Sausage Gravy

Dive into the best southern breakfast with this creamy, made-from-scratch Sausage Gravy, perfect to smother over warm biscuits. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and hearty comfort food is a simple yet delicious way to start your morning.

This is the best sausage gravy recipe you’ll ever make! It’s made the same way your mom made hearty and comforting biscuits and gravy. In addition to sharing this easy gravy recipe, I’ll also share tips and even a few different ways to change it up. This is the only sausage gravy recipe you need. 

Keep this recipe somewhere safe because it’s the best thing to make for a special occasion. It’s the perfect breakfast for Christmas morning, served on top of hot biscuits. It’s a great way to serve something filling and tasty for your family. 

Why You’ll Love Sausage Gravy

• Made from scratch. There’s nothing like the taste of homemade sausage gravy.  
• Easy beginner recipe. Even if this is the first time you’ve made homemade gravy, it will turn out perfectly. 
• Great flavor. It tastes even better when you use fresh herbs. 
• Southern comfort food. When you serve it on top of fresh biscuits, this recipe will stick to your ribs and fill you up. 
• Simple Ingredients. You can find these easily at the grocery store. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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This recipe has the best flavor because it’s made with real, simple ingredients.

• Sausage: Use your favorite flavor or brand of sausage. 
• Butter: You may use unsalted butter if needed, but I recommend adding extra salt for balance.
• Flour: This is what thickens the gravy. 
• Whole Milk: This is what makes the gravy creamy. 
• Sage: This herb is exactly what makes it taste like country gravy. 
• Thyme: This is the other herb that rounds out the earthy flavor of the sage. 
• Salt and Pepper: Add as much as you want to enhance the other flavors. 
• Fresh Parsley: This naturally sweet flavor tastes best when you use the fresh herb over the dried variety. 
• Biscuits or Toast: Use your favorite brand for serving the gravy. 

How to Make Sausage Gravy

• Step One: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a meat masher or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through. If your sausage is particularly fatty, you may want to drain some of the excess fat but leave a little for added flavor.
• Step Two: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan with the sausage. Allow it to melt completely.
• Step Three: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and butter mixture. Stir well to coat the sausage evenly with the flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw taste of the flour.

• Step Four: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
• Step Five: Stir in the dried sage and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Step Six: Remove the pan from the heat once the gravy is thick and creamy.
• Step Seven: Serve the Italian Sausage Gravy over warm biscuits or toast. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Equipment Needed

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• Large Skillet: It should be large enough to hold all the sausage gravy. 
• Wooden Spoon: You’ll use this to stir the gravy. 
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You’ll need to measure the milk and flour. 
• Whisk: This will incorporate the flour and milk easier. 

What to Serve with Sausage Gravy

The classic pairing for this gravy is homemade biscuits, but you can also serve it over toast, English muffins, or even hash browns. It makes for a delicious and filling breakfast or brunch dish.

• Sour Cream Biscuits
• Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
• Bacon and Egg Biscuit Casserole

Variations and Substitutions

• You can substitute part of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Depending on your taste preferences, you can add more or less sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or cooked mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it spicier. Use spicy sausage or some hot sauce to the rich gravy. 
• If you need to make it gluten-free, then use a gluten-free all-purpose flour. 

Storage Instructions 

If you have any leftover gravy, allow it to cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Sausage Gravy Tips and Tricks

• If using Italian sausage, remove the casings from the sausage. This allows the flavors to disperse more evenly throughout the gravy.
• Cook the sausage over medium-high heat to get a nice sear, which enhances the flavor.
• Stir the gravy constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming.
• Whisk flour and add it slowly so that it cooks evenly.

What Is Sausage Gravy?

Sausage gravy is a traditional southern recipe that is usually served for breakfast on top of flaky, easy biscuits. This flavorful country gravy is usually light in color because it’s made with a combination of milk and flour with some sausage mixed into it. 

What Is The Best Sausage for Sausage Gravy?

You can experiment with different types of sausage, such as breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage, to create variations of this gravy. Each type of sausage will impart its unique flavor to the dish. I suggest cooking the sausage first until it is golden brown for best results. 

Can I Make Ahead?

Once it’s prepared, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

How To Make Thicker

The first thing to make it thicker is sprinkling flour into the gravy a little bit at a time. It doesn’t take much to thicken it up. Adding a little bit more flour is the easiest thing you can do to thicken it up. 

How To Thin Gravy 

If you prefer a thinner gravy, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. That’s all you have to do! Just add milk, a tiny splash at a time. 

How To Reheat 

Reheat your sausage gravy in the microwave. Cover it with a paper towel to protect your microwave from splatters. Then, heat it for one minute at a time, stirring it well between intervals. 

What Is The Difference Between Country Gravy and Sausage Gravy? 

The addition of cooked sausage is what changes it from country gravy to sausage gravy. Southern sausage gravy is always made with sausage (like Jimmy Dean sausage). Country gravy is basically spices, milk, and flour. 

Why Does My Gravy Taste Like Flour? 

The flour helps thicken the gravy and gives it a creamy consistency. Make sure to cook the flour for a minute or two to avoid a raw taste. If your gravy still tastes like flour, add more black pepper and some red pepper flakes.

Why Didn’t My Gravy Thicken?

You probably didn’t add enough flour. Next time, add a little more flour. Keep adding a little flour and whisking the gravy. It should thicken up easily. You can also try to cut back on the amount of milk that you use.  

Can I Make This Gravy Without Dairy?

If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Remember that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly from the traditional version.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Gravy?

This recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients. People don’t usually add vegetables to sausage gravy. If you want to add a few veggies, I’d chop up some roasted red peppers into small pieces and add them on top. 

Is This Gravy Suitable For Meal Prep?

Yes, this creamy gravy is the perfect thing to add to your meal prep. Store it separately from your favorite biscuits. Keep the gravy in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to three days. It reheats well and tastes delicious even a few days later. 

FAQ

Breakfast Recipes        

Want to make more tasty breakfast recipes at home? Here are some of my favorites:

• Copycat McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffins
• Spicy Egg Muffins
• Easy Mini Rum Butter Cinnamon Rolls
• Bacon and Gouda Fritatta
• Breakfast Sliders
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Classic Monkey Bread
• Baked French Toast

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