Introduction
Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern comfort dish, perfect for hearty breakfasts, weekend brunches, or cozy family meals. Its savory ground sausage and rich, creamy white sauce create a warm, indulgent topping for fluffy biscuits. Served in a white ceramic gravy boat or bowl, garnished with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper, this Sausage Gravy offers a cozy, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Sausage Gravy, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a satisfying, diner-style experience.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (breakfast sausage, mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for depth)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional, for depth)
For Serving:
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper
- Suggested Accompaniments: Buttermilk biscuits, scrambled eggs
- Suggested Pairings: Orange juice, coffee
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic gravy boat or bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Large skillet, whisk, wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Process
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Do not drain fat unless excessive (keep about 2-3 tbsp).
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over sausage and stir for 1-2 minutes until absorbed, creating a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using).
- Thicken Gravy: Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency. If too thick, add 1-2 tbsp milk; if too thin, simmer 1-2 minutes longer.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Serve: Transfer gravy to a white ceramic gravy boat or bowl. Garnish with parsley or cracked black pepper. Serve hot over buttermilk biscuits with scrambled eggs, orange juice, or coffee.
Tips for Better Sausage Gravy
- Use breakfast sausage for authentic flavor; spicy sausage adds a kick.
- Keep some sausage fat in the skillet for rich flavor; too much makes the gravy greasy.
- Whisk milk in slowly to avoid lumps in the roux.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent scorching or sticking.
- Taste before serving; sausage brands vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning.
- Warm milk slightly before adding to speed up thickening.
- For smoother gravy, ensure flour is fully cooked into the sausage before adding milk.
- Enhance aesthetic: Pour into a white ceramic gravy boat, sprinkle with parsley or pepper for a cozy look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch (1.5 tbsp) for thickening.
- Low-Fat Sausage Gravy: Use lean sausage or turkey sausage, reduce fat to 1 tbsp, and use low-fat milk.
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot sausage or add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with spices.
- Vegetarian Sausage Gravy: Replace pork sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Creamy Sausage Gravy: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream with milk for a richer texture.
- Herbed Sausage Gravy: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme or sage during cooking.
- Low-Sodium Sausage Gravy: Use low-sodium sausage, reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
- Cheesy Sausage Gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar at the end.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Freeze in an airtight container for 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid separation.
- Serve hot for the best texture; cold gravy may thicken excessively.
- Use leftovers over toast, potatoes, or as a casserole base.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with starchy sides, like biscuits, to soak up richness.
- Presented in a white ceramic gravy boat or bowl with garnishes for an inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (1/2 cup gravy, without biscuits):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
- Calcium: 15% Daily Value
- Iron: 8% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in fat and sodium; try low-fat or low-sodium versions. Serve with veggies for balance.
Conclusion
This Sausage Gravy recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any breakfast or brunch. It transforms simple ingredients into a Southern classic. Its easy preparation and cozy presentation make it a favorite. The savory sausage and rich gravy, with charming garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its hearty appeal.
Sausage Gravy Recipe: Creamy and Comforting
Creamy Sausage Gravy with savory pork sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder optional
- ¼ tsp onion powder optional
- Optional: Parsley cracked black pepper
- Suggested Pairings: Biscuits orange juice
Instructions
- Cook sausage in skillet for 5-7 minutes until browned; keep 2-3 tbsp fat.
- Sprinkle flour over sausage, stir 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; cook 5-7 minutes until thick.
- Adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley; serve over biscuits with juice.
Notes
- Use breakfast sausage for flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try a gluten-free variation.
- Pair with eggs.
