If you love classic Southern comfort food, this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with bits of perfectly browned sausage, making every bite rich and satisfying. The glory of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few basic ingredients combine to create a hearty gravy that pairs beautifully with flaky biscuits or your favorite breakfast bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this gravy delivers all those cozy, indulgent flavors you crave in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to crafting a gravy that’s flavorful and has the perfect texture. Each one plays a specific role either enriching the taste or creating that silky smooth consistency that makes sausage gravy irresistible.
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage: This is the star of the dish, bringing both savory depth and a little bit of spice, depending on your choice of mild or hot.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour acts as the thickening agent, transforming simple milk and sausage into luscious gravy.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk: Milk adds creaminess and balances the sausage’s richness while helping achieve your preferred gravy consistency.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and rounding out all the savory flavors in your gravy.
- Black pepper: Don’t be shy here—lots of fresh black pepper adds that signature kick and warmth that defines a classic sausage gravy.
How to Make Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Begin by crumbling the breakfast sausage into a large skillet set over medium-high heat. This is your time to coax out deep, caramelized flavors by letting the sausage brown nicely instead of just cooking through. Don’t drain the grease—you’ll use that flavorful fat to build your gravy base.
Step 2: Add the flour
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the meat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. Cooking the flour here is critical; it removes the raw taste and helps develop a nutty aroma that enriches your gravy.
Step 3: Gradually mix in the milk
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring well with each addition to keep the mixture smooth and to avoid lumps. Lower the heat and allow the gravy to gently simmer. As it cooks, it thickens and becomes silky. For thicker gravy, use around 2 cups of milk, or add more for a thinner finish. Don’t forget to season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors alive.
How to Serve Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and a mild herbal note that complements the richness. You can also add a cracked egg on top for extra heartiness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This sausage gravy truly shines when ladled over warm, flaky biscuits, but you can also serve it alongside creamy grits, crispy hash browns, or even a stack of toasted bread for soaking up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning your sausage gravy into a decadent breakfast casserole by pouring it over layers of bread cubes and baking with cheese and eggs. Or drizzle it over a skillet of scrambled eggs for an elevated morning meal. The possibilities to enjoy your Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely when rested, making leftovers just as tasty as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze sausage gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When thawed, it may separate slightly but simply reheat gently while stirring to bring it back together.
Reheating
Warm the gravy over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to maintain a smooth consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey sausage tends to have less fat, so your gravy might be slightly less rich. You can add a little butter if you’d like to boost the flavor and texture.
What type of milk works best for sausage gravy?
Whole milk is ideal for making rich, creamy sausage gravy, but you can also use 2% milk. For a lighter version, skim milk works, though the gravy may be less creamy. Avoid non-dairy milks unless you’re okay with a different flavor and texture.
How can I make my sausage gravy spicier?
If you love spice, choose a hot breakfast sausage or add in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking. Freshly cracked black pepper also adds a nice bite, so feel free to increase it generously.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Just be sure to adjust the quantities since thickening power can vary between flours.
Is sausage gravy suitable for freezing?
Definitely! Sausage gravy freezes well and is perfect for meal prepping. When reheating, just take care to heat it slowly to avoid separation and stir often to maintain its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about a bowl of creamy, savory sausage gravy that warms you from the inside out. This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—served over biscuits or in any of your favorite ways, it’s pure breakfast magic.
Print
Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Sausage Gravy recipe is a classic Southern comfort food staple, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with flavorful browned ground pork sausage, rich flour-based gravy, and plenty of black pepper, it’s creamy, hearty, and simple to prepare in just 20 minutes. Serve it spooned over freshly baked biscuits for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground pork sausage. Cook it thoroughly, allowing it to brown well to develop a rich flavor. Do not drain the grease as it is essential for the gravy.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the browned sausage. Stir continuously and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux with the sausage fat.
- Incorporate the Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue stirring frequently until the gravy thickens.
- Adjust Thickness and Seasoning: For thicker gravy, add less milk (about 2 cups total). For thinner gravy, add up to 2 1/2 cups milk. Season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Once the gravy has reached desired thickness and seasoning, remove from heat and serve hot, traditionally over warm biscuits.
Notes
- Use mild or hot breakfast sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Do not drain the sausage grease as it forms the base of the gravy’s flavor and texture.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired gravy consistency.
- Freshly ground black pepper is key for authentic flavor.
- This gravy is best served immediately; it may thicken and separate if reheated without adding more milk.
