Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (2024)

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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!

Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (1)

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!
Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (2)

How to make sausage gravy?

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

  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!

Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (3)

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!

Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (4)

Recipe

4.75 from 323 votes

(click stars to rate)

Sausage Gravy Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Nikki Lee

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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!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 to 3 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • ½ tsp 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 1/2 cup of milk.

  • Serve over warm fresh biscuits.

Notes

✱ 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 Information

Serving: 11 serving Calories: 263kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 14g (5%) Protein: 15g (30%) Fat: 16g (25%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g Cholesterol: 55mg (18%) Sodium: 531mg (23%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

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Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (5)

Nikki Lee

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Nikki Lee. Here at Soulfully Made you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (6)
    I am from NYC and have never eaten or made Biscuits and Gravy. I decided to make it for my boyfriend. He loves this gravy. I use Jimmy Dean Hot sausage .
    It’s a perfect recipe.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Carol Ann! I am so happy to hear you loved the recipe. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply

  2. Hi. Can I use evaporated milk?

    Reply

    1. Yes. Evaporated milk works well in this recipe. Enjoy!

      Reply

  3. Thank you for this recipe. Was so easy to make and so delicious.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Cynthia!

      Reply

  4. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (7)
    This turned out really good. Thanks for the recipe 😋

    Reply

    1. Thank you for making it, Penny! I am glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  5. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (8)
    I used this recipe on top of a cauliflower crust for breakfast pizza. It was so good!

    Reply

    1. That sounds delicious! I am going to have to give it a try!

      Reply

  6. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (9)
    Awesome recipe for biscuits and gravy! This is my go-to recipe when I make biscuits and gravy. Hubby absolutely loves these. The only difference is that I use turkey breakfast sausage instead of pork sausage to cut down on fat, but sooo good! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    1. You are welcome, Linda! I am so glad you and hubby enjoy it!

      Reply

  7. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (10)
    I add one or two tsps of better-than-bullion chicken paste along with the extra sage for a very flavorful gravy. The amount of chicken flavoring you add needs to be watched as it carries a lot of sodium and can make your gravy salty.

    Reply

  8. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (11)
    Great recipe! I’ve tried others that didn’t add the garlic and it truly made a difference in the taste. I didn’t have milk so used half and half instead with a little water and it came out super creamy. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    1. I am so glad you enjoyed it Shannon. I appreciate you stopping by to share with us! Have a wonderful day!

      Reply

  9. Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (12)
    Loved it. So easy and turns out the same every time!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Becky. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  10. The first time I made this, I used 2 1/2 cups of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream. It was the best sausage gravy I ever had. Since then, everyone that tastes agrees with me. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

    1. You are welcome, Becky! It’s a family favorite and glad you and yours are enjoying it also.

      Reply

  11. Can this gravy be made the day before and warmed in a crock pot the next morning?

    Reply

    1. Yes. You may want to add a little milk to thin. But take a look after it warms through.

      Reply

  12. Can I use garlic powder in this and Ill be serving 7 people(2 of them children 6 years old and 2) will this recipe feed everyone?

    Reply

    1. You can use garlic powder. As for serving, I would say it depends on if this is the main meal and if you have other things. You could double the recipe if you have big eaters. You can even double the gravy ingrendients and let the sausage stretch using the same amount if desired.

      Reply

Best Sausage Gravy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes sausage gravy taste better? ›

What makes sausage gravy taste better? Sometimes sausage gravy can taste under-seasoned. This recipe is packed with flavor thanks to the use of chicken broth rather than just milk, as well as thyme, black pepper, salt, garlic, and cayenne in the final gravy. Spend time carefully deepening the color of the roux.

How do I get my sausage gravy to thicken? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What makes gravy more tasty? ›

Fats add tremendous flavor.

Use them. Butter, chicken fat, turkey, beef, pork, bacon, duck, goose…if it has fat, it'll add flavor. And that, Riene, will get you back on the gravy train. Now, go roast a chicken, save the drippings, and make some gravy!

Is gravy better with flour or cornstarch? ›

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

Why does my sausage gravy have no flavor? ›

If the gravy lacks oomph, adjust seasoning as necessary with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If you used canned stock instead of homemade, the gravy might not be as flavorful.

How to jazz up sausage gravy? ›

14 Ways To Upgrade A Classic Sausage Gravy
  1. Make your own sausage. Mironov Vladimir/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Cook the sausage first, then remove it. From_my_point_of_view/Getty Images. ...
  3. Add a little alcohol. ...
  4. Add flavorful fat. ...
  5. Add aromatics. ...
  6. Perfect your roux. ...
  7. Use fresh, high-quality, full-fat dairy milk. ...
  8. Add a pinch of nutmeg.
Feb 8, 2023

How do you make Steve Evans sausage gravy? ›

Steve Evans Sausage Gravy

As soon as the Sausage is coated, pour in one can of evaporated milk and 1 1/2 cans of water. Now turn the temp to medium-high, or until the gravy starts to bubble slightly, and stir until gravy has the desired thickness, be careful to stir continuously as you may scorch your gravy.

Can I use sour milk for gravy? ›

Add water if it gets too thick. Add the thick sour milk and let cook for about three minutes, stirring. Taste to feel for salt and add if necessary. Remember you are using salted products!

How do chefs thicken gravy? ›

Similar to flour, cornstarch is another ingredient that can be used to make gravy thicker. With cornstarch, making a slurry is also an option, but with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked into cold water. Again, you'll want to add the slurry in increments so you don't over-thicken the gravy.

What to add to gravy for flavor? ›

Fortunately, Shannon has several suggestions for fixing bland gravy, starting by adding a bouillon cube, herbs or a splash of wine or cognac. But if you have time to spare, add pan drippings from turkey, bacon or bacon drippings, caramelized vegetables (like onions, leeks, carrots and celery), herbs or garlic.

How do you increase the consistency of gravy? ›

If your gravy is looking watery, you can add a slurry (a mixture of cornstarch/flour and water) or a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) to thicken it up. Other pantry ingredients like Wondra (an instant flour), arrowroot, tapioca, and potato starch can also be used to thicken gravy to a deliciously silky consistency.

How do restaurants thicken gravy? ›

You can thicken the gravy by adding tapioca scratch, potato starch, flour, or cornstarch. Any of the above thickening agents can be used if it's available in your kitchen.

How do you add depth to gravy? ›

If your gravy tastes great but it lacks a little depth, add an umami flavor boost. Umami flavors are deeply savory and feel round on the palate. Spruce up the gravy with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (if the gravy isn't already too salty, that is).

What is the best thickener for gravy? ›

Similar to flour, cornstarch is another ingredient that can be used to make gravy thicker. With cornstarch, making a slurry is also an option, but with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked into cold water. Again, you'll want to add the slurry in increments so you don't over-thicken the gravy.

Is gravy better with water or milk? ›

Water, broth, or milk: Any of the three will work here. I actually like gravy made with water best, but experiment and see what works for you. Broth will give you a really flavor-packed gravy and gravy made with milk will be richer (but a little sweet for my taste).

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