When I first made homemade sausage gravy, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special. That creamy richness paired with the hearty flavor of sausage? Absolutely unbeatable. I remember standing over the skillet, inhaling the warm aroma as it thickened to perfection. Whether spooned over fluffy biscuits or as a cozy side to scrambled eggs, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s simple comfort food that brings people together, and every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. Trust me, once you see how easy and flavorful this is, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Homemade sausage gravy is life-changing! It has a lot to offer, and you’re bound to fall in love with it for these reasons:
It’s Quick and Foolproof
This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the straightforward steps make it nearly impossible to mess up.
Rich, Hearty Flavor
The combo of flavorful sausage and creamy, perfectly seasoned gravy makes for an irresistible dish with layers of savory goodness in every bite.
Versatile Pairing Options
While biscuits are the classic companion, this gravy pairs beautifully with hash browns, toast, or even over mashed potatoes for a new twist.
Easy to Customize
You can tweak ingredient choices to suit dietary needs or your personal taste. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat or experiment with different sausages to change things up.
Perfect Comfort Food
There’s just something about the warming, stick-to-your-ribs quality of sausage gravy that feels like a hug from the inside. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or when you’re craving something indulgent.
Cooking Time
Preparing this dish is quick and easy. Here’s a breakdown of the time you need:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
All you need are these simple, pantry staples to whip up sausage gravy everyone will rave about:
- Pork breakfast sausage
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Variations
Want to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences? Here are some variations to try!
- Turkey Sausage: Swap pork for a leaner turkey sausage for a slightly lighter version of this dish.
- Plant-Based: Use a plant-based sausage alternative and unsweetened almond milk for a vegan option.
- Spice it Up! Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the gravy a nice kick.
- Richer Flavor: Use heavy cream instead of milk for an ultra-luxurious texture.
Equipment You Need
These tools will make the process easier for you:
- Large Skillet: To cook the sausage and mix everything without spilling.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for breaking down sausage.
- Whisk: Helps mix the flour and milk for the smoothest consistency.
How to Make Homemade Sausage Gravy
Turning a few simple ingredients into this rich, hearty dish is easier than you might think. Follow these easy steps for delicious results every time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage 🍳
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: Add Flour 🌾
Once your sausage is fully cooked, sprinkle the flour on top. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly coated. Cook for about one minute, letting the flour absorb that tasty sausage grease.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk 🥛
While stirring continuously, slowly pour in the whole milk. This helps prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture might seem a little thin at first, but as it cooks, the gravy thickens beautifully. You can add crushed red pepper at this stage for a bit of zing.
Step 4: Season and Simmer 🍲
Season the gravy with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep stirring as the mixture cooks and thickens to your liking. This can take about 4-6 minutes. Once it’s perfectly creamy, you’re done!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! 🌟
Spoon the gravy over freshly baked biscuits or your favorite breakfast side. Garnish with a sprinkle of pepper or fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Sausage Thoroughly: Make sure the sausage is completely browned before adding flour. This ensures rich flavor and food safety.
- Mix the Flour Well: Thoroughly stir the flour into the sausage before adding milk to avoid any lumps in your gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy feels too thick, add a small splash of milk and stir until smooth. Want it thicker? Cook a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- Taste as You Go: Once the gravy has thickened, don’t be shy about tasting. Add extra salt or seasoning as needed to hit just the right flavor note.
How to Serve Homemade Sausage Gravy
Sausage gravy shines brightest when paired with warm, flaky biscuits. However, don’t limit yourself! You can serve it over crispy hash browns, eat it with scrambled eggs, or transform it into a topping for country-style fried steak. To make your dish truly eye-catching, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a generous crack of black pepper.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of nutrition for one serving of sausage gravy.
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 24g
Make Ahead and Storage
Homemade sausage gravy stores incredibly well!
If you want to prep this in advance, simply make the gravy, cool it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour it into a skillet and warm over medium heat. Add a splash of milk to loosen it up, as the gravy tends to thicken when chilled.
For longer storage, freeze the gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed above.
Nothing beats the feeling of having delicious, hearty sausage gravy on hand for those moments when you need comfort food fast. Enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
Homemade Sausage Gravy
When I first made homemade sausage gravy, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special. That creamy richness paired with the hearty flavor of sausage? Absolutely unbeatable. I remember standing over the skillet, inhaling the warm aroma as it thickened to perfection. Whether spooned over fluffy biscuits or as a cozy side to scrambled eggs, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients
- Pork breakfast sausage
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and no pink remains.
- Once your sausage is fully cooked, sprinkle the flour on top. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly coated. Cook for about one minute, letting the flour absorb that tasty sausage grease.
- While stirring continuously, slowly pour in the whole milk. This helps prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture might seem a little thin at first, but as it cooks, the gravy thickens beautifully. You can add crushed red pepper at this stage for a bit of zing.
- Season the gravy with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep stirring as the mixture cooks and thickens to your liking. This can take about 4-6 minutes. Once it’s perfectly creamy, you’re done!
- Spoon the gravy over freshly baked biscuits or your favorite breakfast side. Garnish with a sprinkle of pepper or fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Notes
- Cook the Sausage Thoroughly: Make sure the sausage is completely browned before adding flour. This ensures rich flavor and food safety.
- Mix the Flour Well: Thoroughly stir the flour into the sausage before adding milk to avoid any lumps in your gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy feels too thick, add a small splash of milk and stir until smooth. Want it thicker? Cook a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- Taste as You Go: Once the gravy has thickened, don’t be shy about tasting. Add extra salt or seasoning as needed to hit just the right flavor note.
