Delicious Homemade Sausage Gravy Recipe!
Sausage gravy is the ultimate comfort food that should have a regular spot on your breakfast table. The recipe combines savory pork sausage, creamy milk, and a touch of seasoning to create a mouth-watering gravy that’s perfect for pouring over biscuits, potatoes or anything else your heart desires. I believe this classic southern recipe is beloved by many, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation giving it an almost universal appeal.
Not only is sausage gravy delicious, but it’s also a quick, filling and affordable meal that can feed the entire family. One of the best things about this dish is that it can be prepared in advance and reheated later, making it the perfect breakfast, brunch or even dinner option for busy or lazy days.
No matter how many variations of sausage gravy you might encounter in different regions of the country, with different spices or types of sausage added – this recipe stands out as one of the best. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make this amazing sausage gravy recipe from scratch. So tie on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food, and once you taste it, you’ll be hooked for life. Here’s why:
First and foremost, this recipe is both easy and quick to make. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious breakfast or brunch dish that will please everyone at the table while satisfying even the heartiest of appetites. Plus, with various substitutions and variations, this recipe can cater to different culinary preferences and dietary needs.
Another reason to love this sausage gravy recipe is that it uses high-quality ingredients. From the pork breakfast sausage to the unsalted butter to the whole milk, every element of this dish elevates its flavor profile. The use of Wondra flour also produces a smooth and creamy texture that is simply irresistible.
Furthermore, this dish has a universal appeal – whether in Southern-style biscuits and gravy or served over mashed potatoes for dinner. It bridges cultures and traditions; it connects people over shared experiences and family gatherings. In short, this is an all-time classic that never gets old.
Lastly, preparing and serving this dish feels like coming home: it’s warm, friendly, and inviting. And in today’s hectic world filled with stressors and distractions, having a consistently delicious meal that makes you feel comfortable and content is priceless.
The bottom line? This sausage gravy recipe is your go-to comfort food that delivers flavor, simplicity, versatility, and nostalgia in every bite. So go ahead and try it out – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
To make the best sausage gravy recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Sausage
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flour
- 3/4 cup Wondra Flour or all-purpose flour
Milk
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup half and half (optional)
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
To start, take a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook it until it begins to brown. As you cook the sausage, break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Once browned and no longer pink, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted completely, sprinkle in ¼ cup of Wondra flour while whisking constantly until smooth. Continue whisking and cooking for about 3 minutes or until it turns a light golden color.
Step 3: Add Milk and Return Sausage to Skillet
After that, add 3 cups of whole milk gradually while continuing to whisk constantly. Bring it to a gentle boil.
When ready to simmer, reduce heat down low. Then add cooked sausage back into the skillet.
Step 4: Season the Gravy
Season gravy with salt and black pepper according to your preference. We recommend starting with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then adding more as needed.
Cook gravy for around 5-8 minutes more until it thickens up to your desired consistency. For this step, make sure that you stir occasionally so that the sausage gravy won’t stick or burn on the bottom of the skillet.
And voila! Your homemade sausage gravy is now ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
This sausage gravy recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can make some substitutions and variations to tailor it to your preferences.
– Flour substitutes: You can use Wondra flour instead of all-purpose flour. It’s a finer flour that dissolves quickly and helps achieve a smoother texture for the gravy. Additionally, if you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– Sausage substitutes: For a healthier option, you can use chicken or turkey sausage. They have less fat than pork sausage but still bring in flavor. If you prefer spicy sausage, go for the cajun or chorizo variety. German or sage-flavored sausages also give a unique flavor twist.
– Dairy substitutes: If you’re lactose-intolerant, you can substitute whole milk with lactose-free milk or almond milk. But don’t expect the same creaminess as whole milk brings. Also, if you want to cut down on calories, you can use low-fat milk, but again, it might impact the texture and flavor.
– Butter substitutes: Instead of unsalted butter, use ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil for a vegan option. These substitutes have a distinct taste profile that would influence the overall flavor of the recipe.
– Pizza topping variation: Got some leftover pizza toppings? Use them to make sausage gravy pizza by spreading the gravy over cooked pizza crust and adding cheese, meats or veggies on top.
– Biscuit gravy casserole variation: Layer cooked biscuits in a baking dish and pour homemade sausage gravy over them. Top with more biscuits and bake until golden brown for a hearty breakfast casserole that feeds a crowd.
These are just some of many ideas to customize this easy sausage gravy recipe to your liking. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients and techniques to create your own signature dish!
Serving and Pairing
Once your sausage gravy is ready, you can start thinking about serving and pairing it. Sausage gravy makes a fantastic breakfast or brunch option, served typically over fresh biscuits. However, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for other meals throughout the day.
To enjoy this classic southern dish for breakfast or brunch, I suggest pairing it with fresh hot biscuits, slices of toasts or English muffins, and a cup of hot coffee. This traditional southern dish is filling and flavorful and makes a perfect way to start your day.
But besides breakfast and brunch, sausage gravy also pairs well with lunch and dinner dishes. Its savory flavor works well with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, or even on top of pizza.
If you’re feeling experimental in the kitchen, give the keto version of sausage gravy a try. Try it as a topping for cauliflower rice instead of biscuits. Another variation you might want to try is the cajun sausage gravy. It’s a spicy twist on the traditional recipe that works well with grits instead of biscuits.
No matter how you intend to serve your sausage gravy, remember to sprinkle some parsley on top for garnish purposes only. The herb lends not only an attractive pop of green but adds depth to the flavors as well.
So go ahead and get creative with your serving and pairing options! Sausage gravy is such a versatile dish that can be served year-round and has the potential to be everyone’s favorite if done right.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are looking for a recipe that can be prepared in advance, this easy sausage gravy is an excellent choice. Not only can you make the gravy ahead of time, but it can also be stored for future use.
To make the sausage gravy ahead of time, prepare it according to the recipe instructions, then let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the gravy to a container with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. This gravy can be refrigerated for up to three days.
To reheat the sausage gravy, gently warm it over medium-low heat on the stovetop. You may need to add some additional milk to thin out the sauce once it has been reheated.
Another option is to freeze the sausage gravy. Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid and freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the gravy overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This easy sausage gravy is perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking for busy mornings when time is of the essence. Whether serving it atop biscuits, breakfast sandwiches or as a stand-alone dish, this versatile gravy will add comfort and flavor to any meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best result with your homemade sausage gravy, take note of these tips and tricks:
Firstly, use Wondra flour instead of all-purpose flour. Wondra flour is finer and smoother than regular flour, creating a perfectly textured gravy.
Next, cook the sausage in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cast iron conducts heat evenly and retains it well, which helps brown the sausage and create a rich flavor.
For a spicier kick to your gravy, consider using spicy breakfast sausage or adding Cajun or even pizza seasoning.
When making the roux (flour-butter mixture) for the gravy, be sure to sprinkle the flour into the skillet gradually, continuously whisking until it’s completely mixed. This will ensure that your gravy is smooth without any lumps.
While pouring in milk, use whole milk instead of skim or 2%, as it creates a creamier texture for your gravy.
Season with salt and black pepper as desired but be careful not to overdo it to avoid ruining the flavor of your dish.
Lastly, if your gravy becomes too thick or thin in consistency, adjust by adding additional milk or flour accordingly.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a fantastic homemade sausage gravy every time!
FAQ
As we come to the last section of our Sausage Gravy Recipe article, we want to ensure all your confusions and queries are addressed adequately. In this FAQ section, we have gathered some common questions and concerns that might arise while making the recipe, and we’ll be answering them to help make your gravy a success. Let’s dive right into it!
What is the difference between country gravy and sausage gravy?
When it comes to gravy, there are two main types that are often confused: country gravy and sausage gravy. While they may seem similar, the main difference lies in the addition of meat. Country gravy, as the name suggests, is meat-free, while sausage gravy contains sausage as its main ingredient. For those interested in trying our most popular recipe, be sure to check out our delicious sausage gravy recipe.
How to make Paula Deen sausage gravy?
Let’s hop into the kitchen and get our large skillet ready. First, we need to combine some hearty ingredients: sausage, bacon, onion, and garlic. Once we’ve got them in the skillet, we want to cook them over medium heat until the sausage is browned and crumbles. It’s important to keep an eye on the skillet and give it a occasional stir.
Next, we want to add some more flavor and texture to the skillet by stirring in some flour, salt, and pepper. Keep those stirring skills sharp, as we want to cook these additional ingredients for a minute. This will help bring out their flavor.
Now we come to the magic ingredient: the half and half. We want to slowly pour this into the skillet while stirring constantly. This will help prevent any clumps from forming and ensure everything is blended together nicely.
Why does my sausage gravy taste bland?
When making gravy, it’s crucial to allow your flour to brown properly and add ample seasoning to avoid a lackluster and unappetizing taste. Some may think it’s best to skimp on the fat, but don’t hesitate to add a touch more if necessary for a richer flavor. To ensure perfection, trust your taste buds and give your gravy a sample to confirm that your seasonings are balanced and on point.
How do you make Alton Brown sausage gravy?
When it comes to making a delicious sausage gravy, starting with a cast iron pan is key. Begin by cooking the sausage in the pan over medium heat until it is brown and crispy.
Next, it’s time to make the gravy. Using the fat from the sausage as a base, whisk in some flour and cook the mixture over medium heat for about three minutes. This will help the flour to cook and the gravy to thicken up nicely.
Once the flour and fat mixture has cooked for a few minutes, slowly pour in some milk while whisking constantly. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the gravy. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Finally, return the pan to heat and allow the gravy to come to a simmer. As it cooks, whisk occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan. After two to three minutes of simmering, the gravy should thicken to the desired consistency. Now it’s ready to be served over biscuits or your favorite breakfast dish.
Bottom Line
In the end, it is difficult not to fall in love with the easy and delicious Sausage Gravy Recipe. With its versatile ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone from a novice cook to a seasoned chef. Whether you want to indulge in a hearty breakfast or make a savory gravy casserole, this recipe has got you covered.
Get creative and try different variations with your favorite sausage, herbs and spices. From the Southern-style Bob Evans’ version to the spicy cajun twist, there are endless ways to spice up this classic dish to suit your taste buds.
As someone who enjoys good food, I urge you not to miss out on what could be the best sausage gravy recipe that you have ever tried. Head over to your kitchen now and give it a go!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (hot breakfast sausage)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Wondra Flour
- 1 quart whole milk
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown sausage in large skillet until crumbly, dry and has absorbed most of the grease.
- Add butter allow to melt.
- Add flour while stirring continuously.
- Sausage will appear slightly white once enough has been added.
- It may take a bit more or less depending on how much grease your sausage contains.
- Continue cooking until flour is browned and mixture is dry.
- About 2 minutes.
- Add milk, more may be required depending on how much flour was added in step three above.
- Lower heat to simmer and allow to cook till thick.
- If your mixture is too thick add more milk, add more flour if it's too dry.
- Gravy should have a light reddish brown color.
- If it's too white the flour was not sufficiently cooked (it's still edible and delicious).
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.