was my question as well. So before writing this recipe, I did some googling to find out where the term "bangers" came from.

Apparently, the sausages made in the UK during WWI had such a high water content (meat shortages) that they were liable to blow up during cooking. So, the sausages literally went "bang". 💥

I also learned that Bangers and Mash are frequently rated as Britain's favorite comfort food, something that makes complete sense to me.

I mean, is it even possible to get more comforting than creamy mashed potatoes topped with sausages and gravy? 

What Kind of Bangers (Sausage) Should You Use?

Considering the WWI origins of the word "bangers", I realize the irony of using German bratwurst to make this dish. And yet, that's most often what I use.

But, if you can find it, traditional Irish Sausage or English Sausage is worth seeking out.

A quick lesson in terms: Bangers, English Sausage, and British Sausage generally refer to the same thing. The names are used interchangeably.

In addition to pork, eggs, and seasonings, true Irish sausage must contain at least 20% filler. The filler is made with a specific type of bread crumbs called "rusk". When properly cooked, Irish sausage is crispy on the outside, and juicy and flavorful on the inside.

For English-style bangers and mash, Cumberland sausage is the way to go. And while I would happily purchase Cumberland or Irish Sausage, I've rarely seen them in American markets.

But, you know what kind of sausage is always available in American supermarkets? Bratwurst.

And that, my friends, is why Bratwurst is used in this recipe. But, please feel free to use whatever kind of sausage you like.

The Onion Gravy is Delicious, but Optional

Irish Bangers and Mash is sometimes served with gravy and sometimes not. It's good either way. If you want to skip it, just make the mashed potatoes and then skip to step #4 in this recipe.

If you do skip the gravy, I'd suggest serving this dish with a generous amount of grainy mustard.

The gravy contains a lovely assortment of pungent, vinegary flavors that are gorgeous with the creaminess of the mashed potatoes and salty sausage. Mustard isn't the same as onion gravy, of course. But it will add in some of the same flavors.

What to Serve with Bangers and Mash

I generally think a rich dish like this one begs to be served with a green vegetable, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts is perfect here.

They only take about 10 minutes of hands on prep work and can roast in the oven while you carry on making bangers and mash on the stovetop.

More Irish Inspired Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Irish Beef and Guinness Stew
• Corned Beef and Cabbage {Slow Cooker or Instant Pot}
• Corned Beef Hash
• Classic Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing