Sausage gravy is a timeless comfort food, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy sausage gravy, especially when it’s made from scratch. Forget about store-bought mixes; this recipe delivers an authentic, rich flavor that will make you rethink what gravy can be. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a hearty dinner, this sausage gravy recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
Throughout the heartland and down in the South, biscuits and gravy are more than just a meal; they’re a tradition. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a comforting weeknight supper, this dish hits the spot every time. Its warm, savory flavors are incredibly satisfying, especially on a chilly day. This is the kind of food that truly lifts your spirits and brings a sense of home-cooked goodness to your table.
You might have encountered versions of sausage gravy made with shortcuts, like canned soup. While convenient, these just don’t compare to the real deal. Authentic sausage gravy, made with fresh ingredients and a little bit of love, has a depth of flavor and creamy texture that pre-made options simply can’t replicate. This recipe guides you through creating that authentic taste in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade 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 down completely, and then store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop over low heat, or gently in the microwave.
What are the best serving suggestions for sausage gravy?
Biscuits are the undisputed champion when it comes to serving sausage gravy. Southern-style buttermilk biscuits are a classic pairing, but don’t stop there! Toast is another fantastic option, providing a crispy base for the creamy gravy. For a heartier meal, try serving it over American fried potatoes, hash browns, or even mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. The savory gravy complements these sides wonderfully.
Is making sausage gravy from scratch complicated?
Not at all! Making homemade sausage gravy is surprisingly easy. The process starts with creating a roux – a simple mixture of butter and flour. Then, milk or cream is gradually whisked in, creating a luscious, thick gravy. With a few basic steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious homemade gravy in no time.
Would mushrooms be a good addition to 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 well. Stir them into the gravy after the sausage for a delightful twist.
Can this recipe be adapted to be gluten-free?
While this recipe traditionally uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives. Cornstarch can be used as a thickener instead of flour. Create a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends might also work, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratio to achieve the desired consistency.
Is it possible to freeze sausage gravy?
Yes, you can freeze sausage gravy, but be aware that freezing can sometimes alter the gravy’s consistency. Freezing and thawing may cause some water separation. To minimize this, ensure the gravy is cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container. When thawing, reheat it gently and whisk well to recombine.
What if my gravy becomes too thick?
If your gravy is thicker than you prefer, simply add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir in a bit of milk at a time until it thins out to your liking.
Ingredients for Pioneer Style 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 Pioneer Sausage Gravy
FIRST STEP:
Crumble the breakfast sausage into a large skillet.
Cook the sausage over medium heat until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
SECOND STEP:
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the flavorful sausage fat in the pan. Do not drain the grease – this is key to a rich and flavorful gravy!
THIRD STEP:
Add the all-purpose flour to the hot skillet with the sausage fat. Using a whisk, stir constantly to combine the flour and fat, creating a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the roux and stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
FOURTH STEP:
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated into the roux before adding more. Continue whisking constantly as the milk is added to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook and stir the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the gravy and stir to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the creamy gravy.
FIFTH STEP:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sausage gravy simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve hot over warm biscuits, toast, or your favorite side.
Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade pioneer-style sausage gravy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups milk
- ⅓ cup of all purpose flour
- Homemade or store bought biscuits
Instructions
FIRST STEP:
Crumble the sausage into a skillet
Fry the sausage until thoroughly cooked
SECOND STEP:
Remove the sausage and set off to the side
Do not drain the fat from the pan
THIRD STEP:
Add in the flour and using a whisk stir constantly
Add in the salt, pepper, garlic powder and stir well
FOURTH STEP:
Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to cook until the gravy thickens
Add the sausage back into the gravy and stir to combine
FIFTH STEP:
Let simmer for 5 more minutes
Serve over biscuits
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 10gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 240gSugar: 20gProtein: 12g
