How to Make Bangers & Mash (Just Like an Irish Pub)

Updated: Oct. 12, 2022

This Irish bangers recipe is incredibly easy to make and should be a hit with your whole family. It's popular at my house!

In the mood for an uncomplicated, hearty dish for dinner? Look no further than bangers and mash, a pub staple popular in Ireland and the UK that’s easy to recreate at home. Our easy-to-make Irish bangers recipe is the epitome of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that takes virtually no time to make.

Over in Ireland, the go-to sausage for this recipe is none other than Irish pork sausage. It’s delicious, with a slightly herbal, slightly peppery taste. You can find it in the States or you can try making a batch at home. But really, any good quality pork sausage will do.

While all the ingredients are essential, the secret to the best tasting bangers and mash is the homemade gravy. In my opinion, a classic onion gravy is your best option. And if you’re tempted to pick up something from the store, don’t. Homemade makes all the difference!

How to Make Bangers & Mash

Ingredients

  • 6 Irish sausages (or other pork sausage)

For the Gravy:

  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Sausage drippings
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup ham or beef stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 large potatoes, quartered
  • ¼ cup milk, plus more if needed
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Set Up the Sausages

Preheat your oven to 360°. In a large pot, boil your potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the sausages in a skillet over a medium-high heat to give them some color, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove them from the heat, place them on a tray and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make Your Gravy

Season onions with salt and pepper then fry in the sausage drippings over a medium heat until soft. Dust with flour then slowly add in the stock. Allow liquid to simmer, reduce, and thicken.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy and want to jazz up your gravy, add some fresh herbs before you pour in the stock. Rosemary and thyme are always winners.

Step 3: Mix the Mash

By now, your potatoes should be lovely and tender. Drain them and allow them to sit for about five minutes. Place your potatoes in a large bowl and begin to break them up with a potato masher. Add in the butter, milk, salt and pepper and continue to mash the ingredients together until the potatoes take on a creamy texture. (See why we love Kerrygold Irish butter for mashed potatoes—and everything else.)

Want ultra-decadent mash? Add more butter and milk.

Step 4: Plate and Eat

It’s time to assemble your meal! Give yourself a nice-sized helping of mash then layer the sausages over it. Pour the gravy over everything and enjoy.

Looking for other quick, surefire hits? Have a gander at our favorite sausage dinners done in under 30 minutes.

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