The Best Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Creamy, hearty southern sausage gravy transforms a simple breakfast into a comforting morning feast.

Breakfast enthusiasts adore this classic southern dish that brings warmth to the table.

Rich ground pork sausage creates a luxurious base for the silky sauce.

Crispy bacon bits can add an extra layer of savory goodness to this traditional recipe.

Salt and black pepper blend perfectly with the meat’s natural flavors.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful combination of rustic comfort and homestyle cooking.

Serve this gravy over fresh, fluffy biscuits for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Sausage Gravy Wins Every Time

• Adjust seasonings and spice levels to match your taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or with extra kick, this gravy adapts perfectly to your personal flavor profile.
• Guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, this classic dish brings families together with its rich, creamy texture and bold sausage flavor. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
• Using just a few pantry staples, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy breakfast that feels like a warm culinary hug. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required.

Pantry Staples for Sausage Gravy

• Pork Sausage: A flavorful ground meat that provides the rich, savory foundation for the gravy.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth, thick texture and binds the gravy together.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor and brings out the sausage's natural taste.

• Whole Milk: Provides the creamy, smooth consistency and helps create the classic gravy texture.

Gravy-Making Essentials Checklist

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for even heat distribution and creating delicious browned sausage.
• Wooden Spoon: Sturdy utensil for stirring sausage and mixing flour without scratching the skillet.
• Whisk: Essential tool for smoothly blending milk and preventing lumps in the gravy.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for flour and milk ensure consistent gravy texture.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping and mixing ingredients evenly in the skillet.

How to Whip Up Creamy Gravy

Step 1: Sizzle and Crumble Sausage

Drop the ground sausage into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Break the meat into small, uneven crumbles as it cooks, letting it brown and develop deep, rich flavors.

The sausage will release its natural oils and create a delicious base for the gravy.

Step 2: Dust with Flour Power

Sprinkle flour over the crispy, golden sausage pieces.

Stir and coat the meat thoroughly, allowing the flour to absorb the flavorful fat and create a smooth foundation for your gravy.

Let this mixture cook for a minute or two, which helps eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir these seasonings into the sausage-flour mixture, distributing the flavors evenly and creating a fragrant base.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Slowly pour milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Keep stirring as the mixture simmers and thickens.

The gravy will gradually transform from a liquid to a luxurious, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to biscuits.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Once the gravy reaches a rich, velvety texture, remove from heat.

Ladle the steaming, peppered gravy generously over warm, fluffy biscuits.

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the biscuits but still able to cascade down the sides.

Pro Secrets for Flawless Gravy

• Choose high-fat breakfast sausage for richer, more flavorful gravy that coats biscuits perfectly.
• Adjust milk slowly while whisking to prevent lumps and achieve your desired gravy thickness.
• Taste and incrementally add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to balance the sausage's natural saltiness.
• Maintain medium heat during milk addition to prevent scorching and ensure smooth texture.
• Refrigerate leftover gravy in an airtight container and reheat gently, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency.

Flavor Upgrade Ideas for Gravy

• Vegetarian Sausage Gravy: Replace pork sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushroom-based sausage alternative for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with rice flour or cornstarch to create a celiac-friendly gravy that's equally creamy and delicious.
• Spicy Southwestern Gravy: Add diced green chiles, ground cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style sauce with extra kick.
• Low-Fat Version: Use turkey sausage instead of pork, swap whole milk for skim milk, and reduce the amount of fat while keeping the traditional gravy texture and taste.

Creative Gravy Serving Inspirations

• Breakfast Bliss: Serve hot biscuits split open and generously topped with the creamy sausage gravy for a classic Southern morning meal.
• Hearty Plate Companion: Spoon the gravy over crispy hash browns or country-style breakfast potatoes for an extra satisfying breakfast experience.
• Comfort Food Remix: Drizzle the gravy over scrambled eggs or use as a dipping sauce for warm buttermilk cornbread to elevate your comfort food game.
• Protein Power-Up: Layer the sausage gravy on top of crispy chicken fried steak for a decadent brunch centerpiece that will impress family and friends.

Keeping Your Gravy Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer cooled gravy to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm the gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Place gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add milk if gravy seems too thick.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this gravy?

Breakfast or country-style pork sausage with higher fat content works perfectly, creating richer flavor and better texture for traditional Southern sausage gravy.

• How can I prevent lumps in my gravy?

Continuously whisk the mixture after adding flour and milk, stirring constantly to break down any potential clumps and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick during reheating.

• Is there a way to make the gravy less greasy?

After browning the sausage, you can drain some excess fat before adding flour, which helps reduce overall greasiness while maintaining great flavor.

Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty southern sausage gravy delivers comfort on a plate with rich, creamy goodness. Homemade flavors blend perfectly, offering a classic breakfast experience you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 lb mild ground breakfast sausage

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 8 biscuits

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and a rich golden-brown color develops.
2. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage, stirring continuously to create a uniform mixture that coats the meat evenly.
3. Incorporate garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the sausage-flour blend, ensuring the seasonings are distributed thoroughly throughout the mixture.
4. Gradually pour whole milk into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Continue cooking and stirring the gravy for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to simmer and thicken until it reaches a rich, velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.
6. Remove from heat and let the gravy rest for 2-3 minutes to further develop its flavor and stabilize its consistency.
7. Ladle the hot sausage gravy generously over warm, freshly baked biscuits, ensuring each biscuit is completely covered with the savory sauce.

Notes

• Opt for high-fat ground sausage to ensure maximum flavor and richness in your gravy.
• Continuously stir the mixture to prevent flour from burning and creating lumpy texture.
• Control heat carefully to maintain smooth consistency without scorching milk.
• Consider using alternative milk options like oat or almond milk for dietary restrictions while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg