The Art of Barbecuing British Bangers: How to Keep Them Juicy, Not Dry

Summer is here, the grill is hot, and there’s no better time to fire up a few proper British sausages. But if you’ve ever tried barbecuing British bangers the same way you’d handle American hot dogs or bratwursts, you may have ended up with something dry, cracked, or a little underwhelming.

British bangers are a different breed: plump, tender, and packed with herbs and spices. To bring out the best in them on the grill, it takes just the right technique.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to barbecue British sausages to perfection so they stay juicy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

What Makes British Bangers Unique?

Before we get to the barbecue, let’s talk texture. British bangers aren’t like most American sausages. They’re made with a blend of high-quality pork, breadcrumbs, and traditional seasoning blends like sage, pepper, and nutmeg. That breadcrumb content helps give them a soft, almost creamy texture. It also means they don’t behave the same way on a hot grill.

Compared to American sausages, bangers are:

• Less salty

• More finely ground

• More prone to bursting if cooked too fast or too hot

That’s why your grilling technique matters.

How to BBQ British Sausages the Right Way

Grilling bangers is an art, but not a complicated one. It just takes a little care, a little patience, and a few simple tips.

1. Don’t Prick the Sausages

It might be tempting to poke a few holes to “let the fat out,” but resist the urge. British sausages are meant to stay juicy. Pricking them causes those delicious juices to escape, drying them out and shrinking them on the grill.

Pro tip: If you’re worried about splitting, it’s a sign your heat is too high.

2. Start on a Low Heat

Start the sausages over a lower heat, and let them warm and expand slowly into the casings. Once the sausages have plumped up, turn the heat up a little and finish them with a nice sear to get them looking all browned and ready for eating.

• Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes

• Turn occasionally to prevent burning

• Finish over high heat for just a few minutes to brown

This method mimics the same method used when pan-frying in the kitchen.

3. Keep the Lid Closed

Barbecuing British bangers with the lid down helps them cook throughout, and holds the heat in the grill, which assists with baking the sausages at the same time that they are being grilled.

Barbecue Pairings for British Bangers

Want to give your backyard cookout a proper British twist? Here are a few pairing ideas:

Drinks: Try a chilled English ale, cider, or even a Pimm’s Cup

Sides: Grilled tomatoes, buttered peas, coleslaw with mustard dressing

Starch: Creamy potato salad or rustic rolls

Or go all out with a backyard version of bangers and mash, grilled bangers, spooned over mash, and topped with a warm onion gravy. It’s a pub classic turned barbecue favorite.

Common Mistakes When Barbecuing British Bangers

Even experienced grillers can make simple errors when cooking British sausages. Because bangers are softer and more delicate than many American-style sausages, they require a different approach. Avoiding these common mistakes can mean the difference between dry, cracked sausages and juicy, flavorful results.

• High heat from the start
  British bangers should never go straight onto a scorching hot grill. Starting with high heat can cause the skins to char and split while the inside remains undercooked. Instead, begin cooking over indirect heat to allow the sausages to warm gently and evenly. Finish with a brief sear over direct heat to develop that perfect golden color.

• Pricking the sausages
  Puncturing the casing may seem like a good way to release fat, but it causes essential juices to escape. British bangers rely on their moisture to stay tender and flavorful. When you prick them, you risk ending up with dry, shriveled sausages lacking in both texture and taste.

• Overcooking
  Unlike firmer sausages that can stand up to extended grilling, British bangers are best when cooked just until they reach a safe internal temperature. Overcooking will lead to a dry or rubbery texture. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F or higher. The result should be firm enough to hold shape, but still juicy when cut into.

• Treating them like hot dogs
  British sausages are not designed to be thrown on and forgotten. Unlike hot dogs or bratwursts, which can handle aggressive heat and quick flips, bangers benefit from slow attention and careful timing. Think of them more like a fine cut of meat than a barbecue sidekick. They deserve care, not shortcuts.

• Do not boil in beer or water

Boiling sausages in beer or water is a common American habit, but should be avoided when cooking British sausages. This is because British sausages contain breadcrumbs, and it is important not to use beer or water in order to preserve the quality and texture. 

Where to Buy British Bangers in the USA

Whether you're a homesick Brit or a grill enthusiast craving something different, authentic British sausages can be hard to come by unless you know where to look.

At Jolly Posh Foods, we craft traditional British bangers using classic recipes and ship them across the USA in biodegradable coolers. Choose from:

• Traditional sausages – very mildly seasoned with white pepper and nutmeg, available in Regular, Gluten Free and Breakfast Chipolatas

• Pork and Herb – medium seasoned with sage, thyme, parsley

• Lincolnshire – robustly seasoned with sage, the herbiest of our sausages, available in Regular, Gluten Free and Chipolatas

• Cumberland - nice and peppery, with black pepper, white pepper, cayenne, parsley; available in Regular, Coil and Chipolatas

• Pork and Apple – loaded with apples and a hint of sage

• Pork and Leek – earthy and filled with leeks

• Beef and Onion - loads of onion and garlic 

• Irish Breakfast Bangers - nice hints of allspice, marjoram and black pepper

Shop now and get 20% off orders over $200. It’s perfect for stocking the freezer or planning a UK-style barbecue.

Ready to try it for yourself?

Order your British bangers from Jolly Posh Foods and fire up the grill this weekend. Because some sausages are too good for ketchup and buns.

FAQs

Can you grill British bangers like regular sausages?
Not exactly. British bangers are softer and more delicate. For best results, cook them low and slow over low to medium heat, then turn up the heat a little to brown and finish.

What’s the best way to barbecue British sausages without drying them out?
Keep the lid closed, don’t prick the skins, and avoid high heat at the start. Let them cook through gently, then finish over direct heat.

Where can I buy British sausages in the USA?
Jolly Posh Foods offers authentic British bangers, shipped nationwide with eco-friendly packaging.