5 Steps to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy

The comforting aroma of old-fashioned sausage gravy simmering on the stovetop is a cherished tradition across the South. This creamy, savory dish is the perfect breakfast or brunch, offering warmth in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients—sausage, butter, flour, and milk—you can create a rich, velvety gravy that’s easy to make, even for beginners. Let’s walk through the steps to bring this classic dish to your table.

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Key Benefits of Homemade Sausage Gravy

Making sausage gravy from scratch comes with several advantages. Not only does it taste far better than store-bought alternatives, but it’s also a customizable and versatile dish that can be adjusted to fit your taste preferences. Below are a few of the top reasons why you should make homemade sausage gravy:

Rich and Creamy Flavor

When you prepare sausage gravy from scratch, you have full control over the ingredients. By using fresh, high-quality beef sausage and whole milk, you get a gravy that is rich, creamy, and full of deep, savory flavor. Unlike pre-made options, which can be bland or overly salty, homemade sausage gravy delivers a taste that’s authentic and comforting.

Simple and Affordable

Sausage gravy is made with pantry staples that are often already in your kitchen. It’s a budget-friendly dish that won’t break the bank, and you can easily prepare it with just a few minutes of prep time. Plus, it’s highly cost-effective if you’re cooking for a family or a crowd, as one batch can serve several people.

Versatile and Customizable

Another great feature of sausage gravy is its versatility. It’s typically served over biscuits, but you can enjoy it with a variety of other breakfast foods such as scrambled eggs, toast, or hash browns. The best part? You can adjust the seasoning, spice level, and thickness of the gravy to suit your personal preferences. If you want a spicier kick, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sausage, and if you like it creamier, just add a little extra milk.

Comfort Food Classic

Sausage gravy represents the ultimate Southern comfort dish, beloved for its rich and hearty flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast, hosting a family brunch, or just indulging in a hearty meal, there’s something deeply satisfying about digging into a plate of warm, savory gravy atop buttery biscuits. This dish has a timeless appeal that makes it perfect for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

Ingredients

Making the perfect old-fashioned sausage gravy doesn’t require any complicated ingredients. The dish is built on a foundation of just a few basic pantry items, but when combined, they create a delicious, comforting meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef breakfast sausage (mild or spicy): The star ingredient of this dish, choose a good-quality sausage with plenty of flavor. Whether you go with a mild or spicy sausage depends on your personal preference. The sausage provides the savory base of the gravy and will lend much of the flavor to the final dish.
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, if sausage is lean): If your sausage is on the leaner side, adding butter will help enrich the gravy and add a silky texture. However, if you’re using a fattier sausage, the grease from the meat may be sufficient.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The flour is essential for thickening the gravy. When combined with the sausage fat, it forms a roux that gives the gravy its creamy consistency.
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (more if needed for consistency): Whole milk is the best choice for a rich, creamy gravy. You can use a lighter milk or even a non-dairy alternative if preferred, but the texture may vary.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Sausage can be naturally salty, so be sure to adjust the amount of salt to taste as you prepare the gravy.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor): Freshly ground black pepper will add depth and a subtle heat to the gravy.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth): Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the gravy. If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to add more.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat): If you like a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper to give the gravy a bit of kick. This is optional, and you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that your ingredients are prepared, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make the perfect old-fashioned sausage gravy:

1️⃣ Cook the Sausage

Start by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef sausage and use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if there’s some grease left in the pan—that’s where the flavor comes from. If there’s too much grease, you can drain a little, but leave about 2 tablespoons to enhance the flavor of your gravy.

2️⃣ Make the Roux

After the sausage has browned, lower the heat to medium. If your sausage is lean, now is the time to add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. This will create a richer base for the gravy. Evenly sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir continuously. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the sausage fat and butter. The flour should turn a light golden color, signaling that the roux is ready.

3️⃣ Add the Milk Slowly

Next, slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously. It’s important to whisk as you go to avoid any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the gravy to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4️⃣ Season to Perfection

When the gravy has reached your desired thickness, it’s time to add the seasonings. Add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together, and then taste the gravy to see if it needs more seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

5️⃣ Adjust Consistency

If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an additional minute or so, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. You can also mix a teaspoon of flour with some milk and add it to the gravy to help thicken it more quickly.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sausage gravy is the perfect consistency, it’s ready to serve. Spoon it generously over warm biscuits, toast, or hash browns. For an extra touch, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives. The combination of the savory gravy and the crispy biscuits is sure to be a hit at your breakfast table!

Pro Tips and Variations

While the basic sausage gravy recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few tricks and variations you can try to personalize the dish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy

• Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the most important ingredient in this dish, so make sure to choose a well-seasoned, flavorful beef breakfast sausage. If possible, buy locally made sausage for the best quality.
• Whisk Constantly: To avoid lumps in your gravy, whisk constantly as you add the milk. This will help create a smooth, creamy texture that’s free from clumps.
• Don’t Over-Salt: Because sausage is often pre-seasoned with salt, you don’t want to add too much at the beginning. Taste as you go to ensure you’re not over-seasoning the gravy.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer your gravy thicker or thinner, simply adjust the amount of milk you use. For a thicker gravy, simmer longer, and for a thinner gravy, add a bit more milk and stir well.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Cheesy Sausage Gravy: For a gooey, rich twist, stir in shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese toward the end of cooking. This will make the gravy extra creamy and flavorful.
• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, opt for hot breakfast sausage or add a splash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or extra cayenne pepper for a flavorful heat.
• Lighter Version: Swap whole milk for a mix of half-and-half and chicken broth for a lighter version of the gravy that still delivers great flavor but with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

While sausage gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, there are many other ways to enjoy this savory dish:

• Classic: Serve it over homemade or store-bought buttermilk biscuits for a traditional Southern breakfast.
• With Eggs: Pair your sausage gravy with scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty, balanced meal.
• On Hash Browns: Drizzle the gravy over crispy hash browns for an extra savory breakfast treat.
• As a Dip: Use the sausage gravy as a rich dipping sauce for breakfast potatoes or toast, making it a fun addition to any brunch spread.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even seasoned cooks sometimes encounter a few hiccups when making sausage gravy. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

• Lumpy Gravy: If your gravy has lumps, don’t panic. Whisk vigorously while adding the milk, and if necessary, you can strain the gravy through a fine sieve to remove any remaining lumps.
• Too Thick: If the gravy is too thick, simply add a splash of warm milk and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Too Thin: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer for another minute or so, stirring frequently to allow it to thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of flour with some milk and add it to the gravy.
• Too Salty: If the gravy tastes too salty, balance it out by adding a little more milk or a pinch of sugar. The sweetness will help counteract the saltiness.

Recipe Recap

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

FAQs

1. Can I make wiener sauce ahead of time? Yes! Plan sausage sauce ahead of time and store it in an waterproof holder in the ice chest for up to 3 days, making warming simple. Essentially warm it on the stovetop with a sprinkle of drain to bring it back to the idealize consistency.
2. CanI solidify frankfurter sauce? Whereas the surface may alter somewhat after solidifying, you can solidify frankfurter sauce. Defrost it in the ice chest and whisk it well when reheating.
3. Can I utilize turkey frankfurter? Completely! Turkey wiener is a extraordinary leaner elective. In spite of the fact that it has a somewhat diverse flavor, it performs fair as well in the gravy.

    Enjoy making this classic Southern frankfurter sauce and share your comes about! Cheerful cooking! 🍳