Irish Beer Bangers and Mash pile Irish banger sausages simmered in Irish ale on a heap of seasoned mashed potatoes with beefy gravy.
Irish Beer Bangers and Mash
Sue Lau | Palatable Pastime
Jump to Recipe
Irish Beer Bangers and Mash is my recipe of the day for Sunday Funday. We group up on Sundays posting a variety of recipe topics. This week we are posting for St. Patrick’s Day.
Print Recipe
Bangers: British or Irish or…?
And before we get started, I want to clarify that I know that Irish people do not generally refer to sausages as bangers. Unless they are talking about British people talking about their bangers. That’s a lot of talking going around (much of it behind the back of the other person). And in the midst of differences between what Irish and English people call them, something was forgotten.
The Yanks are sitting here across the pond, talking out of earshot, obviously. Because no one seems to be aware that for whatever reason, if you go to an Irish pub or restaurant in the U.S. and order this sausage, it will be called…(guess what? LOL) A banger. And further, if you go to a butcher shop to buy these little gems for your dish, they will describe them as Irish bangers. But the Irish need to know that we are not being antagonistic over here on this side of the Atlantic- as we do love everything Irish, and celebrate it famously (especially on St. Patty’s Day when everyone is suddenly…Irish!)
History of Bangers
The history of the banger doesn’t seem to imply any difference in where the sausage was made, using what traditional recipe, or even who ate them. But back during the War, times dictated that meats often have water added to them as filler. And as a result, when popped into the frying pan, the natural casings tend to shrink, squeezing out that little bit of water which sizzles, bangs and pops, causing the sausages to dance a sort of Irish jig right there. Now what self-respecting Irishman isn’t going to love that? If the Irish haven’t yet embraced the term for their sausages, it might seem that the sausages themselves have embraced being Irish, much in the same way that Yanks and peoples everywhere do, whenever cause for Irish celebration comes up.
Bangers in America
So yes. I am calling these bangers Irish, because that’s what the butcher called them. And as for the pairing with mash, I’ll just pass it off with a wink and say that everybody loves mash, and Irish and potatoes might even be joined at the hip. So if it wasn’t an Irish recipe before, it may in fact be one now, because the world demands it and because. YUM.
When to Serve Bangers and Mash
Now this dish can often be served as a breakfast item (in London if not Dublin) although I find it makes a nice comfy dish for dinner, served with a side of English peas. It’s great Springtime food for me, and I’ll eat this anytime without an argument.
Pairing Bangers and Mash
If any Irishness is needed from there, I might pair it with a Smithwick’s ale , Harp lager beer, or maybe a Blacksmith (Guinness stout and Smithwick’s ale, layered), or a Black and Tan (Harp lager or Bass ale and Guinness stout, layered).
Whichever meal you choose to enjoy your Irish sausage and potatoes, or with a pint or even a mug of Irish coffee, you are sure to enjoy. I know this is a recipe I love!
Sunday Funday
St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
Check out these recipes for more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
- Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Irish Soda Bread & Leprechaun Traps
- A Day in the Life on the Farm: Dingle Pie
- Our Good Life: Irish Nachos
- Palatable Pastime: Bangers and Mash
- Sneha’s Recipe: Keto Irish Scrambled Eggs With Chaffles
- Culinary Adventures with Camilla: Irish Stout Tea-Infused Truffles
- Food Lust People Love: Ham and Split Pea Soup (Instant Pot)
- Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Colcannon | Irish Mashed Potatoes with Kale
- Mayuri’s Jikoni: Irish Potato Farls
- The Mad Scientist’s Kitchen: Easy Irish Soda Bread
Irish Beer Bangers and Mash
You Might Also Like:
Irish Cheese Toasties
Irish Cheese Toasties are a delicious Irish appetizer that makes an especially good accompaniment with beer.
Bubble & Squeak
Bubble and Squeak is a tasty British hash made from potatoes and cabbage similar to colcannon, named for the noise it made while cooking.
Creamy Peas with Mushrooms & Garlic
Irish style fresh peas and ‘shrooms with a creamy cheese sauce.
Beer Battered Bangers
Beer Battered Bangers are Irish sausages in a crispy beer batter that can also be used to make onion rings.
Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Guinness
Tender lamb stew with savory vegetables slow-cooked with Irish Guinness ale make a comforting meal chock full of luck and love.
Or Some Recipe Ideas for Irish drinks:
Blacksmith:
Pour half Smithwick’s into a pint glass and top up with Guinness.
Black and Tan:
Pour Harp or Bass into a pint glass and top up with Guinness.
Irish Beer Bangers and Mash
Irish Beer Bangers and Mash
Ingredients
Bangers and Gravy:
- 1 pound sausages (Irish banger sausages)
- 12 ounces Harp lager beer (or other lager beer)
- 2 large yellow onions slivered
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 21 ounces canned beef stock
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup crème fraiche (or thin sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried chives
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet, brown sausages, then cover with beer, reduce heat, cover and simmer until beer is almost disappeared.
- Meanwhile, in another nonstick skillet, heat butter and oil and saute onions, thyme and garlic over low heat until caramelized, about 30-35 minutes; keeping the heat low and stirring often.
- When caramelized, season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Whisk cornstarch into stock until dissolved; stir into onions and stir over low heat, then bring a boil stirring, until mixture thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook potatoes in boiling salted water 15-20 minutes or until fork tender; remove from heat and drain.
- Add butter to the hot pan and allow to melt; add drained potatoes and mash; seasoning to taste with salt and pepper, adding in chives, and enough of the creme fraiche until it is as thin as you like.
- Serve bangers and gravy over mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Don’t Forget to Pin and Save the Recipe!
Join my recipe group on Facebook for more recipes from blogger friends around the world!
Scan the Code or Click the Link to Join.
Palatable Recipes
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which offer sources for ingredients and equipment, if needed. Clicking on them doesn’t cost you anything but helps pay the electric bill and keep the blog lights on should you purchase anything during your visit! Thanks for your support.
Note: This post has been updated from 02.26.14 to reflect an updated recipe card and fresh photography. Thanks for your continued interest.
