Name: Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 8 Cumberland sausages; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 medium onions, finely sliced; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 300 ml beef stock; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; Salt and black pepper to taste; 500 g puff pastry; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 73 reviews

If you’re craving a true taste of hearty British comfort food, the Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe is an absolute winner. Featuring juicy Cumberland sausages simmered in a rich onion gravy and beautifully encased in flaky golden puff pastry, this pie is the kind of dish that warms your soul from the first bite. Perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend indulgence, every mouthful bursts with flavors that feel both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal tray filled with raw meat shaped into small, oval patties arranged in rows. Each patty is light red with visible small white bits embedded, likely pieces of fat or seasoning. The patties have a slightly rough texture and are placed close to each other but not touching. The tray surface is smooth and clean, with the edges of the tray slightly raised to hold the meat. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the savory herbs to the buttery puff pastry, these elements come together to create the ultimate comfort pie.

8 Cumberland sausages: The star of the dish, packed with robust herbs and spices, providing juicy, flavorful meat.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: Essential for giving the sausages a beautifully seared exterior and locking in those meaty juices.
2 medium onions, finely sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized slowly in the pan.
1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the rich onion gravy, giving it a silky, satisfying texture.
300 ml beef stock: The backbone of the gravy, adding savory richness that complements the sausages perfectly.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Offers a subtle tang and umami boost that lifts the entire pie.
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Infuses the gravy with fragrant, fresh herbal notes.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight and balance all the flavors.
500 g puff pastry: Creates the golden, flaky lid that turns this pie into an irresistible treat.
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the pastry a gorgeous, shiny finish after baking.

How to Make Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Cumberland sausages and brown them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior. Once beautifully browned, remove them from the pan and set aside—this step locks in their juicy flavors, which is crucial for a rich pie filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Using the same pan, add the finely sliced onions. Cook them gently until they turn golden and soft, which should take roughly 5 minutes. This slow caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and forms the base of your delicious onion gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and stir it in, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Then, gradually pour in the beef stock, whisking continuously to create a smooth gravy. Add Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme leaves, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer gently until it thickens slightly—this rich sauce will perfectly coat the sausages.

Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients

Return the browned sausages to the pan, nestling them into the fragrant onion gravy. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes so the sausages soak up the flavors and heat through thoroughly. This melding of tastes is what makes the Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe truly special.

Step 5: Prepare the Pastry

While the filling is coming together, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Roll out the puff pastry to fit your pie dish, ensuring it’s large enough to cover the filling completely. The buttery layers of puff pastry are essential for the fantastic contrast between the crispy crust and savory filling.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Pour the sausage and gravy mixture into your pie dish. Carefully cover with the puff pastry, trimming any excess edges. Cut a few steam vents into the top and brush the surface with beaten egg to achieve that glorious golden-brown finish. Bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and beautifully golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this resting period makes slicing cleaner and lets the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe

The image shows a rectangular baking pan filled with a dish that has four browned sausages placed on a bed of caramelized onions, all resting on a light golden puff pastry layer with slightly raised edges. Behind the pan, a wooden surface holds three brown eggs, a block of pale yellow cheese wrapped in parchment, and a bowl with cream and green herbs sprinkled on top. To the right, there is a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg with a bright yellow yolk. Fresh green herb sprigs are scattered nearby on the wooden surface with a white marbled texture underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and an extra herby aroma that’s inviting and fresh against the rich pie. For an added touch, a small dollop of tangy mustard on the side contrasts wonderfully with the savory filling.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted root vegetables, making your meal both hearty and comforting. A simple side of garden peas or green beans adds a fresh, crisp element that balances the richness of the pie beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins lined with puff pastry for personal pies. Alternatively, accompany slices of the pie with a bright winter salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—this mix of warm and cold adds an exciting dynamic to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal equally delicious.

Freezing

If you want to keep this comforting dish on hand for busy days, assemble the pie but refrain from baking it. Wrap it well with cling film and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen—just add a little extra time to ensure the pastry is cooked through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C until thoroughly warmed and the pastry is crisp again, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the pastry soggy and lose that lovely crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausages instead of Cumberland?

Absolutely! While Cumberland sausages bring a distinctive, spiced flavor, any good-quality pork sausage will work well for this pie. Just ensure they’re flavorful enough to hold their own against the rich gravy and pastry.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice or chickpea flour and use gluten-free puff pastry. Just check all ingredients carefully to keep your dish fully gluten-free.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Definitely. The sausage and onion gravy filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to cook, just assemble with the pastry and bake as instructed for a quicker meal prep.

What if I prefer a less rich gravy?

For a lighter version, substitute the beef stock with chicken stock and reduce the amount of oil used for browning. The pie will still be comforting but with a more delicate flavor profile.

How long should I let the pie rest before serving?

Resting for about 10 minutes after baking allows the filling to set and cool slightly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture. This little patience pays off in every bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about the Hairy Bikers Cumberland Sausage Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Recipe that makes you feel right at home, whether it’s midweek or a weekend treat. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish loaded with love and warmth that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that golden puff pastry crust giving way to a rich, savory filling. Trust me, this one will be a favorite you turn to again and again.