Biscuits and gravy is a dish that resonates deeply with comfort food lovers, especially in the Midwest and Southern United States. For those seeking a truly satisfying and flavorful version, exploring recipes inspired by the “Pioneer Woman” style is a fantastic starting point. This recipe delivers a creamy, homemade sausage gravy that perfectly complements fluffy biscuits, creating a hearty meal ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Forget canned soups and shortcuts – this is about authentic, from-scratch goodness.
What exactly makes gravy biscuits such a beloved dish? It’s the simple yet perfect combination of textures and flavors. Warm, tender biscuits smothered in a rich, savory sausage gravy is a culinary experience that evokes feelings of home and hearth. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly mornings or comforting evenings.
While the origin of biscuits and gravy is debated, its popularity across America is undeniable. Many variations exist, but the core elements remain the same: delicious biscuits and a creamy, flavorful gravy, often featuring sausage. This recipe focuses on crafting an exceptional sausage gravy from scratch, reminiscent of the hearty, no-fuss cooking style championed by the Pioneer Woman. It’s about embracing simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Sausage Gravy
Before diving into the recipe, let’s address some common questions that home cooks often have when making sausage gravy from scratch. Understanding these points will ensure your gravy biscuits turn out perfectly every time.
Can I Prepare Sausage Gravy in Advance?
Absolutely! Sausage gravy is a great make-ahead component. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
What Are the Best Accompaniments for Sausage Gravy?
While biscuits are the quintessential partner for sausage gravy, the possibilities extend beyond that. Classic Southern-style buttermilk biscuits are always a winning choice, but you can also serve it over toast, American fried potatoes, crispy hash browns, or even creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes for a comforting twist.
Is Making Sausage Gravy from Scratch Difficult?
Not at all! The process is surprisingly simple. The foundation of a great sausage gravy is a roux, made by cooking butter and flour together. Then, milk or cream is gradually whisked in, creating a luscious, thickened sauce. With a few basic steps, you’ll have homemade sausage gravy that far surpasses any canned version.
Can I Add Mushrooms to My Sausage Gravy?
Certainly! Sautéed mushrooms can add a delightful earthy dimension to sausage gravy. Slice and sauté your favorite mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or even simple white button mushrooms, and stir them into the gravy along with the cooked sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
Is it Possible to Make Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy?
While this recipe is written with all-purpose flour, you can adapt it for a gluten-free diet. A common substitution is cornstarch. Instead of making a roux with flour, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little cold milk. Add this slurry to the milk in the recipe and cook until thickened. Be mindful that cornstarch gravy might have a slightly different texture than a traditional flour-based gravy.
Can Sausage Gravy Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze sausage gravy, although it may slightly alter the texture. Freezing and thawing can sometimes cause the gravy to become a bit watery. If you freeze it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop, whisking in a little extra milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Why Is My Gravy Too Thick?
If your gravy becomes thicker than you prefer, don’t worry, it’s easily remedied. Simply whisk in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Continue to simmer gently for a minute or two to allow the milk to incorporate fully.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Sausage Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting sausage gravy:
- 1 pound Mild breakfast sausage
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups Milk
- ⅓ cup All-purpose flour
- Homemade or store-bought biscuits, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Gravy
Follow these simple steps to create delicious homemade sausage gravy:
FIRST STEP:
Begin by crumbling the breakfast sausage into a skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and fry the sausage until it is thoroughly cooked and browned.
SECOND STEP:
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered sausage fat in the pan. Do not drain the flavorful fat – this is crucial for the richness of the gravy.
THIRD STEP:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the all-purpose flour to the skillet with the sausage fat. Using a whisk, stir constantly to combine the flour and fat, creating a roux. Continue to cook the roux for about a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it is lightly golden and fragrant. This step is important for developing flavor and preventing a raw flour taste. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and ensure everything is well combined.
FOURTH STEP:
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking constantly as the milk is added to prevent lumps from forming and to create a smooth gravy. Cook, stirring continuously, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This may take a few minutes.
FIFTH STEP:
Once the gravy has thickened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine the sausage and gravy, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout.
SIXTH STEP:
Let the sausage gravy simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
SEVENTH STEP:
Serve the warm sausage gravy immediately over hot, freshly baked biscuits.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting Pioneer Woman inspired gravy biscuits recipe!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 240g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 12g
