Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern comfort dish. It is probably the best thing you could put over fresh out of the oven homemade biscuits. There’s something about the warm, rich, and creamy taste of sausage gravy that is the taste of home. In this blog, I will delve into the art of making this iconic dish, giving you every step to ensure you perfect it with ease. Using classic ingredients that can easily be found in your fridge and pantry, let’s make this dish that’s as authentic as it is delicious.
Why Sausage Gravy Is a Southern Classic
Sausage gravy’s origins are rooted in the practical, resourceful cooking traditions of the South. It’s a dish that emerged out of necessity, combining readily available and affordable ingredients to create something hearty and flavorful. The combination of browned sausage, creamy milk-based gravy, and the simplicity of the preparation has made it a beloved comfort food that transcends generations.
The Ingredients for Classic Sausage Gravy
To make the perfect sausage gravy, each ingredient plays a critical role. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients we’ll use and why they are essential:
- Jimmy Dean Sausage: Jimmy Dean Sausage is a household name that is the main ingredient of the dish. It provides a rich, savory flavor that defines the taste of this gravy.
- Milk: The milk provides the creamy base to the gravy, creating that silky texture Sausage gravy is famous for.
- Butter: Butter enhances the richness and contributes to the velvety consistency of the gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour: The Flour serves as the thickening agent, giving the gravy its signature body and texture.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper enhances the flavor of the gravy by adding a hint of spice to complement the savory sausage.
- Salt : Salt balances the flavors, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Making Sausage Gravy
Let’s dive into the process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious sausage gravy ready to enjoy with your biscuits.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Place your skillet over medium heat then add the sausage to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes allowing your sausage to brown.
Step 2: Create a Roux for the Sausage Gravy
Add the butter to the pan with the sausage and allow it to melt. Next Incorporate the all-purpose flour. Allow the flour to cook until it begins to brown about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Once your flour has browned, slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Next season with the black pepper and salt then bring your liquid to a light simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes stirring frequently to ensure even thickening.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Finishing the Gravy
Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sausage gravy over warm biscuits or alongside your favorite breakfast items. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Gravy
- Choose Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage significantly impacts the final dish. Jimmy Dean sausage offers a perfect balance of seasoning and quality, but feel free to experiment with other brands or homemade sausage.
- Avoid Lumps: Stir the flour thoroughly into the sausage and butter before adding milk. This step is crucial for a smooth gravy.
- Control the Consistency: Sausage gravy should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Adjust with additional milk as needed.
- Season Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. Sausage is often salty, so you don’t want to overdo it.
- Serve Immediately: Sausage gravy is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore its consistency.
Serving Suggestions
While biscuits and gravy are a match made in heaven, sausage gravy is versatile and pairs well with other dishes. Try pour them over hash browns or breakfast potatoes for a hearty meal. Serving it alongside an omelet or scrambled eggs well definitely enhance to the flavor of your breakfast. Or if you want to be little more creative, create a breakfast bowl and layer the sausage gravy, with scrambled eggs, biscuits and cheese. However you choose to serve it, sausage gravy is delicious and satisfying.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about sausage gravy is its adaptability. You can customize it to suit your preferences:
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of sausage grease.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes, sausage gravy can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of milk to restore its creamy texture.
2. Can I freeze sausage gravy?
Sausage gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
3. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Experiment with spicy, mild, or even turkey sausage to suit your taste preferences.
4. What if my gravy is too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. Alternatively, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the gravy.
5. How can I make gluten-free sausage gravy?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
Conclusion
Sausage gravy is more than just a recipe—it’s a taste of the South. It is great for any occasion and can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. So whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a regular Saturday morning breakfast, this classic Southern comfort food be well received. With its creamy texture, rich sausage flavor, and just the right amount of seasoning, this recipe is a keeper.
So grab your skillet, whip up some biscuits, and let this timeless dish warm your heart and soul. Share it with family and friends, because good food is meant to be enjoyed together.
More Great Recipes
Sausage Gravy: A Classic Southern Comfort Food Recipe
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Heat a pan over medium heat the add the sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the butter to the pan. Allow it to melt completely.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and butter mixture. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the flour begins to brown lightly.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the black pepper and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a light simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat, and your sausage gravy is ready to serve!
Recipe Video
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