Sausage Gravy Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, savory goodness of homemade sausage gravy. This Southern classic is a staple in many households, especially when paired with fluffy, golden biscuits. Whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast for your family or hosting a weekend brunch, sausage gravy is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect sausage gravy from scratch.

Ingredients

To make a delicious sausage gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite variety, whether it’s mild, hot, or sage-flavored.
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the gravy.
• 2 cups of whole milk: For a richer gravy, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Adjust these to your preference.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For an extra kick of heat.

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
2. Make the Roux Once the sausage is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir the flour into the sausage, making sure it coats the meat well. This mixture, known as a roux, will help thicken your gravy. Cook the sausage and flour mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the flour from burning.
3. Add the Milk Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the sausage and roux. This helps to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the gravy begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it cook a little longer. For a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more milk.
4. Season the Gravy Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, season it with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like your gravy with a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Serve and Enjoy Your sausage gravy is now ready to be served! It’s traditionally paired with warm, freshly baked biscuits. To serve, split a biscuit in half and ladle a generous amount of sausage gravy over the top. Garnish with a bit of freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy

• Choose Quality Sausage: The flavor of your sausage gravy will largely depend on the quality of the sausage you use. Opt for a good-quality breakfast sausage for the best results.
• Stir Constantly: When adding the milk, be sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth, creamy gravy.
• Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken up.

Conclusion

Sausage gravy is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of this Southern favorite in no time. Serve it over biscuits for a classic breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why sausage gravy is such a beloved comfort food. Enjoy!