Homey Bangers and Mash Recipe: Ina Garten’s Cozy Classic
Comfort meets culinary delight in this classic Ina Garten bangers and mash recipe that promises to warm your soul.
Succulent sausages nestle atop creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes in a dish that speaks pure British comfort.
Rich flavors dance across your palate with each hearty bite.
The combination of tender, juicy sausages and silky potatoes creates a symphony of satisfaction.
Garten’s touch brings depth and elegance to this traditional pub-style meal.
Every forkful promises a journey through rustic, satisfying flavors that transport you straight to a cozy English kitchen.
You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering classic.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 500 kcal
Servings: 6
What Goes Into Ina Garten Bangers and Mash
For Potato Base:
Potatoes: Creamy, starchy foundation that creates silky smooth base with rich, comforting texture. Choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best mashing results.
Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps blend ingredients smoothly. Use whole milk for richer flavor.
Butter: Provides rich, velvety finish and enhances overall taste. Select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
Bouillon Cubes: Introduces deep, savory undertones to potato mixture. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.
For Protein and Sausage:
Sausages: Hearty protein centerpiece with robust flavor. Select high-quality pork or beef bangers with natural casings for authentic texture.
For Finishing and Flavor:
Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized depth and textural contrast. Choose yellow onions for classic, mellow flavor.
Gravy: Brings rich, glossy moisture to tie dish together. Use store-bought or homemade for authentic taste.
Oregano: Sprinkles fresh herbal notes for bright finish. Select dried oregano for consistent flavor distribution.
Cooking Oil: Creates perfect golden sear for sausages. Use neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola.
Must-Have Tools for Bangers and Mash Success
Large Pot: Essential for boiling and mashing potatoes, ensuring they're soft and creamy.
Fork: Perfect for poking sausages to help them cook evenly and release excess fat.
Large Pan: Key for browning sausages and sautéing onions with maximum flavor.
Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from cooked sausages, keeping them crisp.
Small Pot: Used for warming gravy to the right temperature.
Serving Plate: Provides a beautiful presentation for the final dish.
Potato Preparation Boil potatoes in a large pot until they transform into soft, pillowy clouds. Drain and keep them nestled in the cooking pot.
Creamy Transformation Blend warm milk with bouillon essence. Pour this liquid magic along with melted butter over the potatoes. Whip them into a silky, dreamy landscape.
Sausage Sizzle Heat oil in a spacious skillet. Gently pierce sausages with a fork to encourage even cooking. Dance them around the pan until they develop a golden, crispy exterior and release clear juices.
Caramelized Onion Whispers Slide onion rings into the same pan where sausages danced. Coax them into a golden, slightly crunchy state with gentle stirring.
Gravy Warmth Gently heat gravy in a small saucepan, allowing its rich flavors to awaken.
Delicious Assembly Spread the potato cloud base onto a welcoming plate. Nestle sausages atop the creamy landscape. Scatter caramelized onion whispers across the surface. Drizzle warm gravy and sprinkle a whisper of oregano to complete this comforting masterpiece.
Quick Tweaks to Change Up Your Bangers and Mash
Choose high-quality British-style pork sausages for authentic flavor, or experiment with different varieties like spicy Italian, chicken, or vegetarian sausages to customize the dish.
Ensure potatoes are cut into even chunks for consistent cooking, and use a potato masher or ricer for extra smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes with a velvety texture.
Enhance store-bought gravy by adding a splash of red wine, fresh herbs, or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
For extra crunch, lightly coat onion rings in seasoned flour before sautéing, or quickly broil them for a golden, crispy finish that adds exciting texture to the dish.
Prepare mashed potatoes and caramelize onions in advance, then reheat gently before serving to save time and reduce day-of cooking stress.
Simple Serving Suggestions for Bangers and Mash
Serve with Classic Comfort: Plate this hearty British dish with a side of steamed green peas or roasted carrots to add a fresh, colorful touch to the rich meal.
Pair with Perfect Beverages: Enjoy alongside a cold pint of English ale or a crisp apple cider that complements the savory sausages and creamy potatoes.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Create a Rustic Presentation: Serve directly on a large wooden cutting board or farmhouse-style platter to enhance the traditional, homey feel of this classic comfort food.
Keep Bangers and Mash Warm or Store It Well
Quick Meal Prep: Chop potatoes and slice onions in advance to reduce cooking time on busy weeknights. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover bangers and mash in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Separate sausages, mashed potatoes, and onions to maintain their individual textures when reheating.
Freeze with Care: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Mashed potatoes and sausages can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheat Perfectly: Warm mashed potatoes in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Reheat sausages in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the exterior and maintain juicy interiors.
Ina Garten’s bangers and mash recipe delivers classic British comfort with succulent sausages nestled on creamy mashed potatoes. Rich gravy and caramelized onions complete this hearty dish that promises warmth and satisfaction for anyone craving traditional British cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
8 links pork sausage
2.25 lbs (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 (10.25 oz/291 g) cans homestyle beef gravy
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
1 large onion, sliced and separated into rings
0.25 cup (60 ml) melted butter
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) cooking oil
2 tsps crumbled dried oregano
Instructions
Potato Preparation: Submerge whole potatoes in a stockpot with cold water. Boil until fork-tender, then drain and return to pot. Incorporate warm milk, dissolved bouillon, and melted butter. Whip into a luxurious, smooth mashed potato mixture using a masher or electric mixer.
Sausage Searing: Pierce sausage casings with a fork to prevent bursting. Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausages, rotating every 2-3 minutes, until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior and clear internal juices, approximately 12-15 minutes.
Onion Caramelization: In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion rings until they transform into translucent, slightly crisp golden rings, stirring intermittently for 4-5 minutes.
Gravy Warming: Gently heat prepared gravy in a separate saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring to prevent burning.
Plating and Finishing: Spread creamy mashed potatoes on a serving platter. Arrange browned sausages over the potato base, crown with caramelized onion rings. Drizzle warm gravy generously and sprinkle dried oregano for a flavor-packed presentation.
Notes
Prevent Potato Mushiness: Avoid overcooking potatoes by testing tenderness with a fork precisely at 20 minutes to maintain perfect texture.
Sausage Piercing Technique: Gently poke multiple small holes in sausage casings to prevent splitting and ensure even cooking without bursting.
Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat when browning sausages to achieve a crispy golden exterior without burning or undercooking.
Onion Caramelization Secret: Sauté onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop a sweet, golden color without burning.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.