Savor the Flavor: Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe
Welcome to my southern-style kitchen, where the aroma of freshly-cooked food fills the air and delicious meals are always on the table. Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite Cajun recipes – Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy.
This savory dish features spicy cajun sausage cooked in a creamy gravy made with flour, milk, and chicken broth. The perfect serving for any breakfast occasion, this dish pairs seamlessly with hot fluffy buttermilk biscuits or crispy grits.
As a chef who specializes in southern cuisine, I am passionate about sharing the comfort and warmth that only a homemade meal can bring. This recipe is easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite due to its rich flavor and satisfying texture.
So if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast recipe that will transport you straight to Louisiana, I invite you to join me in the kitchen as we whip up some Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As an expert in Southern-style cuisine, let me tell you why you will absolutely love this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy recipe! To begin with, this recipe expertly blends bold and robust flavors that are bound to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the savory aroma of spicy sausage mixed with thyme, garlic powder, and a kick of red pepper. This is true cajun cooking at its finest!
But what makes this recipe truly exceptional is the perfect ratio of ingredients. The blend of milk, chicken broth, and all-purpose flour creates a creamy and velvety consistency that is absolutely unbeatable. Plus, the addition of green onions adds just the right amount of freshness to balance out the richness of the gravy.
Now let’s talk about the main ingredient: sausage! Whether you choose pork or chicken breakfast sausage, or opt for a spicier variety like fresh cajun sausage or Italian sausage, this gravy recipe can handle them all. And with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own homemade sausage from scratch, you have complete control over the flavor profile of your meal.
Finally, when it comes to serving options, you can’t go wrong with fluffy buttermilk biscuits or cheesy grits as a base for this delicious gravy. Add some country ham or crispy bacon on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor!
So trust me when I say that this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and satisfying flavors in their breakfast or brunch dishes. Once you make it yourself and savor its mouth-watering goodness, you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a moment to gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe. Don’t worry; most of the ingredients required are easy to find at your nearest supermarket or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Recipe Ingredients:
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Sausage: 1 lb (use fresh, spicy or cajun sausage, removed from casings)
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All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp
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Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp
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Large Skillet
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Whisk
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Milk: 3 cups (use whole milk or half-and-half)
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Chicken Broth: 1 cup
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Green Onion: 3 finely sliced green onions (for garnish)
Spices and Seasoning:
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Salt: 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
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Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
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Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
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Thyme: 1 tsp (fresh or dried)
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Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for a touch of heat!
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
To start off, before we begin making this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe, it’s essential that all ingredients are prepped and measured accurately. This ensures that the recipe turns out just as delightful as you would expect. Now let’s get started with the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb fresh Cajun sausage, removed from casings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
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Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for approximately five minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown and crispy bits are formed.
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Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or spatula to transfer the sausage onto a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
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In the same skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
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Add one-fourth (1/4) cup of all-purpose flour and stir till the mixture has thickened.
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Next, pour in three cups of whole milk and one cup of chicken broth into the skillet while whisking continuously until combined.
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Allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes until it’s thickened while stirring occasionally from time to time.
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Afterward, stir in half a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, two cloves of minced garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes seasoned with salt and pepper based on preference or taste.
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Finally, add in the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir well until well combined with the gravy mixture.
Serve Your Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe
And voila! Your delicious, creamy Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe is ready to be served over some fluffy buttermilk biscuits or grits for that southern all-day breakfast experience. You could also try serving it over some Italian sausage or country fried steak and add a sprinkle of chopped green onion on top for an extra zing of flavor.
Quick Tips
- Adjust the thickness of your gravy by adding more flour than recommended for a thicker consistency or more milk or chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour.
- Use pork breakfast sausage or spicy sausage instead of cajun sausage to give the gravy alternative savory flavors.
- Unused gravy can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or stovetop, covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container up to 4 days after cooking it.
Enjoy this delicious Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy with some biscuits and let yourself indulge in pure bliss!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to substitutions and variations for this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few options to try out:
– Meat Options: Instead of using pork sausage, try using ground beef, turkey sausage, or even chopped up bacon in your gravy. If you want to switch things up with some spice, consider using spicy Italian sausage or chorizo.
– Milk Options: If you’re looking to make the gravy a bit healthier or lighter, you can always use skim milk, almond milk or soy milk. For a richer flavor, heavy whipping cream or buttermilk could be used in place of whole milk.
– Flour Options: While all-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for the roux, you can also use wheat flour or gluten-free flour alternatives such as rice flour or almond flour. Keep in mind that the thickening properties and flavor may vary based on the type of flour you choose.
– Seasoning Options: Experiment with different types of seasoning for your gravy. Try adding additional spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning to give your gravy an extra kick of flavor.
– Serving Options: Traditional Southern biscuits are the perfect pairing for this sausage gravy recipe but don’t let that limit you! You can also serve the gravy over grits or mashed potatoes for a delicious and hearty meal.
Regardless of what substitutions and variations you choose, this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
When serving this southern cajun sausage gravy, you cannot go wrong with pairing it with a piping hot fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Together, they make for a breakfast that is sure to satisfy any hungry belly in the morning. The creamy richness of the gravy combined with the fluffiness of the biscuits will make for a meal that you will never forget.
But, if you want to take things up a notch, you can try some other Southern classics like grits or cheese grits as an alternative to biscuits. There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of grits combined with the spicy kick of cajun sausage gravy. It makes for a great balance of flavors and you’ll enjoy the unique southern flair that it brings to your breakfast.
If you want to experiment with your pairings, there are plenty of other options! You can serve the sausage gravy over country fried steak or chicken fried chicken for a hearty brunch. You can also try it on some crisp and buttery hash browns for a satisfying start to your day.
As for beverages, black coffee or iced sweet tea are traditional Southern accompaniments that complement this dish perfectly. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with mimosas or Bloody Marys for a boozy brunch.
Overall, the southern cajun sausage gravy is an incredibly versatile recipe and pairs well with almost everything. So be creative with your pairings and enjoy this delicious dish in your own unique way!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making a delicious Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy, it’s essential to plan ahead, which can save time and prevent any last-minute meal prep stress. Luckily, this recipe is suitable for make-ahead purposes.
If you want to prepare the gravy ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, place the container in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. You may need to add a little milk to the gravy to thin it out before reheating.
Additionally, this recipe can be frozen for future use. To freeze, transfer the cooled sausage gravy into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze for up to two months. Before serving, allow the gravy to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on low heat in a saucepan on the stove.
When reheating the thawed sausage gravy, it’s important not to overheat and for best results, reheat over medium-low heat while continually stirring until warmed through.
After storing and reheating, I recommend serving this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy with some freshly made biscuits, cheese grits or even over some fluffy rice. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy, following these tips will help you achieve the perfect taste and texture every time.
First, use fresh cajun sausage that is removed from casings for the best flavor profile. I recommend cooking the sausage on medium heat for about 5 minutes until browned before adding the flour.
To create a thick and creamy gravy, use all-purpose flour cooked in unsalted butter as your thickening agent. Once your flour and sausage are cooked together, slowly add chicken broth and milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
For the best results, I suggest using whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk. This will give the gravy a richer flavor and more velvety consistency.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to add some spice to your gravy! A pinch of red pepper or a sprinkle of thyme can really elevate the flavor profile of your dish. However, be mindful of salt intake as cajun sausage already contains a fair amount of sodium.
When serving your Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy, pair it with fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast or serve it over grits for a savory dinner option. Making homemade sausage gravy is an art form in Southern cooking and with these tips, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy recipe is the perfect dish to add some flair and flavor to your breakfast or brunch. From its deliciously spicy cajun sausage to the creamy and savory gravy, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you pair it with fluffy buttermilk biscuits, cheese grits, or other Southern staples, this sausage gravy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
By using fresh cajun cooking techniques and incorporating a blend of classic Southern ingredients like thyme, red pepper, and garlic powder, this recipe truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine. And with its easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredient list, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes and preferences.
So why not try your hand at making homemade sausage gravy today? With its rich flavor profile and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a household favorite in no time. Trust me – once you taste this Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy recipe, you’ll never go back to bland country gravy again.
Southern Cajun Sausage Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb sweet sausage, removed from casings
- 1/2 lb hot Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme, fresh chopped
- salt
- pepper
- 6 buttermilk biscuits
Instructions
- Cook both of the sausage meats in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up with the spoon, until browned and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a bowl.
- Remove all but 3 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet.
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stir well, and cook over medium-high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
- Slowly add the milk and the broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Return the skillet to the heat and cook until the gravy is slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the crumbled sausage meat and combine well.
- Cook over medium heat until warmed through.
- Serve immediately over split biscuits.
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