Bangers, a quintessential British sausage, are not only a staple in the UK's culinary scene but also a beloved feature of pub menus, with the average British meat-eater consuming over 2,700 sausages during their adult lifetime. These savory delights, often synonymous with comfort food, owe their nickname to their propensity for bursting—hence "banging"—when cooked at high temperatures. To preserve their succulent flavors and prevent splitting, culinary experts suggest a gentle pre-boil before searing or grilling. For those wondering, “What are bangers?” and how to best enjoy them, incorporating this method ensures a perfectly cooked sausage that's both traditional and satisfying.
These sausages are white or pink and are made primarily of pork butt, a small amount of breadcrumbs, and water. They are normally pleasantly spiced with both sweet and savory spices. The average banger will have both salt and pepper, as well as sage, ginger and mace or allspice. Spices differ depending upon the brand.
The ingredients are well mixed, and then stuffed into casings, as is usual with most sausages. Casings are usually made from pork or sheep intestines, and look like long translucent ropes.
Some bangers are pre-cooked, which makes them easy to cook and helps ensure that the interior of the sausage will be cooked through. Sausages that are not pre-cooked often should be boiled before they are fried so the interior meat, which is not cooked, has a chance to come to a high temperature before they are finished in a hot pan. This way, they're well cooked and have a crisp skin.
In the UK, bangers may be served with breakfast, and they make part of one of the most traditional of English dishes, bangers and mash. This is actually a quite simple dish, usually made up of two sausages served over mashed potatoes. They may also be served in sandwiches with grilled onions.
It is quite easy to find bangers in the US. Most chain grocery stores carry them, and they can also sometimes be found freshly prepared by local butchers. English and Irish-inspired pubs frequently offer bangers and mash or sandwiches on their menus. They may also be sold at country fairs and are particularly popular at Renaissance fairs.