There are countless takes on sausage gravy out there, each with its own spin. But when it comes to pure, unadulterated comfort, nothing beats a truly authentic sausage gravy, made with love and from scratch. This recipe brings you just that – a super creamy, utterly delicious sausage gravy that honors the classic way it should be made.
Biscuits and gravy are a beloved staple across the Midwest and Southern United States, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s the kind of dish that hits the spot any time of day.
This is quintessential comfort food, the kind that warms you from the inside out, especially on a chilly day. It’s a plate of pure happiness, no matter what life throws your way.
You might encounter some shortcut versions of sausage gravy – even some made with canned soup! But trust us, those just don’t compare to the real deal. Authentic sausage gravy is a different experience altogether, and this recipe will guide you to create that genuine, heartwarming flavor at home.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on creating a rich, creamy gravy from scratch, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. It’s all about building flavor from the ground up, starting with perfectly browned sausage and a classic roux. Inspired by the home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe emphasizes hearty, comforting flavors that are sure to please the whole family.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
Make-Ahead Magic: Yes, you can definitely make the sausage gravy ahead of time. Just follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions: Biscuits are the undisputed champion pairing for sausage gravy, especially fluffy Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. But don’t stop there! Toast, American fried potatoes, crispy hash browns, and even creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes are fantastic partners for this savory gravy.
From-Scratch Simplicity: Making sausage gravy from scratch is surprisingly easy. It starts with a roux – a simple blend of butter and flour – which is the base for a creamy white sauce. Then, milk or cream is whisked in and simmered until thick and velvety.
Mushroom Magic: Want to add an extra layer of flavor? Sautéed mushrooms are a wonderful addition. Slice and sauté your favorite mushrooms and stir them into the gravy for an earthy, savory twist.
Gluten-Free Gravy: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives. Cornstarch can be used as a thickener, but it may slightly alter the texture. For a flour substitute, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, keeping in mind you might need to adjust the liquid ratio.
Freezing for Later: You can freeze sausage gravy, but be aware that freezing can sometimes change the gravy’s consistency. Thawing may release some water, so you might need to whisk it well upon reheating and add a touch of milk if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Too Thick? No Problem: If your gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. A splash at a time will do the trick!
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman 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
FIRST STEP:
Crumble the mild breakfast sausage into a large skillet.
Fry the sausage over medium heat until it is thoroughly cooked and nicely browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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 rendered fat from the pan – this is key to a delicious gravy!
THIRD STEP:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the hot skillet with the sausage fat.
Using a whisk, stir constantly to combine the flour and fat, creating a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the roux is lightly golden and fragrant. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the roux and stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
FOURTH STEP:
Slowly pour in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth gravy. Make sure each addition of milk is fully incorporated before adding more.
Continue to cook and whisk the gravy over medium-low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The gravy should be smooth, creamy, and coat the back of a spoon.
Once the gravy has thickened, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir to combine the sausage and gravy, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed.
FIFTH STEP:
Let the sausage gravy simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy hot over warm, freshly baked biscuits.
Enjoy this classic comfort food!
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
