If you’re craving a breakfast favorite that combines rich, creamy comfort with a hearty sausage punch, you’ve found it — the Best Sausage Gravy recipe is your new go-to for biscuits and beyond. This gravy is luxuriously smooth with just the right amount of savory sausage flavor, making it a perfect indulgence for weekend brunches, quick morning treats, or anytime you want to elevate your breakfast spread. Whether spooned generously over fluffy biscuits or drizzled atop crispy fried potatoes, this gravy never fails to bring a warm, mouthwatering hug to your plate.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying way to start your day with classic Southern flavors.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The sausage brings depth, while the creamy gravy balances it with smoothness and subtle spices.
- Versatile Use: Perfect on biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for eggs and toast for creative breakfasts.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples that you likely already have at home.
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjusted with spices or sausage choice to suit mild or bold taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Best Sausage Gravy recipe is wonderfully simple but relies on quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each element contributes to its creamy consistency, hearty richness, and inviting aroma.
- Ground Breakfast Sausage: The star ingredient that provides robust, savory flavor and a meaty base.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the thickening agent to give the gravy its luscious texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to balance the savory sausage.
- Butter: For added richness and to create a smooth roux with the flour.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne: To add just the right kick for those who like a little spice.
Variations for Best Sausage Gravy
One great thing about the Best Sausage Gravy is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Experimenting with ingredients can turn this classic into a new family favorite.
- Turkey Sausage: Use lean turkey sausage for a lighter yet still flavorful twist.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh thyme or sage to bring an earthy aroma and fresh dimension.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate hot sausage or extra cayenne pepper for a fiery morning boost.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Thick and Chunky: Add sautéed mushrooms or diced peppers for texture and hearty complexity.
How to Make Best Sausage Gravy
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground breakfast sausage. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks, stirring frequently until it’s fully browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the cooked sausage. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour evenly over the meat and fat. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty—this is your roux, which will thicken the gravy beautifully.
Step 3: Add Milk Slowly
Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a mild kick, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne now. Let the gravy simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once thickened and flavorful, remove from heat and serve immediately over freshly baked biscuits, your favorite breakfast sides, or anything else you love to pair with creamy sausage gravy.
Pro Tips for Making Best Sausage Gravy
- Use Quality Sausage: Opt for fresh, flavorful breakfast sausage for the best taste—avoid pre-cooked varieties.
- Don’t Skip Butter: Butter adds richness and helps form a smooth roux that flour alone can’t achieve.
- Stir Constantly: Whisk your roux and milk continuously to avoid clumps and ensure velvety consistency.
- Adjust Thickness: If your gravy gets too thick, add a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season Last: Season gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting, especially since the sausage can be salty.
How to Serve Best Sausage Gravy
Garnishes
Freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top enhances the savory notes and gives a little bite to each spoonful.
Side Dishes
Classic buttermilk biscuits are the perfect canvas for this gravy, but don’t stop there — try it over buttery mashed potatoes, crispy hash browns, or even steamed vegetables for a comforting twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the gravy in a large warmed bowl alongside a basket of mini biscuits or soft pretzels. Another fun idea is to drizzle it over breakfast casseroles or scrambled eggs for an indulgent gravy upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so you might need to thin it slightly when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some headspace for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your Best Sausage Gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the texture, returning it to its creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I make Best Sausage Gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy a day or two before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
What type of sausage should I use?
Classic breakfast pork sausage works best due to its flavorful seasoning and fat content, but you can substitute turkey sausage or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
How can I make sausage gravy spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy sausage variety to boost the heat level according to your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional gravy uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
Can I use this gravy for dinner?
Definitely! Sausage gravy is fantastic on dinner plates too, especially paired with mashed potatoes or biscuits — it’s not just for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of the Best Sausage Gravy warming your morning and filling your kitchen with comforting aromas. This recipe is a delicious, easy way to bring that classic Southern charm to your breakfast table or beyond. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the rich, creamy, sausage-packed goodness that never goes out of style.
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Best Sausage Gravy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Contains dairy and gluten; can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free
Description
The Best Sausage Gravy is a rich, creamy, and savory Southern classic perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with ground breakfast sausage, butter, flour, and whole milk, this smooth gravy offers a comforting, hearty flavor ideal for spooning over fluffy biscuits, crispy potatoes, or eggs. Quick to make and customizable to your spice and dietary preferences, it brings indulgence to your morning table or any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage, and break it into small crumbles. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Create the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the butter to the cooked sausage, and melt it. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sausage and butter mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the roux turns golden and emits a nutty aroma.
- Add Milk Slowly: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the gravy thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Season and Simmer: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you prefer a bit of heat. Let the gravy simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the gravy from heat once thickened and flavorful. Serve immediately over warm, freshly baked biscuits or your favorite breakfast accompaniments.
Notes
- Use fresh, flavorful breakfast sausage for the best taste—avoid pre-cooked varieties.
- Butter is essential to add richness and to create a smooth roux; don’t skip it.
- Stir the roux and milk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a velvety texture.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting, as sausage may contain salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg