Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe

Cozy Homestyle Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe for Breakfast Bliss

Whipping up a creamy sausage gravy brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Southern cooks have perfected this hearty breakfast staple over generations.

Breakfast enthusiasts know the magic happens when simple ingredients blend perfectly.

Rich, savory flavors emerge from ground pork sausage slowly simmering in a skillet.

Flour and milk create a smooth, luxurious texture that clings delicately to warm biscuits.

Pepper adds a subtle kick that makes every bite memorable.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for weekend morning feasts that satisfy serious hunger cravings.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Sausage Gravy Recipe Again

  • No advanced culinary skills required- the recipe uses simple steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Utilizing affordable ingredients like sausage, flour, and milk, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for feeding the whole family.
  • Works brilliantly for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings, appealing to both kids and adults with its hearty, comforting taste and classic Southern-style appeal.

Ingredients That Go into This Sausage Gravy

Main Protein:
  • Pork Sausage: Classic breakfast meat that provides rich flavor and creates the base for the gravy, choose a high-fat ground sausage for best texture and taste.
Thickening Agents:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth roux and thickens the gravy, ensures no lumpy texture in the final sauce.
Liquid Base:
  • Whole Milk: Provides creamy consistency and rich flavor, whole milk gives a thicker and more luxurious gravy compared to low-fat alternatives.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Adds depth and classic savory flavor profile, enhances the overall taste of the sausage gravy, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright color and fresh herbal note, adds visual appeal and light freshness to the finished dish.

Simple Steps to Cook Sausage Gravy from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it down as it cooks. Let the meat transform into golden-brown, crispy bits. Allow some fat to remain in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 2: Create The Magical Roux

Sprinkle flour generously over the cooked sausage. Stir thoroughly to coat every morsel of meat. Toast the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate that raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty undertone.

Step 3: Pour In Silky Liquid

Gradually stream milk into the skillet while whisking continuously. This technique prevents pesky lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 4: Season And Thicken The Gravy

Add seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Stir the mixture consistently. Watch the gravy transform and thicken over 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Ladle the luxurious gravy over warm, fluffy biscuits. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Thick and Flavorful Sausage Gravy

  • Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for breakfast sausage with higher fat content to create a rich, flavorful gravy that clings perfectly to biscuits.
  • Control Flour Consistency: Gradually sprinkle flour while continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Manage Milk Temperature: Pour milk slowly and at room temperature to help the gravy incorporate smoothly and prevent sudden temperature shock.
  • Season Strategically: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, remembering that sausage already contains salt, so go easy on additional salt.
  • Thicken with Patience: Allow gravy to simmer and reduce naturally, stirring frequently to reach desired thickness without burning or scorching.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Sausage Gravy

  • Store leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if the gravy has thickened.
  • Transfer cooled gravy to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Discard gravy if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or shows signs of mold. Always ensure thorough reheating to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Most Asked Questions About Sausage Gravy

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. Choose a type with good fat content to help create the rich gravy.

  • How can I prevent lumpy gravy?

Whisk the flour into the sausage and grease thoroughly before adding milk. Pour milk slowly while continuously stirring. Use a whisk instead of a spoon to help break up any potential lumps quickly.

  • What if my gravy is too thick or thin?

For thick gravy, add a little more milk and whisk. For thin gravy, continue cooking and stirring to reduce and thicken. Start with small adjustments to get the perfect consistency.

  • Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

You can prepare the sausage gravy and refrigerate it for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent scorching.

Sausage Gravy Pairing Suggestions You’ll Love

  • Serve sausage gravy with warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits for a quintessential Southern-style breakfast combo that screams comfort and home-cooked goodness.
  • Top scrambled eggs or create a rich breakfast casserole with the sausage gravy, adding extra protein and depth to the morning meal.
  • Complement the creamy, savory gravy with strong black coffee or a spicy bloody mary to balance the richness and cut through the heaviness of the dish.
  • Add a bright, crisp side of mixed green salad or roasted tomatoes to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy sausage gravy.

Variations to Try with This Sausage Gravy Recipe

  • Vegetarian Gravy: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or tempeh, using olive oil instead of sausage grease for cooking.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the roux remains smooth and thick while maintaining the classic gravy texture.
  • Low-Fat Version: Use lean turkey sausage or chicken sausage, skim milk, and drain excess fat before creating the roux to reduce overall calorie content.
  • Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced green chiles, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired sausage gravy with a kick of heat.
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Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe

Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Southern classic sausage gravy brings comfort and nostalgia to breakfast tables across America. Creamy, peppery sauce blanketing warm buttermilk biscuits delivers pure morning satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)

Thickening and Dairy Components:

  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and crumble sausage into the pan, cooking until golden brown and thoroughly rendered.
  2. Allow rendered fat to remain in the skillet, creating a flavorful base for the upcoming sauce.
  3. Dust the cooked sausage with flour, meticulously stirring to ensure each morsel is evenly coated, and toast for approximately two minutes to eliminate raw flour’s sharp undertone.
  4. Gradually introduce milk into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent unwelcome lumps from developing during the thickening process.
  5. Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper, blending the seasonings seamlessly into the emerging gravy.
  6. Maintain steady stirring while the mixture simmers and gradually transforms, thickening into a luxurious, creamy consistency over 5-7 minutes.
  7. Taste and calibrate seasoning, adding pinches of salt or pepper as necessary to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
  8. Transfer the piping hot sausage gravy directly over freshly baked, split biscuits, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a touch of verdant freshness and visual appeal before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Optimize meat selection by choosing lean sausage varieties to reduce excess grease without compromising flavor.
  • Prevent lumpy gravy by whisking milk gradually and consistently, maintaining steady medium heat during incorporation.
  • Create dairy-free alternatives using plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, which provide similar creamy consistency.
  • Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium sausage and adjusting salt content carefully during seasoning process.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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