Sausage Gravy Recipe: How to Make Delicious Southern-Style Gravy

Understanding Sausage Gravy

If you are looking for a comforting breakfast dish that is easy to make, then sausage gravy is the perfect recipe for you. This classic Southern dish is a staple in many households and is loved by all. In this section, we will help you understand sausage gravy and how to make it.

What is Sausage Gravy?

Sausage gravy is a creamy and savory sauce made with sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings. It is typically served over biscuits, making it a popular breakfast dish in the Southern United States. The gravy is rich and flavorful, making it a comfort food that is perfect for any time of day.

Why is Sausage Gravy a Comfort Food?

Sausage gravy is a comfort food because it is warm, filling, and reminds us of home-cooked meals. The creamy and savory sauce is perfect for cold winter mornings, and the aroma of the sausage and seasonings can make anyone’s mouth water. Additionally, the dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking, making it a favorite among families.

Making Sausage Gravy

To make sausage gravy, you will need ground pork sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings. The sausage is cooked in a skillet until browned, and then the flour is added to create a roux. The milk is slowly added to the roux, creating a creamy sauce. Finally, the seasonings are added to give the gravy its signature flavor.

Here is a simple recipe for sausage gravy:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sausage Gravy Recipe Instructions

1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir to coat.
3. Cook the flour for 2 minutes, then slowly add milk and stir constantly as you pour it in to avoid clumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until it’s thickened.
5. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect sausage gravy, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. From the type of sausage to the milk and flour, every ingredient plays a role in creating a delicious and creamy gravy. In this section, we will discuss the different ingredients you need to make the best sausage gravy.

Sausage Selection

The first and most important step in making sausage gravy is choosing the right sausage. Pork breakfast sausage is the most commonly used sausage for gravy, but you can also use ground sausage, turkey sausage, or even bacon grease. When selecting your sausage, be sure to choose a high-quality brand with plenty of flavor.

Choosing Milk

Whole milk is the best choice for sausage gravy, as it provides a rich and creamy texture. However, you can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even creamier consistency. Avoid using skim or low-fat milk, as they will not provide the same richness and creaminess.

Flour and Seasonings

Flour is used to thicken the gravy and create a smooth texture. All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use self-rising flour for a fluffier gravy. When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are essential. Other seasonings such as sage, onion, garlic, and herbs can also be added for extra flavor.

Additional Ingredients

While sausage, milk, flour, and seasonings are the main ingredients in sausage gravy, there are a few additional ingredients that can take your gravy to the next level. Butter can be added for richness and flavor, while black pepper can be used for a little extra kick. Be sure to taste your gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

In summary, choosing the right ingredients is key to making the perfect sausage gravy. From the type of sausage to the milk and flour, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and creamy gravy. Remember to select high-quality ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Preparing the Sausage

When it comes to making sausage gravy, the first step is to prepare the sausage. Here’s how you can do it:

Browning the Sausage

To brown the sausage, heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the sausage and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking the sausage until it is crumbly and browned. Once the sausage is browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Handling Sausage Drippings

After removing the sausage from the skillet, pour off most of the grease, leaving 2 to 3 tablespoons of sausage drippings in the skillet. You can use the drippings to make the gravy. If you have excess drippings, you can discard them or save them for another use.

When handling the sausage drippings, make sure to be careful as they can be very hot. You can use a spoon or a ladle to remove the drippings from the skillet.

By following these steps, you can prepare the sausage for your sausage gravy. The browned sausage and the sausage drippings will give your gravy a rich, savory flavor that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Making the Roux

When it comes to making sausage gravy, the roux is an essential ingredient. It is a mixture of flour and fat that serves as the base for the gravy. The roux thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth, creamy texture. Here’s how to make the roux for your sausage gravy.

Creating the Base

To start, you’ll need to melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour to the skillet. For example, if you use 2 tablespoons of butter, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of flour.

Stir the butter and flour together until they form a smooth paste. This is the base for your roux. Keep stirring the mixture until it turns a light brown color.

Whisking the Roux

Next, you’ll need to whisk in the liquid to create the gravy. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking the roux. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and creamy. If the gravy is too thick, add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

It’s important to whisk the roux while adding the liquid to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer to remove them.

In summary, making the roux for your sausage gravy is a simple process that requires equal parts of flour and fat. Whisking the roux while slowly adding the liquid will create a smooth and creamy gravy.

Creating the Gravy

Making sausage gravy is a simple and quick process that requires only a few ingredients. The key to a delicious gravy is in the technique. In this section, we will go over the steps to create a smooth and creamy sausage gravy.

Adding the Milk

Once the sausage is browned and crumbled, it’s time to add the milk. Pour the milk slowly into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. It’s important to use whole milk for a rich and creamy texture. Keep stirring until the milk is fully incorporated into the sausage and no lumps remain.

Thickening the Gravy

To thicken the gravy, sprinkle flour over the sausage and milk mixture. Stir constantly to cook the flour and prevent it from clumping. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken. If the gravy is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer until it thickens.

To ensure a smooth gravy, it’s important to keep stirring constantly. This will prevent lumps from forming and the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. If the gravy starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue stirring until it thickens.

Once the gravy has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. If the gravy is too thick, add more milk and stir until smooth.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and creamy sausage gravy that pairs perfectly with biscuits, toast, or any breakfast dish.

Serving Suggestions

If you are making sausage gravy, you are probably already thinking about what to pair it with. Here are some suggestions to help you serve up the perfect meal.

Pairing with Biscuits

Sausage gravy and biscuits are a classic pairing that is hard to beat. The rich, creamy gravy is the perfect complement to the flaky, buttery biscuits. To make the perfect biscuits, try using a recipe that includes buttermilk or heavy cream. These ingredients will give your biscuits a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory gravy.

If you don’t have time to make biscuits from scratch, you can always use store-bought biscuits. Just be sure to warm them up in the oven before serving to make sure they are nice and flaky.

Alternative Pairings

While biscuits are the traditional pairing for sausage gravy, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are a few ideas:

• Grits: Creamy, buttery grits are a great base for sausage gravy. The combination of the two is a Southern classic that is sure to satisfy.
• Fried chicken: Sausage gravy is a great topping for fried chicken. The crispy, savory chicken pairs well with the rich, creamy gravy.
• Chicken fried steak: Chicken fried steak is a Southern staple that is often served with gravy. Swap out the traditional white gravy for sausage gravy for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
• Shrimp: Sausage gravy is a surprisingly good pairing for shrimp. Serve the gravy over a bed of creamy grits for a delicious and indulgent meal.
• Breakfast casserole: Sausage gravy is a great addition to breakfast casserole. Try layering the gravy between layers of hash browns, sausage patties, and eggs for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
• Hash browns: Sausage gravy is a great topping for crispy hash browns. Serve the two together for a delicious and indulgent breakfast.
• Eggs: Sausage gravy is a great topping for eggs. Serve the gravy over scrambled eggs or a breakfast sandwich for a delicious and filling meal.

No matter how you choose to serve your sausage gravy, it is sure to be a hit. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combination.

Special Variations

Looking to add a little twist to your classic sausage gravy recipe? Try out these special variations to take your breakfast to the next level.

Homemade Sausage Gravy

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own sausage for a truly homemade sausage gravy. Simply mix ground pork with your favorite seasonings, such as seasoned salt and black pepper, and shape into patties. Cook the patties in a skillet until browned and cooked through, then crumble them into your gravy mixture for added flavor and texture.

Southern Style Sausage Gravy

For a true taste of the South, try making a traditional Southern-style sausage gravy. Start by cooking your sausage in a skillet until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, whisk together flour and milk until smooth, then add in the cooked sausage and seasoned salt. Simmer the mixture until thickened, then serve over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast.

Whether you’re looking to add some homemade sausage to your gravy or try out a classic Southern-style recipe, these special variations are sure to impress. So grab your skillet and get cooking!

Nutritional Information

If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to pay attention to the nutritional information of the sausage gravy recipe. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for one cup of sausage gravy:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	374
Total Fat	26.47g
Saturated Fat	8.421g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4.646g
Monounsaturated Fat	11.16g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	509mg
Total Carbohydrate	16.87g
Dietary Fiber	0.2g
Sugars	10.27g
Protein	–

As you can see, sausage gravy is high in fat and calories, with over 26 grams of fat per serving. It’s also high in cholesterol, with 55 milligrams per serving. However, it does provide some protein, with one cup containing an average of 10 grams.

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of sausage gravy, you can try using turkey sausage or reducing the amount of butter and cream in the recipe. You can also serve it in moderation, as a side dish rather than a main course.

Overall, while sausage gravy can be a tasty addition to your breakfast, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content and consume it in moderation.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Making sausage gravy may seem intimidating, but with these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and comforting plate of gravy in no time.

Tips

• Use fresh sausage: Fresh sausage is key to making a flavorful and crumbly gravy. Avoid using pre-cooked or frozen sausage as it can become rubbery and not blend well with the gravy.
• Don’t overcook the sausage: Overcooked sausage can become tough and chewy. Cook the sausage until it’s just browned and crumbly.
• Use whole milk: Whole milk will give your gravy a rich and creamy texture. Avoid using low-fat milk as it may result in a thin and runny gravy.
• Add flour gradually: Gradually adding flour while whisking will prevent clumps from forming in the gravy.
• Season to taste: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Plate it up

• Serve over biscuits: Sausage gravy is traditionally served over warm biscuits. Split the biscuits in half and spoon the gravy over the top.
• Add a side of eggs: A side of scrambled or fried eggs pairs perfectly with sausage gravy.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Crumbly Gravy

• Use a fork to crumble the sausage: A fork is the best tool for breaking up the sausage into small, crumbly pieces.
• Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes: Cooking the flour for a few minutes before adding the milk will help the gravy thicken and become creamy.
• Add milk gradually: Gradually adding milk while whisking will help prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
• Simmer until desired consistency: Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, add more milk to thin it out.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious and comforting plate of sausage gravy that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sausage to use in sausage gravy?

The best sausage to use in sausage gravy is ground pork sausage, which is typically labeled as bulk or breakfast sausage. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.

How do you make sausage gravy from scratch?

To make sausage gravy from scratch, you need to cook ground pork sausage in a skillet until it’s browned. Then, you sprinkle flour onto the sausage and stir until the flour is fully absorbed. Slowly add milk to the skillet while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

What is the difference between sausage gravy and sawmill gravy?

Sausage gravy is made with ground pork sausage, flour, and milk. Sawmill gravy, on the other hand, is made with bacon drippings, flour, and milk. Both gravies are creamy and delicious, but the flavor and texture are slightly different.

Can you make sausage gravy without milk?

Yes, you can make sausage gravy without milk. You can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk to make the gravy creamier and richer. You can also use chicken or beef broth for a lighter version of the gravy.

What are some variations of sausage gravy?

Some variations of sausage gravy include adding diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the gravy. Another variation is to use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage.

How do you make spicy sausage gravy?

To make spicy sausage gravy, you can use spicy ground pork sausage or add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy. You can also add diced jalapenos or green chilies for extra heat. Adjust the amount of spice to your liking.