Sausage gravy. Just the name conjures up images of cozy mornings, hearty breakfasts, and that warm, comforting feeling that only good home cooking can provide. There are countless takes on this classic dish, each with its own spin, but nothing truly beats an authentic, from-scratch sausage gravy. This recipe delivers exactly that – a super creamy, incredibly delicious sausage gravy, crafted the way it’s meant to be.
Biscuits and gravy hold a special place in the culinary traditions of the Midwest and Southern United States. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a staple enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and let’s be honest, sometimes even in between. Sausage gravy is the ultimate comfort food, the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, perfect for chasing away the chills on a cold day or simply lifting your spirits any time you need a little culinary hug.
It’s almost a culinary crime to consider shortcut versions using canned soups as “authentic” sausage gravy. Real, authentic sausage gravy boasts a depth of flavor and creamy texture that is miles away from any canned imitation. This recipe focuses on building those genuine flavors from the ground up, ensuring a truly satisfying and comforting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Gravy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address some common questions that often arise when making sausage gravy.
Can I Prepare Sausage Gravy in Advance?
Absolutely! Sausage gravy is a great make-ahead dish. 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 over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
What Are the Best Sides to Serve with Sausage Gravy?
While biscuits are undeniably the king of pairings for sausage gravy – especially Southern homestyle buttermilk biscuits – there are plenty of other delicious options. Toast is a classic and simple choice. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over American fried potatoes, hash browns, or even creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.
Is Making Sausage Gravy from Scratch Difficult?
Not at all! The process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by creating a roux with butter and flour, which is the base for thickening the gravy. Then, you’ll gradually whisk in milk or cream, allowing it to thicken into that luscious, creamy texture we all crave.
Can I Add Mushrooms to My Sausage Gravy?
Adding sautéed mushrooms can elevate your sausage gravy with an extra layer of earthy flavor. Slice and sauté your favorite mushrooms – cremini, shiitake, or even simple white button mushrooms would work wonderfully – and stir them into the gravy after it has thickened.
Is It Possible to Make a Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy?
While this recipe is written with all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives. A common substitution for thickening sauces is cornstarch. You can try replacing the all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free version, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture.
Can Sausage Gravy Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze sausage gravy, but be aware that freezing can sometimes affect the consistency. Upon thawing, you might notice some water separation. Whisking it well while reheating should help to bring it back together.
Why Is My Sausage Gravy Too Thick?
If your gravy becomes thicker than you’d like, the fix is simple. Just gradually whisk in a little more milk until you reach your preferred consistency. It’s always easier to thin out gravy than to thicken it once it’s too thin, so add milk a bit at a time.
Sausage gravy and biscuits on a plate, ready to be served.
Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting sausage gravy:
- 1 pound Mild breakfast sausage
- ½ tsp 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 Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own creamy sausage gravy.
FIRST STEP:
Crumble the pound of mild breakfast sausage into a skillet. Use your hands or a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces.
Fry the sausage over medium heat until it is thoroughly cooked and browned. Ensure there is no pink remaining.
SECOND STEP:
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl.
Crucially, do not drain the flavorful fat (grease) from the pan. This rendered sausage fat is essential for creating the roux and infusing the gravy with rich flavor.
THIRD STEP:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour into the skillet with the hot sausage fat.
Using a whisk, immediately begin stirring constantly to combine the flour and fat. This mixture is called a roux. Continue to cook and stir the roux for about 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a base for a flavorful gravy.
Add in the ½ tsp of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste to the roux. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
FOURTH STEP:
Slowly pour in the 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth gravy. Whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming as the milk combines with the roux.
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The gravy is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and stir to combine everything evenly.
FIFTH STEP:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sausage gravy simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve your delicious, creamy Pioneer Woman style sausage gravy immediately over warm biscuits.
Enjoy the comforting goodness!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 10gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 240gSugar: 20gProtein: 12g
