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 & pepper, to taste; Mashed potatoes (about 4 cups prepared); 1 cup peas

If you’re craving hearty, comforting British fare, this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine golden-browned pork sausages smothered in rich, caramelized onion gravy and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes—pure comfort in every bite!

A black cast iron pan holds six browned sausages in a thick, light brown sauce with visible sliced onions mixed in. The sausages are placed in a circle, some with slight charring on top, and the sauce looks creamy and smooth. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the sausages and sauce. A silver spoon scoops some of the sauce and onions in the bottom right part of the pan. Nearby, there are two white bowls, one filled with bright green peas and the other filled with creamy off-white mashed potatoes. The whole setup rests on a light gray woven cloth on a white marbled surface. 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

I’ve made this classic Bangers and Mash more times than I can count, and it never fails to hit the spot. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, the combination of crispy sausages and that luscious onion gravy makes for an irresistible dinner.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, satisfying flavors that feel like a cozy hug.
Easy to Customize: Swap in chicken or vegetarian sausages if you like.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect weeknight dinner or casual weekend feast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand. Picking good-quality sausages always makes a huge difference, and fresh onions give the gravy that sweet, golden touch that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.

Flat lay of six fresh raw pork sausages with natural casing, two small-medium yellow onions halved and thinly sliced, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small mound of light beige all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small white ceramic bowl with rich brown beef broth, one fresh green thyme sprig, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vegetable oil, a heap of creamy mashed potatoes on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of fresh green peas on a white ceramic plate, salt and black pepper grains lightly scattered on the white surface, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Oil: Just enough to brown the sausages nicely without sticking.
Pork Sausages: The star of the dish—juicy and seasoned perfectly for that satisfying snap.
Onions: Thinly sliced to melt down into a rich base for the gravy.
Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to balance the sweetness of the onions.
Flour: Essential for thickening the gravy to a silky smooth texture.
Dry Red Wine (or Extra Broth): Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan for those flavorful browned bits.
Beef Broth: The liquid heart of the gravy, giving it a robust, savory base.
Worcestershire Sauce (optional): Brings an extra layer of umami and tanginess.
Thyme (optional): Fresh herbaceous notes that complement the rich gravy beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything just right.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, the perfect bed for our sausages and gravy.
Peas: A pop of green freshness to round out the plate.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you want to add a seasonal twist or need a gluten-free option, there’s plenty of room to make this classic dish truly yours.

Switch up your sausage: I love using traditional pork sausages, but sometimes I swap in chicken sausages for a lighter meal or vegetarian sausages when friends visit. It’s surprising how well the onion gravy pairs with all of them!
Make it gluten-free: If gluten is a concern, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy without losing that rich consistency.
Skip the wine: Don’t worry if you’re out of red wine or prefer to skip alcohol. Adding a bit more beef broth keeps the gravy just as flavorful and comforting.
Add fresh herbs: Sometimes, I finish the gravy with a handful of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of rosemary for a herbaceous note. It’s a small touch that brightens the whole dish.
Onion variety: Using a mix of red and yellow onions adds a subtle layer of sweetness and color to the gravy that I really enjoy in autumn and winter months.

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

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three browned sausages layered on top of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. The sausages are covered with a light brown gravy that also spreads over the mashed potatoes and has small pieces of onions. Bright green peas are placed on one side of the bowl next to the mash, adding a fresh pop of color. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the sausages and gravy, giving a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a fork and knife wrapped in a gray striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Sausages to Perfection

Start by heating ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 6 pork sausages and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so every side achieves that golden-brown crust. This step creates the crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender inside. Once browned, remove the sausages and keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions Until Soft and Golden

Using the same pan with those flavorful browned bits, add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onions are soft and have taken on a lovely golden hue—that’s when their natural sweetness really shines. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir well to coat everything evenly; this will help thicken the gravy later.

Step 3: Build a Rich Onion Gravy

Pour in ⅓ cup of dry red wine or, if you prefer, extra beef broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where much of your gravy’s flavor lives. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth to keep the gravy smooth and add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce if you like an extra depth of flavor. Toss in the optional sprig of thyme for an herbal hint. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Let It Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the gravy develop for about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to thicken slightly, coating the back of a spoon beautifully. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld and the sauce to gain that luscious texture you want.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your browned sausages to the pan and toss them gently in the onion gravy. Let everything warm through on low heat for a few minutes. Before serving, always taste and adjust with salt and pepper to make sure the flavors are just right.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy Your Classic Comfort Food

Serve the sausages nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—about 4 cups prepared—and ladle over the rich onion gravy generously. Add a side of peas (fresh or steamed frozen peas work wonderfully) for a pop of color and a fresh bite. This is truly comfort food at its best, perfect for cozy dinners that hit the spot every time.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe hinges on a few simple yet crucial tricks that elevate the flavors and textures. These tips come from hands-on experience to help you get that deeply savory, golden-browned sausages paired with silky, rich gravy every time.

Perfect Browning: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the sausages and avoid crowding the pan. This lets you develop a golden, crispy exterior without steaming.
Onion Patience: Don’t rush the onion sauté—cooking them slowly until golden and soft is key to building that rich flavor base for your gravy.
Gradual Thickening: When adding the broth to the flour-coated onions, whisk constantly and pour slowly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, luscious gravy.
Season at the End: Wait until your sausages have simmered in the gravy before adjusting salt and pepper—this helps balance the seasoning perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked onion slices that are soft and slightly browned, creating a textured layer covering the entire bottom of the pan. On top of the onions is a loose pile of white flour, scattered unevenly but centered in the pan, adding a powdery texture to the smooth onions below. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, with the pan handle extending slightly to the side. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked onions and dry flour clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprigs add a lovely pop of green and freshness right before serving. A small knob of melting butter on the mashed potatoes can add extra richness. For a bit of tang, a swirl of mustard or a few crunchy fried onions on top of the gravy works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a simple vegetable like peas for a traditional take. For variety, consider roasted root vegetables, steamed green beans, or buttery carrots to round out the meal with wholesome textures and colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sausages and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners following the initial meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely! Cool the sausages with gravy completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly and maintain that lovely gravy consistency. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. For best results, reheat side dishes like mashed potatoes and peas separately.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausages in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pork sausages are classic, you can swap in chicken, beef, or even vegetarian sausages. Just adjust cooking times as needed because different sausages may vary in size and fat content.

What can I substitute for red wine in the onion gravy?

If you prefer not to use wine or don’t have any on hand, simply replace the ⅓ cup of dry red wine with an equal amount of extra beef broth. This keeps the gravy flavorful and rich without alcohol.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make the onion gravy gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken instead of regular flour. This modification lets you enjoy the classic flavors without gluten worries.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the sausages and prepare the gravy separately. Refrigerate them and then combine and gently reheat before serving. Mashed potatoes can also be made in advance and warmed up when you're ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of vibrant peas. It’s a classic British dish that brings warmth and satisfaction whether you’re cooking for family or friends. With these tips and tricks, making this hearty meal at home is both easy and rewarding. Enjoy every delicious bite!