Sausage gravy is a timeless comfort food, especially beloved in the Midwest and Southern United States. This creamy, flavorful dish, often served over warm biscuits, is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dinner. While there are many variations, this homemade sausage gravy recipe, inspired by the style of the Pioneer Woman, is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
What Makes This a Pioneer Woman Style Sausage Gravy?
Pioneer Woman recipes are known for their hearty, homestyle approach to cooking, emphasizing flavor and simplicity. This sausage gravy recipe embodies those qualities. It’s all about creating a deeply flavorful base with browned breakfast sausage and then building a luscious, creamy gravy from scratch. Forget canned soups or shortcuts – this recipe focuses on authentic, homemade goodness that delivers a truly satisfying and comforting meal. The result is a gravy that’s perfectly seasoned, incredibly creamy, and bursting with savory sausage flavor, just like you’d expect from a Pioneer Woman recipe.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable 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 Perfect Sausage Gravy
Follow these simple steps to make creamy, flavorful sausage gravy every time:
FIRST STEP: Browning the Sausage
Begin by crumbling the mild breakfast sausage in a large skillet. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to fry the sausage until it is thoroughly cooked and nicely browned. Browning the sausage is key to developing deep, savory flavor in your gravy.
SECOND STEP: Retaining the Flavorful Fat
Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside. This is crucial: do not drain the flavorful fat rendered from the sausage in the pan. This sausage fat is the foundation of your roux and adds incredible depth of flavor to the gravy.
THIRD STEP: Creating the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, add the all-purpose flour to the skillet with the hot 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 thickening the gravy and cooking out the raw flour taste. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper at this stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the roux.
FOURTH STEP: Building the Creamy Gravy
Slowly whisk in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated into the roux before adding more. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming and to create a smooth gravy. Cook the gravy over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. This may take about 5-7 minutes. The gravy is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has reached your desired consistency. Once thickened, add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and stir gently to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
FIFTH STEP: Simmer and Serve
Let the sausage gravy simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately over warm, split biscuits. Enjoy this classic comfort food!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy
- Use Fresh Sausage: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality breakfast sausage.
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the roux properly is crucial for a smooth, flavorful gravy. Don’t skip this step or undercook it.
- Warm Milk: Using warm milk can help the gravy come together more smoothly and quickly.
- Season to Taste: Sausage brands vary in saltiness, so be sure to taste and season your gravy appropriately with salt and pepper.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken further.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage Gravy
While traditionally served over biscuits, sausage gravy is incredibly versatile. Here are some other delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Toast: Serve over toasted bread for a simpler breakfast or snack.
- Fried Potatoes: Spoon sausage gravy over American fried potatoes or hash browns for a hearty meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting dinner option, try sausage gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with sausage gravy for a loaded and satisfying dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Gravy
Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make sausage gravy ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.
What’s the best way to reheat sausage gravy?
Reheat sausage gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the gravy becomes too thick upon reheating, whisk in a little milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Can I freeze sausage gravy?
Yes, you can freeze sausage gravy, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently as described above. Be aware that freezing and thawing can sometimes cause the gravy to become slightly watery; whisking vigorously while reheating can help to bring it back together.
Can I add mushrooms to sausage gravy?
Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil until softened before adding them to the gravy along with the cooked sausage. Mushrooms add an earthy and savory dimension to the gravy.
Is it possible to make gluten-free sausage gravy?
Yes, you can make gluten-free sausage gravy by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold milk to create a slurry before whisking it into the gravy. Use a 1:1 substitution for gluten-free flour blend. For cornstarch, you’ll typically need about half the amount of flour.
Why is my gravy too thick?
If your gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy making this classic Pioneer Woman inspired sausage gravy recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to bring comfort and deliciousness to your table.
