Sausage gravy and biscuits is a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and home. Across the Midwest and Southern United States, this hearty meal is enjoyed at any time of day, from a fulfilling breakfast to a cozy dinner. While countless variations exist, nothing quite matches the satisfying taste of an authentic, creamy sausage gravy made from scratch. This recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness, delivering a flavorful and comforting dish that will become a family favorite.
This isn’t just any sausage gravy recipe; it’s inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, known for her delicious and approachable recipes. Forget about shortcuts or canned soups – this is about creating a truly authentic sausage gravy experience. This recipe focuses on building flavor from the ground up, starting with browning savory breakfast sausage and creating a rich, creamy gravy that perfectly complements fluffy, homemade or high-quality store-bought biscuits.
Sausage gravy and biscuits is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that lifts your spirits and warms you from the inside out, no matter the weather or the day’s challenges. Some might be tempted to take shortcuts, like using canned soup, but true sausage gravy aficionados know that authentic flavor comes from simple, fresh ingredients and a little bit of time. This recipe breaks down the process, making it easy for anyone to create this classic comfort food in their own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Before you begin, let’s address some common questions to ensure your sausage gravy and biscuits turn out perfectly every time.
Can I Prepare Sausage Gravy in Advance?
Absolutely! Sausage gravy is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator overnight. 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 undisputed champion pairing for sausage gravy, the possibilities don’t end there. Buttermilk biscuits, especially Southern-style homemade biscuits, are the classic choice and create the perfect textural contrast with the creamy gravy. Beyond biscuits, consider serving sausage gravy over toast, crispy American fried potatoes, golden hash browns, or even creamy mashed potatoes or baked potatoes for a different twist on comfort food.
Is Making Sausage Gravy from Scratch Difficult?
Not at all! Making delicious, from-scratch sausage gravy is surprisingly easy. The foundation of the gravy is a roux, a simple mixture of butter and flour. From there, it’s just a matter of slowly whisking in milk or cream and letting it thicken into a luscious, creamy sauce. The process is straightforward and rewarding.
Can I Enhance Sausage Gravy with Mushrooms?
Adding sautéed mushrooms to sausage gravy is a wonderful way to deepen its flavor profile. Slice and sauté your favorite mushrooms until tender and lightly browned. Stir them into the gravy along with the cooked sausage for an earthy and savory dimension. Experiment with different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms to find your preferred flavor combination.
Is a Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Possible?
While this recipe is written for all-purpose flour, you can adapt it for a gluten-free diet. For a gluten-free roux, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a cold liquid (like milk) before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping. Ensure your sausage is also gluten-free by checking the label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
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. To minimize this, ensure the gravy is cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container. When thawing, do so slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a little milk to restore its creamy consistency if needed.
Why Is My Gravy Too Thick?
If your gravy becomes thicker than you desire, it’s easily remedied. Simply whisk in a little more milk, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency. Continue to simmer for a minute or two after adding milk to ensure it’s heated through.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- 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 Woman Sausage Gravy
Follow these simple steps to create delicious, homemade sausage gravy:
FIRST STEP:
Crumble the pound of mild breakfast sausage into a large skillet.
Fry the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is thoroughly cooked and browned.
SECOND STEP:
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered sausage fat in the pan. Do not drain the flavorful fat from the pan; this is crucial for a rich gravy.
THIRD STEP:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour into the 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, until it is lightly golden and fragrant. This step is important for developing flavor and preventing a floury taste in your gravy.
Add the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the roux and stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
FOURTH STEP:
Slowly whisk in the 3 cups of milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated into the roux before adding more. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth gravy.
Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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.
FIFTH STEP:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sausage gravy simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the Pioneer Woman sausage gravy hot over warm biscuits.
Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Use Quality Sausage: The flavor of your sausage gravy heavily relies on the quality of your breakfast sausage. Opt for a good quality mild breakfast sausage for the best taste. You can also use hot sausage if you prefer a spicier gravy.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux (fat and flour mixture) is the foundation of your gravy. Cooking it for a minute or two before adding milk is essential for developing flavor and ensuring a smooth, non-floury gravy.
- Whisk Continuously: Whisking constantly while adding milk and as the gravy thickens is crucial to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to season your gravy generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Warm Your Biscuits: Serve your sausage gravy over warm biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience. Warm biscuits will soak up the delicious gravy perfectly.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Classic Breakfast: Serve sausage gravy and biscuits as a classic, comforting breakfast or brunch.
- Hearty Dinner: Enjoy it for a satisfying and warming dinner, especially on cooler evenings.
- Side Dish Delight: Serve a smaller portion of sausage gravy and biscuits as a hearty side dish alongside eggs, bacon, or ham.
- Customize Your Biscuits: Experiment with different types of biscuits, such as cheddar biscuits, herb biscuits, or sweet potato biscuits, to complement your sausage gravy.
Enjoy creating this classic Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy And Biscuits recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to bring comfort and deliciousness to your table.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 10gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 240gSugar: 20gProtein: 12g
