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 broth); 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 sprig thyme (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Mashed potatoes (6 servings); Peas (6 servings)

Nothing beats the comforting charm of a classic Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe. Imagine juicy pork sausages nestled in a rich, savory onion gravy—it's the kind of hearty meal that warms you right to the soul.

A black cast-iron pan holds six browned sausages sitting in a thick creamy orange-brown sauce with translucent cooked onion slices spread over and around them. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the sausages and sauce, adding a pop of color. A silver spoon rests in the pan, filled with sauce and onions, positioned near the bottom right. Above the pan are two white bowls, one full of bright green peas and the other creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth texture. The background and surface are white marbled, with a gray textured cloth partially under the pan. 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

This dish is one of my all-time favorites because it’s so straightforward yet deeply satisfying. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s a recipe I happily make on any chilly evening or when I need a little comfort food fix.

Comfort food classic: Rich onion gravy and crispy pork sausages create a perfect flavor combo that feels like a warm hug.
Easy to prepare: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up an impressive meal in under an hour.
Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love this hearty British staple served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Versatile sides: Peas, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies all work perfectly alongside to round out the meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. Choosing good-quality pork sausages makes all the difference here, as does picking sweet onions that caramelize beautifully into the gravy. Fresh herbs and a splash of red wine add depth without fuss.

Flat lay of six fresh raw pork sausages with smooth skins, two small-medium onions halved and thinly sliced showing white and purple layers, two whole uncracked garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small white bowl of rich brown beef broth, one fresh green sprig of thyme, a white ceramic bowl with creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, a small white bowl of vibrant green peas, a small white bowl of golden cooking oil, and a set of two clean white ceramic dishes holding whole uncracked brown eggs and a balanced mix of coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, 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 a touch to get those sausages nicely browned without sticking.
Pork sausages: The star of the dish — juicy and packed with flavor, they crisp up wonderfully.
Onions: Thinly sliced to soften evenly, they provide sweetness and body to the gravy.
Garlic: Adds a subtle savory kick that complements the onions perfectly.
Flour: This is the magic thickener for the gravy, helping it cling to every bite.
Dry red wine: Optional but highly recommended for a richer, more complex gravy flavor.
Beef broth: Provides a savory base and depth to the onion gravy.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy umami boost—optional but it’s a game-changer.
Thyme: A fresh herb that infuses the gravy with a lovely aromatic touch.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the flavors together.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they’re the perfect bed for soaking up that luscious gravy.
Peas: A simple, bright side that adds color and a touch of sweetness.

📝

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 lies in how adaptable it is. Whether you're aiming to cater to dietary needs or simply want to experiment with flavors, you can make this classic dish your own with a few simple tweaks.

Vegetarian Version: I love swapping out the pork sausages for vegetarian or vegan sausages and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It still delivers that rich onion gravy comfort, perfect for plant-based eaters!
Gluten-Free Twist: For gluten-free friends and family, I replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. It works brilliantly without compromising on that luscious texture.
Wine Alternatives: If dry red wine isn't your thing, I sometimes use extra beef broth or add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to give the gravy a lovely tang without overpowering the flavors.
Extra Crispy Sausages: My secret to upping the crisp factor is cooking the sausages a bit longer at the start, letting the edges caramelize beautifully. It adds such a wonderful texture contrast to the soft gravy and creamy mash.

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

A white bowl filled with three browned sausages placed on top of creamy mashed potatoes, all covered with a light brown onion gravy with visible onion slices and chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. On one side of the bowl is a generous serving of bright green peas. The mashed potatoes have a smooth texture, and the peas appear fresh and round. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and knife 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 your 6 pork sausages and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The goal here is to get that beautifully crispy, golden exterior — it not only looks great but adds incredible flavor to your dish. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions Until Golden

Using the same pan (no need to wash it — those browned bits add so much depth!), add your 2 thinly sliced small-medium onions. Cook them over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye out for when they turn soft and golden — this gentle caramelization builds the base of your onion gravy. Next, stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Then sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, stirring well to coat the onions. This step helps thicken up the gravy later on.

Step 3: Build the Rich Onion Gravy

Pour in ⅓ cup of dry red wine (or extra broth, if you're skipping the wine) while scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. This deglazing step ensures no flavor goes to waste. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth along with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce — this helps prevent lumps from forming and enriches the gravy’s deep flavor. If you have a sprig of thyme, add it now for an aromatic touch.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Thickened

Bring your gravy mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes. During this time, the gravy will thicken slightly and develop that luscious, glossy texture we all love. Stir occasionally to keep everything smooth and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Return your browned sausages to the skillet and give everything a gentle toss so the sausages are nicely coated in the onion gravy. Let them simmer together for a few minutes to heat the sausages through and meld those flavors. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed — this is your chance to tweak it to perfection.

Step 6: Serve Up Your Classic Meal

Plate the sausages over creamy mashed potatoes, ladle generous amounts of the rich onion gravy over the top, and serve with peas on the side. This traditional British classic is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get that perfect balance of crispy texture and rich flavor in your Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe every single time. Trust me, a few small tricks can make this classic dish shine even brighter!

Use Medium-High Heat for Browning: Cooking the sausages over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes ensures a beautifully crisp, golden exterior without burning them. This seals in the juices and adds texture.
Patience with Onions: Take your time sautéing the onions slowly over medium heat until they’re soft and golden—this deep caramelization is key to a rich, flavorful gravy.
Scrape Up the Brown Bits: When adding the wine or broth, scrape the bottom of the pan to release those delicious browned bits—they’re packed with flavor and give your gravy that wonderful depth.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking sausages in batches if necessary avoids steaming and helps them stay crisp rather than soggy—this makes a big difference!

How to Serve Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with light golden brown cooked onion slices spread evenly on the bottom. On top of the onions, there is a pile of white flour in the center, lightly scattered but mostly concentrated in one area. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the sausages and gravy just before serving. A few cracked black peppercorns on top can add an extra mildly spicy kick. For some tang, a dollop of wholegrain mustard or a splash of malt vinegar at the table pairs beautifully with this classic dish.

Side Dishes

This dish is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet garden peas—both provide a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. You could also try buttery steamed carrots, mushy peas, or even a crisp green salad to add some contrast and color to your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sausages and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, enjoy within 3 days. This makes for an easy next-day meal that’s just as comforting.

Freezing

The onion gravy freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 1 month. It’s handy to have homemade gravy ready to go! If you want to freeze sausages, cook them fully first, then freeze separately for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat sausages gently on medium heat or in the oven to keep them crispy. Warm the onion gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?

Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional and delicious, you can also use beef, chicken, or vegetarian sausages. Just keep in mind cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when making the gravy. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.

Is there a substitute for red wine in the gravy?

Yes! You can replace the dry red wine with extra beef broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tang while keeping the richness.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the onion gravy ahead and refrigerate or freeze it. Just reheat gently before adding the freshly cooked sausages for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably cozy about a plate of Crispy Sausages with Onion Gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes, and it’s no wonder this classic British dish has stood the test of time. With just a little attention to detail and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So go ahead, gather the family, enjoy the comforting flavors, and savor every satisfying bite!