Delicious Sausage Gravy Recipe – Easy Homemade Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast food, nothing beats a hearty plate of Southern-style biscuits and gravy. The pillowy biscuits soaked in thick, savory gravy is the ultimate comfort food that always hits the spot. And what makes this dish even better is that you can make it right from the comfort of your home.
In this recipe article, I will be sharing my homemade Southern Homestyle Sausage Gravy Recipe with you. This delicious gravy recipe is made with breakfast sausage and bacon grease, giving it that signature smoky and savory flavor that you simply cannot resist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So break out your cast iron skillet and get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Southern dish. In the following sections, we’ll go through everything you need to know – from the ingredients list to pro tips for perfect results. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Southern-style sausage gravy so special? First, let’s talk about the ingredients. Made with rich bacon grease, flour, and breakfast sausage, this gravy is hearty and indulgent. But that’s not all – we add milk to make it thick and creamy. We use whole milk for extra richness, but you can use whatever type of milk you have on hand.
But what really sets this gravy recipe apart is the seasoning. We use a blend of salt and black pepper, with a touch of red pepper for some added heat. The spices combine with the juices from the pork sausage to create a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s savory, peppery, and perfect with a warm biscuit.
And speaking of biscuits – that’s one reason you’ll love this recipe! This sausage gravy is meant to be poured over fresh, homemade biscuits. It’s like comfort food in a bowl. The soft, buttery biscuits soak up the creamy gravy and create a heavenly breakfast or brunch dish.
But don’t stop there – this gravy can be used in so many other ways. Pour it over fried chicken or mashed potatoes for an unforgettable dinner. Use it as a topping for French fries or tater tots for a tasty snack. Or drizzle it over your eggs for a breakfast skillet that will leave you satisfied all morning long.
So why will you love this Southern homestyle sausage gravy recipe? The rich ingredients, spicy seasonings, and versatility make it a truly irresistible dish. Whether you’re from the South or just love Southern-style cuisine, give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, we need to make sure that we have all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bulk pork breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup bacon grease or unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
The beauty of this southern homestyle sausage gravy recipe is that these ingredients are easy to find and might already be in your kitchen. The key ingredient here is breakfast sausage, preferably ground pork. The other ingredients, such as flour, milk, and seasoning are pantry staples in every kitchen.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve talked about the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. Follow these steps to make your own delicious Southern Homestyle Sausage Gravy with ease!
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First, put a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground pork sausage. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break up the sausage into small pieces as it browns. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink.
Step 2: Add Flour and Milk
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the cooked sausage, stirring constantly for about a minute. Then, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while continuing to stir.
Step 3: Season the Gravy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the gravy. For a little kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Simmer until thickened
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until it becomes thick and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust the Consistency
If your gravy is too thick, add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reduces to the thickness you prefer.
Serve hot over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits or use as a dipping sauce for crisp chicken tenders!
I hope this detailed recipe helped you create your own homemade Southern-style sausage gravy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or types of sausage, like spicy Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and that’s no different when it comes to cooking. While this recipe for Southern Homestyle Sausage Gravy is already a crowd pleaser, there are a few substitutions and variations you could try to put your own twist on it.
For starters, instead of using breakfast sausage, you could try substituting with ground Italian sausage for a spicy kick. You could also mix things up by using country sausage or bulk pork breakfast sausage to give it a different flavor profile.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, swap the regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour mix. Cornstarch can also be used as a thickener in place of flour; just keep in mind that cornstarch thickens faster than flour and may require less cooking time.
For those looking for a healthier option, consider using unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can also experiment with plant-based alternatives like soy milk or oat milk.
Another variation to consider is the use of bacon grease instead of butter. The salty and smoky flavor will add an extra depth to the gravy that traditional butter won’t.
Regardless if you choose to make one of these substitutions or not, the outcome will still be a delicious homemade southern-style gravy perfect for slathering over warm biscuits. Just remember to adjust cooking times and ingredient amount as necessary- and don’t forget to share your own unique take on this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Southern homestyle sausage gravy is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weeknight dinner. This delicious gravy is best served over warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits, but it can also be enjoyed over fried chicken, mashed potatoes or toast.
For a classic southern breakfast, try pairing your homemade sausage gravy with golden-brown biscuits and a side of crispy bacon or fried eggs. The savory flavors of the gravy will perfectly complement the salty, smoky taste of the bacon and the richness of the egg yolks.
If you are feeling adventurous, whip up some grits or hash browns to serve on the side. The creamy texture of grits and the crispy texture of hash browns provide an ideal foundation for the thick and flavorful sausage gravy.
You can also create a spin on this dish by using variations like Italian sausage or country sausage to give the dish unique flavors. Dip a fork into this savory delight and experience what southern comfort food is all about.
No matter how you choose to serve it, homemade southern-style sausage gravy is sure to become an instant favorite among your family and friends.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Southern Homestyle Sausage Gravy recipe is that it can be made ahead of time! If you’re hosting a brunch or breakfast gathering, you can make the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Storing leftover sausage gravy is easy too. Store any remaining gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
When reheating leftover sausage gravy from the refrigerator, simply heat it gently on a stove or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If reheating from frozen, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using your preferred method.
Remember that although this homemade Southern sausage gravy recipe can be stored for later use, it tastes best when served fresh! So, when possible, try to make and serve it on the same day for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art and a science, and making perfect homestyle sausage gravy is no exception. Here are some tips to help you take your gravy to the next level:
Firstly, be sure to use bacon grease instead of unsalted butter in your recipe. Although butter can work as a substitute, the smoky flavor of bacon grease adds a unique flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
Secondly, when making your roux with flour, ensure you cook it until it reaches a rich golden brown color. Doing this helps prevent it from having an unpleasant raw flour taste and ensures that the gravy has a richly-developed flavor.
Next, don’t skip the step of adding red pepper flakes or cayenne powder even if you don’t like spicy food. The small amount of heat balances out the richness of the gravy making it more delicious.
Also, always use whole milk instead of skim milk. The higher fat content in whole milk contributes to a creamy texture than skim or low-fat milk cannot replicate.
Another tip for producing perfect homestyle sausage gravy is to use a cast-iron skillet for making it. This type of skillet helps distribute heat evenly across the pan, delivering an even cooking process and preventing hot spots that could burn or scorch the gravy.
Furthermore, when adding salt and pepper to your gravy ensure that you do so gradually and with constant stirring to ensure they are uniformly distributed throughout the dish.
Lastly, before serving your homestyle sausage gravy dish sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary and thyme that brings out aromatic qualities in the dish that are divine.
By following these pro-tips, you’ll be able to effortlessly transition your homemade Southern-style cuisine into restaurant-worthy cuisine all from the comfort of your home kitchen.
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that sometimes even the most detailed recipes can leave lingering questions. To ensure that you have everything you need to perfect this southern homestyle sausage gravy recipe, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided thorough answers. Whether you’re curious about ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques or just want tips for storing leftovers, this FAQ section has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and address some of the most common queries about this dish!
What is the difference between country gravy and sausage gravy?
One common question is whether to use links or patties for the sausage gravy recipe. It’s important to note that this recipe does not require either. Another question is about the difference between homemade country gravy and sausage gravy. Although they are very similar, country gravy is made without meat while sausage gravy is made with ground sausage and is sometimes referred to as sawmill gravy.
What is Southern gravy made of?
Southern gravy is a creamy, white gravy that is typically made using either pan drippings of bacon, sausage or poultry, or butter. The savory mixture is then combined with flour, whole milk, salt, and pepper to create a classic southern-style country gravy.
Is sausage gravy a southern thing?
Saunders gravy is a classic southern dish that consists of a thick, creamy sauce made with crumbled sausage and served generously over freshly baked biscuits.
What is Homestyle gravy made of?
The ingredients of this recipe include a mixture of wheat flour, modified corn starch, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (derived from soy, corn, and wheat). Additionally, salt, beef fat, yeast extract (which might contain barley or oats), potato starch, milk ingredients, modified palm oil, caramel color, dehydrated onion, spices, natural flavor, sunflower oil, calcium silicate, and silicon dioxide are also used.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like homemade southern-style sausage gravy to start your day off on the right foot. Whether you’re a lover of savory breakfasts or just appreciate good food, this recipe is an absolute must-try. So what are you waiting for? Grab some breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and a few other simple ingredients, and whip up a batch of this delicious gravy today.
And don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions. Whether you prefer black pepper or red pepper in your gravy, or want to try adding some Italian sausage or bacon grease for an extra kick, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile recipe.
With these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to whipping up the best homemade southern-style sausage gravy and biscuits around. So go ahead and grab that cast iron skillet, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and get ready to enjoy a hearty breakfast that’s sure to satisfy all your cravings. Trust me – once you’ve tasted this homestyle sausage gravy, breakfast will never be the same.
Southern Homestyle Sausage Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb favorite breakfast sausage (about 3 slices)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (as much as you like)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon bacon grease or 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Fry sausage until golden brown.
- Add bacon grease, then flour to the grease and cooked sausage.
- Stir until blended.
- Cook until raw flavor of the flour cooks out (about 2 or 3 minutes, not too brown though).
- Now add your milk.
- Stir constantly until desired thickness.
- Serve over your favorite biscuits.
- Enjoy!
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