The Best Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe

Making Southern Style Sausage Gravy doesn't have to be a chore. It is easy to make and is always a favorite in our household. Follow this simple recipe to make the perfect Southern Sausage Gravy.

Growing up in the South there are many iconic foods that I enjoy for breakfast. Comparatively, there is one that has always stood out the most to me and that is Sausage Gravy and Biscuits! This simple sausage gravy recipe hits the spot every time for me.

Why I Love Sausage Gravy

I have to say, this is one of my favorite breakfast items. It is so simple but loaded with all that yummy comfort food deliciousness. Also, our previous post shared how to make a simple homemade biscuit, make sure to follow that before proceeding to this recipe.

As a child, my mom was the main cook in the house. Moreover, there were a few things that my Dad would cook that Mom always relied on him to make. Some of those dishes were fish, Oyster Stew, Salmon Stew, and Gravies. 

Gravies were his thing. Mom would always ask him to make the gravy no matter if it was for Country Style Steak or Sausage Gravy. Mom made the biscuits, Dad would make this awesome Sausage gravy and on Sunday mornings, it was Biscuits and Gravy time!

His gravies were good too! I remember him always saying that his gravy was better than Hardee's biscuits and gravy! Back then, Hardee's had some really good Sausage Gravy and Biscuits. Well, after many years of watching him make it, I learned his techniques and we are going to share it with the world so you too can learn how we make it!

History of Sausage Gravy

You may find yourself wondering where Sausage Gravy comes from, like me. I love finding out the history of food and where it got its start from.

Southern Sausage Gravy has been a staple in the Deep South for some time.

It is such a hearty and rich meal that fills you up and keeps you going all day long. According to Tasting Table Sausage Gravy was a cheap meal to feed workers who worked in the sawmills of the Southern Appalachian mountains.

The sausage gravy was slathered on top of homemade buttermilk biscuits to make a hearty meal to keep the workers going all day long.

This meal was usually served for breakfast but you can find it on the dinner table as well. Speaking of breakfast, another favorite breakfast biscuit of mine is these Bisquick Sausage & Cheese Biscuits. Actually, I think this Sausage Gravy would be great on top of them as well!

What Exactly is Sausage Gravy?

Sausage Gravy combines country sausage or what some may call breakfast sausage with a flour mixture. Whole milk is added to make a creamy gravy. This white country sausage gravy is then poured over homemade biscuits.

Salt and black pepper are normally the only added seasonings used, although some people add other herbs and spices.

Although it uses simple ingredients to make this southern staple, it has a very complex and rich taste to it. The spices that are in the breakfast sausage come through in the white sausage gravy.

This dish is widely considered a classic Southern breakfast, but many people will eat it for supper (Supper is Southern for dinner)!

Biscuits and Gravy is such a popular dish that Lays Potato Chips even made it a potato chip flavor a few years back.

What You Will Need to Make This Recipe

Here are the simple Ingredients needed to make Sausage Gravy

Sausage

The first thing you will need is country sausage. This may also be called breakfast sausage in your area. We prefer a good high-quality sausage that is local to us called Neeses. Some other brands that we like are Tennesee Pride, Swaggerty's, and Jimmy Dean. This recipe calls for 1 pound of ground sausage.

Oil

If the sausage produces enough grease, this will suffice for the recipe. You need ⅓ cup of oil for this recipe. Butter can be used as your oil/fat or any neutral-tasting oil.

All Purpose Flour

This recipe calls for ⅓ cup of flour.

Milk or Cream

Typically I use whole milk when I am making this southern-style sausage gravy recipe, but if you want a creamier gravy, you can use heavy cream or half and half creamier. You will need 2 cups of milk or creamier.

Water

Water will help thin down the gravy if it is too thick for your liking. It also helps to cut some of the richnesses. This recipe calls for up to 1 cup of water.

Salt

The sausage already contains a lot of sodium so be careful adding too much salt. The dish is very rich and salt does bring out more of the flavor of the other spices. I prefer to use sea salt versus table salt. Salt to taste.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is what makes this dish. I prefer a good amount when I make it. Too much can make the dish spicy though, although it helps cut some of the richness of the dish as well. With that being said, I would start with ½ teaspoon and adjust it to your taste.

How To Make Sausage Gravy

Let's cover the simple steps to make this awesome biscuits and gravy recipe!

Step-by-step Instructions

Brown the Meat

Step 1: Start with a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Brown the Sauage.

Step 3: After you have browned the sausage, drain the sausage and set the oil and sausage to the side.

Make the Gravy

Step 4: With your stove on medium heat, add in the oil. If you do not have ⅓ of a cup, use butter or a neutral-tasting oil to get the amount you need.

Step 5: Once that has come up to temperature, add in the flour.

Step 6: Using a wooden spoon or whisk, stir the flour and oil mixture until it is well incorporated. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes. This will help get rid of the raw flour taste.

Step 7: Next, with a whisk in one hand and the cup of milk in the other, slowly add in the milk while whisking at the same time. A word of caution as this will cause some steam as the pan deglazes. Keep whisking until you have a smooth and well-incorporated white gravy.

Step 8: Next, carefully add in your last cup of milk. By now your mixture should start to tighten up as the mixture heats up.

Step 9: Turn the heat down to medium-low heat.

Step 10: Add the crumbled sausage back to the white gravy and stir to combine the mixture.

Step 11: At this point, you can use the water to adjust the gravy to the thickness you prefer. Do this a little at a time to not get it too thin.

Add Seasonings

Step 12: Lastly, add salt and black pepper to taste. To me, the black pepper is what makes a good Southern Sausage Gravy so I like to add in a good bit.

What Sides to Serve with Sausage Gravy and Biscuits?

• Bacon and Eggs
• Hash Browns
• Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions
• French Fries
• Fresh Fruit
• Homestyle Grits
• Sausage Patties
• Old Fashioned Pancakes

FAQ's

What Can I Do With leftover gravy?

If you have leftover sausage gravy you can store it in an airtight container. It will be good for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

What else can I serve this on?

If you do not have fresh hot biscuits to serve this gravy on, you can serve it on toast. You can also put it on top of homestyle grits or fried potatoes.

What can I do if my gravy is too thick?

If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it down with a little water. Add a little in at a time and mix thoroughly.

What can I do if my gravy gets too thin?

If your gravy gets too thin, you could add in a cornstarch slurry to tighten it back up.

What can I do if my gravy is Lumpy?

If you happen to get lumps, you can strain the gravy.

How can I deepen my gravy flavor?

If you want to add more flavor to your gravy, you can try adding some extra herbs such as Rosemary and Sage. Garlic powder would also deepen the flavor. Adding in bacon fat will give it a salty smokey flavor. You could also add sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions.

Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is my hope that this homemade sausage gravy recipe hits the spot for you and your family. To me, it is the ultimate comfort food for us!

-Ronnie | Let's Get Food Junked