If you’ve ever woken up on a lazy weekend morning, craving something warm and comforting for breakfast, then you know the magic of a good sausage gravy. Sausage gravy is one of those classic, stick-to-your-ribs meals that can turn a regular morning into a cozy, Southern-inspired feast. With just five ingredients and less than 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up this savory, creamy dish to pour over biscuits, toast, or even hash browns.
Now, I’m not saying this is health food, but sometimes, you just need a little indulgence, and this sausage gravy will hit the spot every time. It’s rich, filling, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will become one of your go-to breakfast favorites.
So, grab your skillet and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen: sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper.
– Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 20 minutes to get this gravy on the table.
– Customizable: Like your gravy thicker? Add more flour! Prefer it thinner? Just add more milk. You can adjust this recipe to fit your preferences.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting brunch, this recipe is a surefire hit. Who doesn’t love a good, creamy sausage gravy?
Sausage Gravy Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk about what goes into making this delicious sausage gravy:
-Ground Sausage: The star of the show. You can use breakfast sausage, hot sausage for a spicy kick, or even a turkey sausage for a lighter version. I prefer a good-quality pork sausage for that traditional flavor.
– Flour: This is used to thicken the gravy. As the sausage cooks, it releases fat, and the flour soaks that up to make a roux, which thickens the milk.
– Milk: The base of the gravy. I recommend using whole milk for the creamiest texture, but any milk will work.
– Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors. Feel free to add other spices if you like—some people love adding a dash of garlic powder or cayenne for extra flavor.
Now that you know what’s going into the gravy, let’s talk about how to put it all together!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage Gravy
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet or sauce pan over medium heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want to brown the sausage evenly, so stir occasionally, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Cooking the sausage will release fat, which we’ll use to make the roux. This takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and your sausage.
Pro Tip: If your sausage is too lean and doesn’t release much fat, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to ensure the gravy thickens properly.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Once the sausage is cooked and nicely browned, sprinkle the flour over the sausage in the skillet. Stir it into the sausage, ensuring the flour absorbs the fat and coats the meat evenly. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour the milk into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. This is when the magic happens—your gravy will start to come together and develop that creamy texture.
Step 4: Season with Salt and Pepper
Once the gravy has thickened (after about 3-5 minutes), season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more seasoning if you like—this is your gravy, so make it how you love it!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sausage gravy is at your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Now it’s time to serve! Pour the gravy over your favorite biscuits, toast, or even over fried potatoes for an extra indulgent breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy Every Time
– Start Slow: When adding the flour, make sure the sausage is cooked through and that you mix it well with the fat. This prevents lumps from forming.
– Adjust the Thickness: If the gravy is too thick for your liking, slowly add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook down for a few more minutes, or add a touch more flour.
– Leftover Magic: Got extra gravy? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a little extra milk to loosen it up.
Variations of Sausage Gravy
– Spicy Gravy: Use hot or spicy sausage, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for some heat.
– Herby Gravy: Add in a sprinkle of thyme, sage, or rosemary to give the gravy a more savory, herb-infused flavor.
– Cheesy Gravy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy twist. This adds richness and an extra layer of flavor.
– Gluten-Free Gravy: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Best Ways to Serve Sausage Gravy
Sausage gravy is versatile and can be paired with many breakfast staples. Here are a few ideas:
– Biscuits and Gravy: The classic! Serve over warm, fluffy biscuits for a hearty breakfast.
– Potatoes: Pour the gravy over roasted or fried potatoes for a delicious twist on breakfast potatoes.
– Toast: If you don’t have biscuits, gravy over buttered toast is just as good!
– Eggs: Top scrambled or fried eggs with a spoonful of gravy for a savory breakfast plate.
– Hash Browns: For a fully loaded breakfast, drizzle sausage gravy over crispy hash browns.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! In less than 20 minutes, you can make a delicious batch of sausage gravy with just a few ingredients. It’s a meal that’s perfect for any morning when you want something a little extra special. Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast or brunch with friends, this sausage gravy is sure to be a hit.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the gravy to suit your tastes—add herbs, spice, or cheese for a unique twist. Once you get the hang of making it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
I tried this sausage gravy recipe, and it’s absolutely delicious! The instructions were so easy to follow, and the result was a rich, creamy gravy that paired perfectly with biscuits. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, quick, and full of flavor!
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the sausage gravy and found the instructions easy to follow. It really is the ultimate comfort food—so glad it was a hit!
I usually brown the sausage, remove it and leave the grease. Then make the gravy and add the sausge back in. Never thought about just leaving it in. I’ll try this next time.
Leaving the sausage in saves a step and means fewer dishes—hope you enjoy the simpler cleanup!
YUM. So good. Excited to try making this.