Blackgate Cumberland Sausage & Apple Cider Skillet

A rich, caramelised one-pan dish that brings together juicy Cumberland sausages, sweet apples, earthy onions, and a luscious cider gravy. It’s hearty, perfectly balanced, and ideal for a family dinner, pub-style menu, or festive gathering.

Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Family Meal, Main Course, Pub-Style Dish

Cuisine English, Modern European, Traditional Pub Food

Diet Low Calorie

Keyword apple cider skillet, Blackgate Signature sausages, British comfort food, Cumberland sausage recipe, one-pan sausage dinner

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Servings People

Calories 635

Equipment

large cast-iron pan

Ingredients

8 Blackgate Signature Premium Cumberland Pork Sausages
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 crisp apples (such as Braeburn or Pink Lady), cored and sliced
2 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp wholegrain mustard
300 ml dry cider
150 chicken or vegetable stock
1 plain flour
1 Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or a few fresh sprigs)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Brown the sausages

Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron pan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Blackgate Cumberland sausages and brown on all sides for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Caramelise the onions & apples

In the same pan, add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the apple slices and brown sugar, then cook for another 5–7 minutes until caramelised and golden.

Create the cider gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and apple mixture, stirring well to coat. Gradually pour in the cider, followed by the stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Combine and simmer

Return the browned sausages to the pan, nestling them into the cider gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce is rich and glossy.
Scatter with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, homely presentation.

Notes

Versatile & comforting: This Cumberland Sausage & Apple Cider Skillet is a true taste of British comfort food — sweet, savoury, and hearty enough for any season. Ideal for family dinners, Sunday lunches, or pub-style menus.

Make ahead: The flavours deepen overnight, so this dish tastes even better the next day. Simply cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot.

Freezer-friendly: Once cooled, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient swaps:

Use pear cider or white wine for a milder flavour.

Swap apples for pears or shallots for a more subtle sweetness.

For a lighter version, use low-fat sausages or reduce the oil by half.

Serving ideas: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or Yorkshire puddings for a full British feast.

For a glossy finish: Stir in a knob of cold butter just before serving — it makes the sauce rich and silky.

Best sausages to use: The Blackgate Signature Premium Cumberland Pork Sausages (1.2 kg)
have a perfect balance of spice and coarsely ground pork, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.

Nutrition