If you’re craving some cozy comfort food that just hits all the right notes, you’ve got to try my Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe. It’s that perfect combination of juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and those melt-in-your-mouth caramelized onions that bring everything together in the most delicious way. Seriously, once you make this, it’ll become one of those dishes you can’t stop thinking about — and sharing with friends!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Harmony: The sweet, smoky caramelized onions perfectly complement the savory sausage and rich gravy.
Classic Comfort: This recipe delivers that nostalgic British pub feel, right in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Simplicity: I’ve broken down the steps so even if you’re new to making gravy or perfect mash, you’ll nail it.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual get-together, this dish is always a hit.

A white round plate is filled with a base layer of creamy white mashed potatoes, smooth in texture and spread evenly across the plate. On top of the mashed potatoes, there are six browned sausages arranged in a scattered way, each sausage showing a shiny, slightly crispy skin with specks of seasoning. Between and on top of the sausages, there are many pieces of roasted red onion wedges, dark purple in color with a charred texture on the edges. Light brown gravy is drizzled unevenly over the sausages and mashed potatoes, adding a glossy finish and some visible black pepper on the surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions, British comfort food recipes, hearty sausage and mash dish, easy traditional British dinner, caramelized onion recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this dish together. The onion’s natural sweetness shines through with a hint of balsamic tang, while the sausages provide savory depth that balances the creamy mashed potatoes. I recommend choosing high-quality pork sausages for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of two whole peeled red onions cut into eight intact wedges each, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of sea salt, eight whole uncracked raw pork sausage links, four tablespoons salted butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of beef stock, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a white ceramic plate holding creamy garlic roasted mashed potatoes 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions, British comfort food recipes, hearty sausage and mash dish, easy traditional British dinner, caramelized onion recipes

Red onions: Use firm, fresh ones for sweeter caramelization.
Brown sugar: It amps up the caramelization process for those luscious onions.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick — don’t skip unless you prefer it mild.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For roasting and cooking; I love its fruity notes.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives the onions a beautiful tang and depth.
Sea salt: To season evenly, vanilla or kosher salt works too.
Pork sausage links: Choose good-quality sausages, preferably with herbs for extra flavor.
Unsalted butter: For that silky gravy base — salted butter can be a backup.
All-purpose flour: The classic thickener for gravy that keeps things smooth.
Beef stock: Use a rich, well-seasoned stock; homemade or good-quality store-bought works.
Freshly cracked black pepper: I always add a bit more than called for—it wakes up the gravy.
Garlic roasted mashed potatoes: This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy garlic mash. See notes below if you want to make your own.

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.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or pantry staples. Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe is surprisingly versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Vegetarian option: Swap traditional pork sausages for plant-based sausages to keep the flavors but lighten it up.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the gravy for a smoky depth I discovered really elevates the dish.
Cheese in mash: I often stir in some sharp cheddar or chives to my mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
Different onions: Mixing yellow and red onions when caramelizing adds layers of flavor and color.

How to Make Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Oven-Caramelize the Onions

This is the trick to nailing those irresistibly sweet caramelized onions with minimal babysitting. Slice your red onions into thick wedges so they hold their shape during roasting. Toss them with brown sugar, red pepper flakes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt — this combo really amplifies the natural sugars. Spread them in a single layer on a foil-lined sheet pan, pop them into a 400°F oven, and roast for 20 minutes. Then, give the onions a gentle toss to flip their sides. Roast for another 25 minutes or until they’re soft, almost jammy, and deeply golden. I promise this step adds a magic touch that your taste buds will thank you for.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the onions bake, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the sausages here in a hot pan seals in that meaty flavor. Cook, turning often so they brown evenly, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F — about 20 minutes. A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfect doneness without overcooking. Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm. Your kitchen is already smelling pretty incredible at this point.

Step 3: Make the Rich Sausage Gravy

Use the same skillet—don’t wash it yet!—and add butter to melt, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the sausage; that’s all flavor gold. When the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux, which will thicken your gravy perfectly and keep any raw flour taste at bay. Then, slowly drizzle in your beef stock while whisking constantly. This slow addition prevents lumps and creates a smooth, velvety gravy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and let it simmer until thickened to your liking. This step is where everything really comes together into something seriously comforting.

Step 4: Serve Everything Up

Layer your creamy garlic roasted mashed potatoes on the plate, nestle the browned sausages on top, and pour generous globs of that silky sausage gravy all over. Finally, crown the dish with a pile of those gorgeous caramelized onions. I love the mix of textures and flavors in every bite — rich, sweet, savory, and creamy. It’s truly a hug on a plate!

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Pro Tips for Making Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Onion Thickness: Cutting your onions into wedges instead of slices helps them keep shape and caramelize evenly in the oven.
Low and Slow Gravy: Don’t rush the roux; cooking flour properly prevents a raw taste in your gravy.
Thermometer Essential: I always use a meat thermometer—sausage texture dramatically improves when you avoid overcooking.
Make Ahead Caramelized Onions: You can roast the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge to save time on busy nights.

How to Serve Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate with a base layer of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes in a pale off-white color. On top of this, several browned sausages with a shiny, slightly crispy skin are laid arranged close together. Scattered among the sausages are slices of roasted red onion, showing a deep purple color with slightly blackened, caramelized edges. A light brown gravy covers part of the mashed potatoes and sausages, with a slightly glossy texture and small specks of black pepper visible on the surface. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions, British comfort food recipes, hearty sausage and mash dish, easy traditional British dinner, caramelized onion recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley right over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a little grated aged cheddar on the mash never hurt either, if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Cabbage cooked with a touch of butter and mustard pairs beautifully, offering a gentle crunch and tang. Steamed green beans or peas add a fresh pop of green that brightens the plate and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve this in mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins — it keeps everything warm and feels extra cozy. You can also build it layered in a clear glass dish to show off all the colors and textures, which always gets people curious and excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, keeping the sausages separate from the mash and gravy to prevent sogginess. The caramelized onions reheat beautifully too, so I layer them on just before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked sausages and gravy successfully, but mashed potatoes sometimes lose a bit of their creamy texture after thawing. If you freeze, try to enjoy the dish within one month for best flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the gravy and sausages gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. For mashed potatoes, I add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to bring back that silky texture. The caramelized onions just need a quick toss in a warm pan or microwave—they’re ready in moments.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausages for this Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional pork sausages give that classic vibe, you can use beef, lamb, or even chicken sausages depending on your taste. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and juicy.
How do I make the mashed potatoes from scratch like in the recipe?

I recommend roasting garlic cloves first, then mashing them into boiled potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and pepper. It gives the mash a mellow, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage and gravy.
What’s the secret to perfect caramelized onions?

Low and slow cooking is key—oven roasting with a bit of sugar and balsamic vinegar helps the natural sugars develop evenly without burning, creating that deep, rich sweetness you want.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy, and use gluten-free sausages and stock to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Bangers and Mash with Caramelized Onions Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together around the table, sharing warmth and laughter. I absolutely love how the sweet onions make the rich sausages and creamy mash sing in harmony. If you’ve been hunting for that perfect comfort food recipe or wanting to impress dinner guests with something classic and satisfying, give this one a try. Trust me, once you’ve had it, it’s tough to go back — your new favorite dinner is waiting!