What Kind of Sausage in the US Would Be Similar to a British Banger?

When it comes to recreating the British banger in the United States, several types of sausages come close. Understanding the characteristics and flavors of these sausages can help you replicate the authentic taste and texture of a banger in your dishes.

Types of Sausages Similar to Bangers in the US

In the US, sausages that are similar to the British banger would typically be breakfast sausage or Italian sausage.

Breakfast Sausage

Often made from ground pork, breakfast sausages are seasoned with a variety of spices, including sage, pepper, and sometimes maple syrup. These sausages are known for their mild flavor and soft texture, which closely mirrors that of bangers. Breakfast sausages can be purchased fresh or pre-cooked, making them versatile ingredients for a range of recipes, from casseroles to sautéed with mashed potatoes.

Italian Sausage

Italian sausages, while more heavily spiced, especially in the hot varieties, can still be quite similar in size and texture to bangers. The sweet Italian sausage, in particular, offers a mild flavor profile that is closer to that of bangers. These sausages are typically made from pork as well, providing a familiar taste and texture when cooked.

Bratwurst

Bratwurst is sometimes considered the closest equivalent to bangers. This German-style sausage is typically made from lightly seasoned pork and is untrimmed. While it may not perfectly replicate the texture and taste of bangers, it is often the best substitute available in mainstream grocery stores. Brands like Jimmy Dean offer a sage sausage that can be shaped into logs and fried to achieve a similar crust as bangers.

Understanding Bangers

A banger, also known as a black pudding sausage, is not typically considered one of the high-quality sausages. The term "banger" originated because these sausages were often made with poor quality casings, whether real or artificial, and could burst during cooking with a loud "bang" due to the high pressure inside.

The ingredients in bangers are usually inexpensive, with a significant portion being filler. In the UK, this filler is often rusk (crushed biscuits), which gives a lighter texture and more crumbly consistency. In comparison, US sausages might use breadcrumbs instead of rusk, leading to a more emulsified texture. The taste of bangers is lean towards pork, with subtle seasonings that include sage, nutmeg, and mace.

Conclusion

While there isn’t an exact equivalent to bangers in the US, you can get close with breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or bratwurst. These sausages offer a similar texture and mild flavor profile that can be used in various recipes to achieve a banger-like taste. Make sure to choose the right type of sausage based on your preference and local availability to get the best results.