Sausage Gravy Recipe
Sausage gravy is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s been passed down as a Southern tradition for centuries. The comfort food is most delicious served over hot, flaky biscuits, and it’s the breakfast indulgence. If you’re searching for the best sausage gravy recipe or a simple sausage gravy recipe for biscuits, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Sausage Gravy?
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern recipe consisting of ground sausage pork, flour, milk, and seasonings. The sausage is browned initially, and then mixed into a smooth, seasoned white gravy. This is an extremely rich, thick sauce that will go perfectly with hot, freshly baked biscuits.
History of Sausage Gravy
Sausage gravy is a Southern American classic. It started with the early settlers who required a cheap, filling meal that would sustain them all day. The dish then became a breakfast favorite because of its creamy texture and rich flavor. It is now a staple in most households, restaurants, and diners throughout the United States.
Why Sausage Gravy Is So Adored
Simple to Prepare: Sausage gravy is simple to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
Inexpensive: Because it employs common pantry ingredients, it’s an inexpensive dish to make.
Versatile: It can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even for dinner.
Comforting: The rich, smooth texture makes it a comfort food.
Recipe Summary
Cuisine: Southern American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Step-by-Step Short Version:
- Brown the sausage in a big pan over medium heat.
- Add butter and stir until it melts.
- Add the flour and mix well.
- Gradually add warm milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the gravy thickens, season with pepper, salt, and spices.
- Serve hot over biscuits and garnish with parsley.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
- Replace the pork with chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
- Substitute whole milk with a low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Reduce the amount of butter used.
Can This Be Made Gluten-Free?
Aha! Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if you’d like to create a gluten-free sausage gravy.

Homemade Sausage Gravy Recipe
Description
Sausage gravy, a classic Southern dish, is known for its smooth consistency and delicious flavor. Adding black pepper, garlic and spices to ground pork sausage adds the richness of flavor to this gravy. Breakfast-time: Warm, comforting sausage gravy on hot, flaky biscuits. The dishes can be served cold, morning or weekend for a nostalgic and delicious meal. It's perfect.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium, cook the ground pork sausage. Breaking up the sausage with a spatula into tiny pieces as it cooks, cook often, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
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Add Butter:
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan once the sausage is done. Stir it in well until melted and mixed with the sausage drippings.
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Prepare the Roux:
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sausage in an even layer and stir constantly. Cook 1-2 minutes or until the flour is absorbed and light brown.
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Add the Milk:
Gradually add 2 cups of warm whole milk while stirring constantly. This avoids lumps and gives a smooth gravy.
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Thicken the Gravy:
Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy reaches the desired thickness.
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Season the Gravy:
Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, and thyme or sage. Taste and stir well to season accordingly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon sausage gravy over top of warm biscuits and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Note
Tips for the Best Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Use good sausage: The sausage provides the flavor for the gravy, so use a good, well-seasoned ground pork sausage.
- Warm the milk: Warming milk prevents the gravy from becoming lumpy.
- Thicken the gravy: If the gravy in your dish is too thick, you can add a bit more milk. If it's too watery, cook it a bit longer.
- Add zest to the flavor: A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes gives a good kick of heat to the gravy.
- Use homemade biscuits: Freshly baked, warm biscuits will make a big difference when you serve sausage gravy.
What to Serve with Sausage Gravy
- Biscuits: The classic buttermilk biscuit is the best option.
- Scrambled eggs: An excellent protein source for the dish.
- Hash browns: Crunchy potatoes accompany the rich gravy.
- Fried chicken: A Southern spin on a hearty meal.
- Grilled vegetables: Brighten up the dish with a serving of vegetables.
- Cornbread: Sweet and savory bread for sopping up the gravy.
- Sautéed Spinach: A nutritious side that counters the richness.
- Avocado Slices: A refreshing and smooth counterpoint to the dish.
Common Variations of Sausage Gravy
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Substitute hot sausage and add more red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Sausage Gravy: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese towards the end.
- Mushroom Sausage Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Turkey Sausage Gravy: Use turkey sausage in place of pork sausage for a lower-fat version.
- Dairy-Free Sausage Gravy: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk.