Country Sausage Gravy Recipe | Rich, Creamy, and Perfect for Biscuits

Country Sausage Gravy is a creamy, savory dish made with crumbled sausage, milk, and a simple roux. It’s a traditional Southern recipe that’s hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a comforting brunch, this gravy pairs beautifully with fluffy biscuits and is perfect for dipping. The richness of the gravy, along with the slight spiciness of the sausage, makes this dish a favorite in many Southern households.

Why You’ll Love Country Sausage Gravy

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

• Rich and creamy: The gravy is thick, rich, and comforting, with a smooth texture that’s perfect for spooning over biscuits.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients to make this comforting dish. Ground sausage, flour, milk, and seasoning—nothing fancy, but all incredibly flavorful.
• Perfect for any meal: While traditionally a breakfast or brunch dish, it’s also great for lunch or dinner. It can be served with biscuits, toast, or even grits for a filling meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level by using spicy or mild sausage, and add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder to make it your own.

Country Sausage Gravy Recipe

This recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this sausage gravy is easy to make and hard to mess up!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the sausage

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
2. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 2: Make the roux

1. In the same pan with the sausage drippings, add the butter and melt it over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. The roux should be golden but not browned.

Step 3: Add the milk

1. Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. If the gravy is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Season the gravy

1. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Simmer and serve

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Once the gravy is hot and thick, remove from heat and serve immediately over warm biscuits, toast, or grits. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Country Sausage Gravy

• Use whole milk: For the creamiest gravy, use whole milk. If you want a lighter version, you can use 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture won’t be as rich.
• Don’t skip the roux: The roux is what thickens the gravy and gives it that smooth texture. Be sure to cook it for a minute or two before adding the milk to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Customize the heat: If you like spicy sausage gravy, use hot or spicy breakfast sausage, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
• Make it smoother: If your gravy is lumpy, whisk it more vigorously, or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

Flavor Variations for Country Sausage Gravy

While the traditional version is delicious on its own, there are several ways to add variety to this comforting dish.

Cheese Sausage Gravy

• Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the gravy at the end of cooking for a cheesy, creamy twist.

Mushroom Sausage Gravy

• Sauté some chopped mushrooms along with the sausage for added texture and earthy flavor. This is a great option for mushroom lovers!

Spicy Sausage Gravy

• If you prefer a spicier version, use hot sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.

Sausage and Bacon Gravy

• For an extra savory and smoky twist, add some crumbled cooked bacon along with the sausage.

Vegetarian Sausage Gravy

• Use plant-based sausage or a combination of mushrooms, onions, and garlic for a vegetarian version of this Southern classic.

Serving Suggestions

Country sausage gravy is best served over:

• Biscuits: A classic pairing for this Southern dish.
• Toast: A great option for a simple, satisfying breakfast.
• Grits: For an authentic Southern-style breakfast, serve the gravy over a bowl of creamy grits.
• Mashed potatoes: For a hearty dinner, serve this gravy over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• Crusty bread: Great for soaking up the rich gravy.

How to Store and Reheat Country Sausage Gravy

• Storing: Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra milk or cream if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

this Recipe

Print

FAQs

1. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk when ready to serve.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but it won’t have the same rich flavor as traditional sausage. You may need to add more spices to compensate.

3. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy is too thin, you can make a slurry by mixing a little flour or cornstarch with cold water and whisking it into the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

4. Can I make this gravy without milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

5. How do I keep the sausage gravy from being too greasy?

Drain off excess grease from the cooked sausage before adding the butter and flour. This will reduce the grease in the final gravy.

6. Can I freeze sausage gravy?

Yes, you can freeze sausage gravy. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. When reheating, add a little milk to restore the creamy texture.

7. How do I keep my sausage gravy smooth?

To avoid lumps, make sure to whisk the gravy constantly while adding the milk, and allow the roux to cook for a minute before adding the liquid.

8. Can I add vegetables to the gravy?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage while cooking for extra flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the gravy. Be sure to check the sausage to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

10. How can I make the gravy spicier?

To make the gravy spicier, use spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the gravy.