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If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, classic Southern breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, creamy, and packed with savory sausage flavor, it’s the perfect topping for flaky biscuits or even mashed potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous. The magic lies in its simplicity — a few pantry staples come together to create a gravy that’s thick, luscious, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to comfort food anytime you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect creamy finish. Every component is key to achieving that authentic, rich taste you’ll keep coming back for.
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot): The star protein adds savory depth and seasoning right off the bat.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the gravy into the creamy consistency you expect without clumps.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk: It provides the creamy base and lets you control how thick or thin the gravy turns out.
- Salt: A pinch to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice spicy kick and warmth that balances the richness.
How to Make Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumbling in the sausage. Don’t just cook it through; allow it to get nicely browned and caramelized. This browning step adds amazing flavor and texture, so be patient! Make sure to keep all the rendered grease in the pan for the next step — it’s pure flavor gold.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the browned sausage and stir to combine thoroughly. Keep stirring and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial because it creates the roux that thickens your gravy while coating the sausage evenly.
Step 3: Gradually Add Milk and Simmer
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring well after each addition to avoid lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring frequently as the gravy thickens — this ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Use 2 cups of milk for a thicker, more decadent gravy or up to 2 1/2 cups if you prefer it thinner. Finish by seasoning with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How to Serve Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
While this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe shines all on its own, you can elevate it simply by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This gravy tastes heavenly poured over fresh, warm buttermilk biscuits — a classic combination that can’t be beaten for breakfast or brunch. You can also spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes or even crispy hash browns for a comforting twist anytime of day.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve this sausage gravy with fluffy biscuits split open to soak up every drop, topped with a fried egg and a dash of hot sauce. Or create a breakfast bowl layering sausage gravy over roasted potatoes and sautéed greens to balance out the indulgence with freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to reheat for quick breakfasts or hearty snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
This gravy freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as low and slow helps maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage for this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Using hot or spicy sausage adds a nice kick that livens up the classic gravy. Just adjust the pepper seasoning if your sausage is already quite spicy.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk is ideal for that rich, creamy texture, but you can also use 2% milk if you want a lighter version. Avoid skim milk as it won’t thicken the gravy as nicely.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of cornstarch to start) to keep the gravy thick and smooth.
Is it okay if I drain some of the sausage grease?
It’s best not to drain the grease because it adds flavor and fat needed to make the gravy lush and smooth. However, if you prefer a leaner gravy, you can remove some but leave enough to cook the flour properly.
How long does the gravy keep once made?
This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade sausage gravy, and this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe delivers that comforting warmth and savory flavor in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for weekends, special breakfasts, or whenever your soul needs a little extra joy on a plate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast ritual.
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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 breakfast staple featuring flavorful browned ground pork sausage simmered in a creamy, peppery milk-based gravy. Perfect served over biscuits for a comforting and hearty meal that comes together quickly in just 20 minutes.
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
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the sausage. Allow it to brown thoroughly to develop rich flavor. Do not drain the grease, as it is essential for the gravy.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned sausage and stir to combine. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Simmer: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring well after each addition to incorporate smoothly. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently until the gravy thickens. Adjust milk amount for desired thickness, using about 2 cups for thicker gravy or more for thinner. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Once thickened and seasoned, remove from heat and serve immediately over warm biscuits or your preferred base.
Notes
- Use either mild or hot sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Do not drain sausage grease, as it adds essential flavor and helps thicken the gravy.
- Adjust milk quantity to control gravy thickness.
- Serve warm over freshly baked biscuits for a traditional Southern breakfast experience.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen.
