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    Home » Breakfast » Best Sausage Gravy Recipe

    Best Sausage Gravy Recipe

    Nikki Lee Published:April 16, 2020 | Updated: May 15, 2020

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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    Pinterest Image of sausage gravy.
    Pinterest image of a skillet of sausage gravy and plated gravy and biscuits.
    Pinterest Image of sausage gravy.

    The Best Sausage Gravy Recipe is simple, homemade, and ready in 20 minutes. This creamy delicious gravy is perfectly paired with your favorite biscuits.

    It's a classic everyone loves, whether you serve it on the holidays or as an everyday breakfast. We always serve it with overnight breakfast casserole on special occasions too!

    Cast iron skillet of homemade creamy sausage gravy set on a wooden tray.

    You might think gravy is difficult to make, but surprisingly it's one of the quickest and easiest recipes to make! So having a go-to homemade sausage gravy recipe in your recipe box is a must.

    Whether you need a tasty family breakfast on the weekends, something to serve guests, or something quick and easy for Christmas morning, sausage gravy is the way to go!

    Here in the south gravy is a staple breakfast fare! Southern sausage gravy is comfort food that is quick, delicious, and easy as pie (or in this case gravy) to make! But you don't have to live in the south to enjoy gravy though, it's the perfect breakfast for everyone!

    Why you’ll love this recipe:

    • 3 Main Ingredients: Ground sausage, flour, and milk are the main ingredients. Add a few staple pantry items and you are all set.
    • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in 20 minutes. Now that is fast! It's so good that you'd think it took all day to cook. And it isn't complicated at all. It's basically frying and stirring. Simple right!
    • Delicious for any occasion: From a standard family breakfast to a brunch with friends. Serving this up will always impress!

    Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe Ingredients

    • Ground pork sausage - Typically labeled bulk or breakfast sausage. You can also find this in a spicy or hot variety which gives your gravy a little kick! Then you have Spicy Sausage Gravy = YUM!
    • Butter - This adds a little extra richness and doesn't butter make everything better!
    • All-purpose flour - This is what binds and how to thicken the gravy.
    • Whole milk - To get that extra rich and creamy texture and flavor, I really suggest using whole milk. You can use whatever milk you prefer, but I have found the best results with whole milk.
    • Garlic powder - This enhances the flavor and you just need a little to give it that something extra you are looking to add in. It's not overpowering, just subtly scrumptious!
    • Salt and pepper - Of course you need a little S&P to round out the flavors. Specks of ground pepper all throughout the gravy are a give away for a great tasting gravy. Make sure to give it a taste before adding salt. Some ground pork may be a little saltier than others!
    A bowl of sausage gravy on top of biscuits.

    How to make sausage gravy?

    ✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!

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    1. Brown the Sausage. Set a large skillet (I love cast iron) over medium heat and brown the sausage. With a wooden spatula "crumble" or break up with sausage into smaller pieces, while stirring. Cook until brown and fully done. I like a little crunch, so cook until some of the edges are well browned. It adds a ton of flavor!
    2. Roux for gravy: You need butter and flour to make the roux. This is the base and what thickens the gravy. Place butter in skillet and stir until melted. Sprinkle in flour, garlic, and pepper on top of the sausage and slowly stir until well coated. Continue stirring and let the flour cook.
    3. Add milk. While stirring, slow pour in the milk . Continue to stir and simmer until gravy thickens. Taste to see if salt is needed.
    4. Serve over warm fresh biscuits.

    Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does my gravy taste like flour?

    You have to be sure to cook your flour a few minutes before adding in the milk. Usually about 2 to 3 minutes is enough. You don't want to let it get too brown, just long enough to cook out that flour taste.

    Can I substitute pork sausage with something?

    Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the pork. You may need a little extra butter for less fat may be rendered while cooking.

    Why didn't my gravy thicken?

    Sometimes you just need to let it cook a little longer to thicken, but other times you added a little too much liquid or didn't start with enough flour to begin with.

    If your gravy isn't thick enough simply stir 2 tablespoons of flour with 3 tablespoons on cold water and stir until combined. Then slowly stir mixture into gravy and stir until desired consistency.

    How to thin gravy?

    If your gravy turns out too thick, simply add in more milk in small amounts at a time, until gravy is the consistency you like.

    Can I make sausage gravy and biscuits ahead of time?

    Yes - you can make the gravy ahead of time. Cool and store in an airtight container and refrigerate it up to 4 day in advance.

    To reheat, place in a saute pan and warm over medium heat. Add in a little extra milk to thin if needed.

    Biscuits, in my opinion, on the other hand are better fresh! You can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and cut them out the day before. You can also freeze cut biscuit dough ahead of time and then cook them the day of.

    Can sausage gravy be frozen?

    Yes. You can freeze. It does change the consistency a little. It really is so quick to prepare that I like to make it fresh.

    If you do need to freeze it, let the gravy cool completely and the store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    To thaw: Place in the refrigerator to thaw and reheat in a saucepan. You may need to add a little milk to thin it out a bit.

    What to serve with sausage gravy?

    The Best Sausage Gravy is most often served on fluffy biscuits! Buttermilk biscuits and gravy are always a win!

    It's also so good on toast, english muffins, over skillet potatoes, omelets, eggs, hash browns, and over creamy grits. This list could go on and on gravy is good on just about anything y'all!

    It is heavenly on french fries! Oh yes! You heard me right french fries. You have to try it!

    Biscuits and Gravy on a fork ready for a bite. Plated sausage gravy over biscuits in the background.

    Tips

    • Seasonings: Be sure your sausage is seasoned. If not you may need to add salt, pepper and maybe a little sage. Taste as you make and adjust as needed.
    • Don't drain the sausage drippings - The fat is where all the flavor is and you need it to make good sausage gravy.
    • Keep flavors simple - This dish is packed full of flavor and isn't meant to be complicated. It's plain ol' comfort food and just plain delicious. So you don't need to add in tons of extras.

    More Breakfast Recipes You Will Love

    • Creamed Chipped Beef Gravy
    • Easy Creamed Hamburger Gravy
    • Overnight Breakfast Casserole
    • Blood Orange Sweet Rolls by my friend at Norine's Nest.

    Is there anything more southern than biscuits and gravy? Well, except maybe fried pork chops - which by the way goes deliciously with breakfast too!

    A soulful southern breakfast isn't complete without biscuits and a skillet of southern sausage gravy! So y'all make up a batch and enjoy!

    Now let's dig on into the best southern sausage gravy recipe ever!

    A bowl of sausage gravy on top of biscuits.

    Sausage Gravy Recipe

    Author: Nikki Lee - Soulfully Made
    4.69 from 149 votes
    Biscuits and gravy is staple southern breakfast fare! The Best Sausage Gravy Recipe is simple, made from scratch, and ready in 20 minutes. Country comfort food can be quick, delicious, and easy as pie (or in this case gravy) to make!
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 263 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • 3 to 3 ½ cups milk
    • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Set a large skillet (I love cast iron) over medium heat. Add in the sausage and with a wooden spatula break up sausage into smaller pieces while stirring. Cook until brown and fully done (about 8 to 10 minutes).
    • Place butter in skillet and stir until melted.
    • Sprinkle flour, garlic, and pepper on top of the sausage and slowly stir until well coated and grease is full absorbed. Continue stirring and let the flour cook fully for about 2 minutes.
    • While stirring, slowly pour in 3 cups of the milk. Continue to stir and simmer until gravy thickens (3 to 5 minutes). Add salt, if needed. If gravy is too thick, add the last ½ cup of milk.
    • Serve over warm fresh biscuits.

    ✱ Nikki's Tips

    ✱ Nikki's Tips

    • Seasonings: Be sure your sausage is seasoned. If not you may need to add salt, pepper and maybe a little sage. Taste as you make and adjust as needed.
    • Don't drain the sausage drippings - The fat is where all the flavor is and you need it to make good sausage gravy.
    • Keep flavors simple - This dish is packed full of flavor and isn't meant to be complicated. It's plain ol' comfort food and just plain delicious. So you don't need to add in tons of extras.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 1 serving Calories: 263 kcal Carbohydrates: 14 g Protein: 15 g Fat: 16 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g Cholesterol: 55 mg Sodium: 531 mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Betty Foss says

      April 28, 2022 at 6:59 pm

      Just made it, sooooooo good.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        April 30, 2022 at 10:21 am

        Thank you, Betty! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. MARIE says

      March 27, 2022 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      Made this and omg it is so good.
      thank you.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        March 29, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        Thank you, Marie!

        Reply
    3. Sandy Bruno says

      February 11, 2022 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was delicious. I added a little bit of Slap Yo Mama seasoning to give it a kick.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        February 12, 2022 at 5:39 am

        Thank you, Sandy! I like how you spiced it up a bit!

        Reply
      • MARIE says

        March 27, 2022 at 1:17 pm

        I love that seasoning. I may have to give it a try.

        Reply
    4. Azúcar says

      December 25, 2021 at 10:34 am

      4 stars
      This was quick and easy to make. I used oat milk. Tasty

      Reply
    5. Annie says

      November 25, 2021 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      I used this recipe for my first time making biscuits and gravy and it tasted amazing! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        November 29, 2021 at 9:19 am

        Thank you so much, Annie!

        Reply
    6. Breeley says

      November 17, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      This is my go-to recipe for biscuits and gravy.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        November 29, 2021 at 9:18 am

        Aww! Thank you Breeley!

        Reply
    7. Kelly says

      November 14, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        November 15, 2021 at 9:50 am

        Thank you so much, Kelly!

        Reply
    8. James Witt says

      November 07, 2021 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe, I actually take the sausage out of the pan then add some bacon grease and butter, then add the flour, I cook the “roux” until it gets a nice mahogany color, then add the milk and get it all incorporated, finally add the sausage back in, continue cooking until the it gets the desired consistency. Sometimes I add spicy sausage.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        November 08, 2021 at 7:29 am

        Thank you, James. I am a southerner so you know how I feel about bacon grease! YUM!

        Reply
    9. Melissa Collins says

      August 27, 2021 at 7:45 pm

      Absolutely delicious! We make it all the time and everyone loves it! Thank you for such a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        August 29, 2021 at 7:47 am

        Thank you, Melissa! It's a favorite at our house too!.

        Reply
    10. Isaac says

      August 07, 2021 at 10:12 am

      This is the first time I've successfully made really good homemade gravy! I used this recipe with the drippings from chicken fried steak and it was amazing on mashed potatoes and the steak!!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        August 10, 2021 at 9:17 am

        Thant is awesome Isaac! Chicken fried steak gravy is so delish and easy with this recipe!

        Reply
    11. Diane smith says

      February 26, 2021 at 10:32 am

      I used 1/2 milk and 1/2 heavy cream

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        March 02, 2021 at 8:09 am

        That sounds delicious!

        Reply
    12. Vicki says

      October 15, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      This is similar to mine with the exception of I use half and half and a couple splashes of Worcestershire sauce good recipes

      Reply
    13. Alice says

      October 05, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      My family is very picky, and everyone is always going in different directions, so I am always looking for good, fast, and delicious meals. I made it, and my family just loved it. Thank you, ALICE.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        October 19, 2020 at 9:01 am

        You are so welcome Alice! So happy to hear that your family enjoyed! It's one I make often for mine! So easy and we love it for dinner too!

        Reply
    14. Mary says

      September 29, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      Suggestion... Try using evaporated milk. You’ll never make it with regular milk again. 😊

      Reply
    15. Debbi says

      September 27, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      Can I make this a few days ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        September 30, 2020 at 9:04 am

        You could make this ahead of time. Make the night before and reheat in the morning or it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days and reheated. You can also freeze in an airtight freezer bag for 1 month.

        Reply
    16. Kari says

      September 01, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Wow! I’ve never made this before, and I’m thrilled that this recipe was used my first time! And my last time! This was incredible!
      Thank you! Now, back to eating it!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        September 11, 2020 at 3:34 pm

        Thank you Kari! It's a tried and true recipe. Simple and crowd pleasing! Keep eating away! <3

        Reply
    17. Marsha says

      June 19, 2020 at 9:22 am

      A staple at our house. I add a splash of Worchestershire Sauce for a little kick---the more you add the spicier it gets.

      Reply
    18. Paula says

      May 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      Yummy! This is probably the best sausage gravy I have ever made. The only thing I will probably do differently next time is to add that last ½ cup of milk.

      Reply
      • Nikki says

        June 14, 2020 at 12:26 pm

        Thank you Paula! It's such a simple and easy recipe too! My family really loves this one too!

        Reply
    19. MICHAELA KENKEL says

      April 25, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Comfort food at its finest!! My son loved them!!

      Reply
    20. Amy says

      April 22, 2020 at 9:40 am

      Wow. This is the best sausage gravy I have ever made at home. So simple, so classic, and SO good! I used my cast iron skillet too and it worked great!

      Reply
    21. Jennifer Stewart says

      April 21, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      Weekends were made for lazy brunch meals and they are not complete without sausage gravy! Mine always turn out pasty but with all these tips I am now the gravy queen of my house!

      Reply
    22. Paige says

      April 19, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      I dream of creamy gravy like this, I really do. I hadn't made it in years, thanks for the inspiration, and it's totally DELISH

      Reply
      • Nikki says

        April 21, 2020 at 7:55 pm

        Thank you Paige! Such comfort food and simple to make!

        Reply

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    Hi, I am Nikki. Faith, family, and food are my passions! I'm a Southern cook from Florida who loves sharing food and creating memories around the table with my family and friends. Welcome to my Kitchen where you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes!

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