Nothing beats a hearty, cozy meal like this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe. Juicy pork sausages cooked to golden perfection, swimming in a rich, flavorful onion gravy — it’s pure British comfort food that hits all the right notes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and it never fails to satisfy. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it always brings comfort straight to the table.
- Classic Comfort: This dish is the ultimate soul food, combining crispy sausages with a deeply savory onion gravy.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for a meal that feels special but isn’t complicated.
- Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness of caramelized onions contrasts beautifully with the meaty richness of pork sausages.
- Family Friendly: Served with creamy mashed potatoes and peas, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is a star. Keep an eye out for quality pork sausages — they truly make a difference.
- Oil: Just a bit to brown the sausages perfectly without sticking.
- Pork Sausages: For authentic flavor and juicy texture; feel free to swap with beef or chicken if you prefer.
- Onions: Thinly sliced and cooked down until golden to form the base of that luscious gravy.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the gravy to the ideal silky consistency.
- Dry Red Wine: Lifts the gravy with acidity and complexity; use extra broth if you don’t have wine on hand.
- Beef Broth: Rich and robust, it’s the heart of the gravy’s meaty flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Optional but fantastic for adding umami and depth.
- Thyme: Another optional touch that gives the gravy a lovely fresh aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors together.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they’re the perfect canvas for the onion gravy.
- Peas: A simple, fresh green side that complements the richness of the dish.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just craving a twist on this classic, you have plenty of room to get creative.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken your gravy without losing any of the delicious richness. I’ve done this often for friends with gluten sensitivities and it works beautifully!
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the pork sausages with your favorite plant-based sausages and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The onion gravy still shines, making this just as comforting for veggie lovers.
- Wine-Free Option: If you don’t have dry red wine on hand, using a bit more beef broth or a splash of vinegar adds that needed acidity and depth. I usually keep both on standby for whenever I run low on wine.
- Seasonal Flavors: In colder months, adding a sprig of fresh thyme is a little luxury that elevates the gravy with an aromatic hint that’s just perfect for cozy dinners.
- Different Sausages: While pork is traditional and my personal favorite, I’ve tried beef sausages and chicken sausages when switching things up. Each brings a subtly different character to the dish, so feel free to explore!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages to Perfection
Start by heating ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add all 6 pork sausages and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they develop a beautiful, even golden-brown crust. This browning is key for flavour—those caramelized bits will later enrich the gravy. Once they’re nicely 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 skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), add 2 small-medium onions that have been halved and thinly sliced—this should give you about 1.5 to 2 cups. Cook over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and develop a gorgeous golden color. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Gravy’s Rich Base
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat everything. This step helps thicken the gravy later. Now pour in ⅓ cup dry red wine (or extra broth if you prefer), scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor magic right there! Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce if you like a deeper savory kick. Toss in a fresh sprig of thyme if you want that hint of herbal aroma.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thick and Luscious
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5–8 minutes or until the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency that coats the back of your spoon. This gentle simmer lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Reunite Sausages and Gravy
Return the browned sausages to the skillet and toss them gently in the onion gravy to coat. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes just until the sausages are heated through and have soaked up some of that rich flavor. Give your gravy a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—it’s all about your personal preference here!
Step 6: Serve Your Cozy British Classic
To serve, plate the sausages over creamy mashed potatoes and generously ladle the onion gravy on top. Don’t forget a side of fresh peas to add a pop of color and sweetness – it’s the perfect finishing touch to this hearty dish. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Top Tip
Making the perfect Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures. These tips from my kitchen adventures will help you nail it every time!
- Even Browning: Make sure to turn the sausages regularly while cooking over medium-high heat. This ensures they develop that gorgeous crispy skin without burning.
- Onion Caramelization: Take your time when sautéing onions. Low and slow helps bring out their natural sweetness and deep golden color, which gives the gravy its rich flavor.
- Scraping the Pan: Don’t forget to scrape up those browned bits when adding wine or broth—that’s where a lot of the gravy’s magic happens.
- Season Thoughtfully: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper. It’s easy to under-season, but a well-seasoned gravy ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves over the sausages and gravy right before serving. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a final touch of warmth and aroma. For a bit of zing, a few thin slices of pickled red onion on the side provide a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
This classic dish is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed peas, which soak up the luscious onion gravy perfectly. You can also try buttery green beans, roasted root vegetables, or a simple cabbage slaw for some fresh crunch alongside the hearty main.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a quick, comforting meal later in the week.
Freezing
Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy freeze beautifully. Place cooled sausages and gravy together in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap the gravy and sausages tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sausages from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While pork sausages provide a traditional flavor, you can substitute beef or chicken sausages if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they're cooked through.
If you don’t have dry red wine on hand, simply use extra beef broth or a small splash of vinegar for acidity. Both options keep the gravy flavorful without altering the taste too much.
To make your Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or use cornstarch as a thickener. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
Yes! You can brown the sausages and prepare the onion gravy earlier in the day, then reheat them together just before serving. This makes dinner time quicker without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sitting down with a plate of Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and peas—the ultimate British comfort food. With just a little care and these tips in mind, this classic dish becomes easy and rewarding to make at home. I hope this recipe brings you as much warmth and joy as it has to my table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
Classic British comfort food featuring juicy pork sausages served in a rich onion gravy, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and peas.
Ingredients
Sausages & Gravy
- 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 broth)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 sprig thyme (optional)
- salt & pepper to taste
To Serve
- mashed potatoes
- peas
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 6 pork sausages and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides. Remove sausages from the pan and keep them warm.
- Sauté onions: Using the same pan, add 2 thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and golden. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir well to combine.
- Make the gravy: Pour in ⅓ cup dry red wine (or extra broth if preferred), scraping up any browned bits from the pan's bottom. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (if using) to prevent lumps. Add 1 sprig of thyme for extra flavor if desired.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the gravy slightly thickens.
- Finish the dish: Return the browned sausages to the skillet and toss them to coat in the onion gravy. Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the sausages over prepared mashed potatoes, ladle the onion gravy generously on top, and serve with peas on the side for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use pork sausages for authentic flavor, but beef or chicken sausages can be substituted.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy.
- If dry red wine is not available, use extra beef broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
- Mashed potatoes can be made richer with butter and cream or lighter with milk substitutes as preferred.
- Thyme sprig is optional but adds a nice aromatic note to the gravy.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausages with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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