Food and Beverage
Classic British Comfort Food: Bangers and Mash Recipe
Bangers and Mash is a classic British comfort food featuring sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich onion gravy. The dish has roots dating back to World War I. Ideal for any occasion, it is easy to prepare, satisfying, and can be customized for vegetarian preferences, providing a taste of UK heritage.
Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Few dishes say “comfort food” quite like Bangers and Mash. This classic British meal combines juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy — the kind of hearty, soul-warming plate you’d find in a cozy English pub. Whether you’re celebrating British heritage or simply craving something satisfying and simple, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
🇬🇧 What is Bangers and Mash?
“Bangers” is the British nickname for sausages — a name that originated during World War I when meat shortages led to sausages that sometimes “banged” or burst while cooking. “Mash,” of course, refers to the buttery mashed potatoes that accompany them. Together, they form a timeless duo that’s beloved across the UK and beyond.
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Sausages (Bangers):
- 8 good-quality pork sausages (or beef/lamb sausages if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk or cream (add more as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a splash of red wine or ale for extra depth of flavor
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until tender.
- Drain well and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Keep warm while preparing the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Sausages
- In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the sausages and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and keep warm.
3. Make the Onion Gravy
- Using the same pan, add more butter if needed and stir in the sliced onions.
- Cook slowly for about 10 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and a dash of wine or ale if using.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and rich in flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon generous servings of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top with two sausages and ladle over the onion gravy.
- Optional sides: green peas, sautéed cabbage, or roasted carrots.
🍺 Tips for the Perfect Bangers and Mash
- Use quality sausages: A good sausage makes all the difference. Try a butcher’s pork sausage or a British-style banger for authentic flavor.
- Make it creamy: Warm your milk before adding it to the mash for a smoother texture.
- Add depth: A splash of ale or red wine in the gravy gives it that authentic pub-style richness.
🌱 Vegetarian Option
Swap the pork sausages for plant-based versions and use vegetable stock for the gravy. Add mushrooms for an earthy twist — you’ll still get all the flavor with none of the meat.
🕰️ Quick Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 4
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is comfort food done right — easy to make, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether for Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, Bangers and Mash brings a little taste of the UK to your table, wherever you are.
📸 Serving Suggestion
Serve it hot with a pint of ale or a glass of red wine, and enjoy the kind of comfort that only traditional food can bring.
🍽️ Recipe Sources & Variations
- BBC Good Food — “Bangers and mash with onion gravy”https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/bangers-n-mash-with-onion-gravy
- Don’t Go Bacon My Heart — “Classic Bangers and Mash”https://www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk/bangers-and-mash/
- RecipeTin Eats — “Bangers and Mash (Sausage with Onion Gravy)”https://www.recipetineats.com/bangers-and-mash-sausage-with-onion-gravy/
- Daring Gourmet — “Bangers and Mash”https://www.daringgourmet.com/bangers-and-mash-recipe/
- BBC Good Food — “Sweet chilli bangers & mash” (a twist on the classic)https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/oriental-bangers-mash
- BBC Good Food — “Classic sausage & mash”https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-sausage-mash
- Billy Parisi — “Bangers and Mash (with Caramelized Onion Gravy)”https://www.billyparisi.com/homemade-bangers-and-mash-recipe/
- Another Food Blogger — “Gourmet Bangers and Mash” (with chutney twist)https://www.anotherfoodblogger.com/recipes/gourmet-bangers-mash/
- BBC Good Food — “Easy onion gravy” (great for pairing with sausages or roasts)https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/onion-gravy
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
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Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.
National Hot Chocolate Day
Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener like whipped cream or marshmallows. Hot chocolate made with melted chocolate is sometimes called drinking chocolate, characterized by less sweetness and a thicker consistency.
The first chocolate drink is believed to have been created by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago, and a cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, by which they referred to as xocōlātl.[2] The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used medicinally to treat ailments such as liver and stomach diseases.
Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations, including the spiced chocolate para mesa of Latin America, the very thick cioccolata calda served in Italy and chocolate a la taza served in Spain, and the thinner hot cocoa consumed in the United States. Prepared hot chocolate can be purchased from a range of establishments, including cafeterias, fast food restaurants, coffeehouses and teahouses. Powdered hot chocolate mixes, which can be added to boiling water or hot milk to make the drink at home, are sold at grocery stores and online. (wikipedia)
Links:
National Day Calendar: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hot-chocolate-day-january-31/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate
Visit our Food and Drink section: https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
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Food and Beverage
Win Your Watch Party with a Fan Favorite Dip
Game day hosts can elevate their celebrations with a 7-Layer Game Day Dip. This easy recipe combines refried beans, mashed avocados, seasoned sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, scallions, and olives for a delicious spread. Perfect with tortilla chips, it’s an ideal snack for enjoying during the big game. For more recipes, visit Culinary.net.
(Family Features) From the pregame party to kickoff and the final whistle, game day hosts know savory snacks are the key to victory. Celebrate the big game this season with a simple yet tasty spin on a football staple with this 7-Layer Game Day Dip. Featuring layers of refried beans, mashed avocados and seasoned sour cream topped with cheese, tomatoes, scallions and black olives, you can tackle a winning spread in next to no time.
Visit Culinary.net to find more strategies for serving victorious game day recipes.
7-Layer Game Day Dip
Recipe adapted from Love & Lemons
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 2 avocados
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained (optional)
- tortilla chips, for serving
- In medium bowl, stir refried beans and 1/2 cup salsa. In separate medium bowl, mash avocados with remaining salsa. Add bell peppers and lime juice; stir to combine. In third medium bowl, stir sour cream and taco seasoning.
- To assemble, spread refried bean mixture in bottom of baking dish. Spread avocado mixture evenly on top then spread sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese then top with diced tomatoes.
- Top dish with scallions and black olives, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Food and Beverage
Straw Hat Pizza: The Rise, Fall, and Nostalgic Legacy of a California Pizza Icon
Straw Hat Pizza was once a California pizza powerhouse. Explore the rise, decline, and nostalgic legacy of this beloved family pizza chain.
Long before pizza delivery apps, stuffed-crust gimmicks, and national chains on every corner, there was Straw Hat Pizza — a family-friendly, California-born pizza chain that helped define what “going out for pizza” meant for generations.
For many Californians, Straw Hat Pizza wasn’t just dinner. It was birthday parties, Little League celebrations, arcade games, salad bars, and the hum of a busy dining room packed with families. While the brand is far smaller today, its place in American food history is secure.
Humble Beginnings: A California Pizza Story
Straw Hat Pizza was founded in 1959 by Charlie Olson and Bill Henderlong. The first location opened in San Leandro, California, during a period when pizza was still becoming a mainstream American favorite.
The name came from the straw hats worn by pizza makers at early California pizzerias — a visual shortcut that told customers exactly what kind of place they were entering. Casual. Friendly. Pizza-focused.
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The Golden Years: 1960s Through the Early 1980s
Through the 1960s and 1970s, Straw Hat Pizza expanded rapidly across California and Nevada. By 1980, the chain reportedly operated more than 200 locations, becoming a staple in suburban shopping centers and family neighborhoods.
- Large dining rooms built for families and groups
- Arcade games and coin-operated attractions
- Salad bars — a defining feature of the era
- Party rooms for birthdays and team celebrations
The pizza leaned toward what we now call California-style: thin, layered crusts, generous toppings, and a menu designed for sharing. It was food meant to be eaten at a table, not rushed out the door.
Corporate Consolidation and Decline
In 1969, Straw Hat Pizza was sold to Saga Corporation, which later became part of Marriott Corporation. As restaurant consolidation accelerated in the 1980s, Straw Hat became caught in a wave of mergers and acquisitions.
By the late 1980s, many Straw Hat locations were sold to or converted by Pizza Hut. Franchise owners fought back, eventually retaining rights to the Straw Hat name and continuing operations independently — but the brand’s footprint was permanently reduced.
How Straw Hat Pizza Survived
Unlike many mid-century restaurant chains, Straw Hat Pizza never fully disappeared. Independent franchise owners reorganized, preserving the brand, recipes, and name. Today, a limited number of Straw Hat Pizza locations continue operating — primarily in California.
It is no longer a national competitor, but rather a regional legacy brand, sustained by nostalgia and loyal local customers.
Why Straw Hat Pizza Still Matters
Straw Hat Pizza represents an era when pizza parlors were community spaces — places to linger, celebrate, and connect. Its story mirrors the rise of suburban America and the transformation of pizza from novelty to cultural staple.
For many, the memory of Straw Hat Pizza is inseparable from childhood — the smell of baked dough, the sound of arcade machines, and the excitement of a shared pie arriving at the table.
The Nostalgia Revival
Vintage menus, matchbooks, and advertisements from Straw Hat Pizza frequently surface online, part of a broader resurgence of interest in retro restaurants. These artifacts remind us that regional chains once played a major role in shaping American food culture.
Straw Hat Pizza may no longer dominate California strip malls, but its legacy lives on — in memories, collectibles, and the handful of locations still serving slices under that iconic name.
Related Coverage on STM Daily News
External References & Further Reading
STM Daily News continues to explore the food history that shaped our communities — from vanished chains to local favorites that still define how we eat and gather.
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