How to Make Sausage Gravy A Simple and Delicious RecipeSausage gravy is a classic dish in Southern cuisine, often served over biscuits for a hearty breakfast. Its creamy, savory flavor has made it a beloved comfort food, perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch. Making sausage gravy at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients, making it an ideal dish for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making perfect sausage gravy, ensuring you can recreate this Southern favorite in your own kitchen.
What is Sausage Gravy?
Sausage gravy is a rich, creamy sauce made from sausage, milk, and a roux. The roux is created by cooking flour in fat, usually from the sausage itself, to thicken the gravy. It’s typically served over freshly baked biscuits, although it can also accompany mashed potatoes or toast. The savory flavors of the sausage paired with the smooth, creamy gravy make it a comforting dish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Sausage Gravy
To make sausage gravy, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather
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1 pound breakfast sausage (choose a flavorful sausage of your choice)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 to 3 cups whole milk (adjust based on desired consistency)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for added heat
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Optional Fresh herbs like thyme or sage for extra flavor
How to Make Sausage Gravy
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making sausage gravy. It’s a straightforward recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
1. Brown the Sausage
The first step is to cook the sausage. Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding the breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is fully browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. As it cooks, the sausage will release its fat, which will be used to make the gravy.
2. Create the Roux
Once the sausage is browned, it’s time to make the roux. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir the flour into the sausage and fat mixture, ensuring that it is well incorporated. Let the flour cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. This will remove the raw taste of the flour and help the gravy thicken properly.
3. Add the Milk
Gradually pour the milk into the sausage and flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Start with 2 cups of milk and continue stirring until the gravy begins to thicken. If the gravy seems too thick, you can add more milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that sausage gravy should be thick but still pourable.
4. Season the Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, it’s time to season it. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that sausage can be salty, so taste before adding more salt. If you like a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce. Stir the gravy to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
5. Simmer and Serve
Let the sausage gravy simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the gravy is done, it’s ready to serve. Pour the gravy generously over hot biscuits, mashed potatoes, or toast. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like thyme or sage for added flavor.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy
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Choose the right sausage The flavor of your gravy depends largely on the sausage you use. A well-seasoned breakfast sausage will provide the best flavor. You can also opt for spicy sausage if you like a bit of heat in your gravy.
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Adjust the consistency If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add more milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up.
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Make it spicy If you like your sausage gravy with a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste. You can adjust the level of heat depending on your preferences.
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Use whole milk For the creamiest gravy, use whole milk. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with 2% milk or even a dairy-free alternative, but whole milk provides the best richness.
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Leftovers If you have leftover sausage gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra milk to restore the creamy texture.
Variations of Sausage Gravy
While the classic version of sausage gravy is always delicious, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up
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Vegetarian Sausage Gravy If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled mushrooms to mimic the texture and flavor of sausage.
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Herbed Sausage Gravy Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to your gravy for a more aromatic and flavorful version.
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Cheesy Sausage Gravy For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the gravy. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and richer.
Pairing Sausage Gravy with Other Dishes
Sausage gravy is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of breakfast or brunch dishes. Some classic pairings include
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Biscuits and Sausage Gravy The classic Southern breakfast combination, where fluffy, buttery biscuits are smothered with rich sausage gravy.
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Mashed Potatoes and Sausage Gravy For a comforting, hearty meal, serve sausage gravy over mashed potatoes.
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Toast and Sausage Gravy If you don’t have biscuits, toast is a great alternative to serve with sausage gravy.
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Eggs and Sausage Gravy Scrambled or fried eggs topped with sausage gravy makes for a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
Making sausage gravy is a quick and simple process that results in a comforting, delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or toast, this rich and savory gravy will surely become a favorite in your household. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this Southern classic at home any time you like.
