If you’re craving a hearty, comforting breakfast classic, this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, creamy, and bursting with savory sausage flavor, it’s the perfect way to bring that Southern charm to your kitchen without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy start to your day, this gravy is simple to whip up and pairs beautifully with warm biscuits or your favorite sides. Trust me, once you try this easy-to-make dish, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for breakfasts and brunches alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. These essentials are what make this Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe both flavor-packed and irresistibly smooth.
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage: Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference; the sausage provides the rich, savory base for the gravy.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is the thickening agent that turns silky as it cooks, giving the gravy that perfect hearty texture.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk: Milk creates the creamy, luscious sauce—adjust the amount to get your preferred gravy thickness.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors so every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Pepper: Don’t be shy here—black pepper adds the signature bite and warmth that makes sausage gravy so comforting.
How to Make Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground sausage. Instead of simply cooking it, let the sausage brown nicely—this step unlocks deep, savory flavors that are essential to a rich gravy. Make sure not to drain off the grease because that’s where much of the flavor lives, and it helps build the gravy’s luscious texture.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the browned sausage. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes; this cooks out the raw flour taste and allows it to blend smoothly with the sausage fat. The result is the thickening base that will transform your sausage into silky gravy.
Step 3: Slowly Incorporate the Milk
Gradually pour the milk into the skillet, stirring well after each addition to prevent lumps. Once all the milk is added, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring frequently as the gravy thickens to your desired consistency—about 2 cups will make a thicker gravy, or add more milk if you like it thinner. Then, season with salt and copious amounts of black pepper. The seasoning really makes all the flavors pop, so taste as you go!
How to Serve Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this classic dish, think about adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. These herbs add a pop of color and a subtle brightness that perfectly balances the rich gravy. You could also scatter a little extra cracked black pepper for visual appeal and an extra peppery kick.
Side Dishes
Classic biscuits are the ultimate vehicle for soaking up every bit of this delicious gravy, but you can also serve it alongside crispy hash browns, buttery toast, or even creamy scrambled eggs. Each side adds its own texture and heartiness, making your breakfast plate a dream come true.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit creative? Use this gravy over baked potatoes or spoon it over steamed vegetables for a comforting twist at lunch or dinner. You could even pour it over waffles for a quirky, savory-sweet combo that’s sure to impress friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your gravy cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.
Freezing
This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for batch cooking. Portion the gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, use low to medium heat to warm the gravy slowly. Stir regularly and add a splash of milk if the gravy becomes too thick or starts to separate. This will help bring back the creamy, smooth consistency of freshly made gravy.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and lowers the fat content, though the flavor will be a bit milder. You may want to adjust seasoning to boost the overall taste when using turkey sausage.
How can I make the gravy spicier?
Try using hot breakfast sausage instead of mild, and add extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the gravy. This will give your Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe a nice, warming kick.
What can I serve with this gravy besides biscuits?
Besides the traditional biscuit pairing, consider serving it with mashed potatoes, fried apples, or even as a sauce over steak for a decadent meal. The possibilities are delightfully endless.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2% or even plant-based milks like oat or almond if you prefer. Keep in mind that non-dairy milks may change the flavor and texture slightly.
What causes the gravy to get lumpy and how can I fix it?
Lumps usually form if the flour isn’t cooked enough or if the milk is added too quickly. To fix this, whisk vigorously while adding milk slowly, and cook it on low heat, stirring often. If lumps persist, strain the gravy or blend it briefly for a smooth finish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is a genuinely comforting, fuss-free way to bring warmth and joy to your breakfast table. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weekday mornings or relaxing weekend brunches with family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Easy Sausage Gravy recipe is a classic Southern breakfast staple featuring savory browned pork sausage simmered in a creamy flour-based gravy. Perfectly seasoned with salt and lots of black pepper, this hearty gravy is ideal served over freshly baked biscuits for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the sausage. It’s important to let the sausage brown well to develop flavor. Do not drain the grease.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the browned sausage and stir continuously. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux.
- Add Milk and Simmer: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to combine. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue stirring frequently until the gravy thickens. Use about 2 cups of milk for thicker gravy, or more for thinner consistency. Season with salt and generous amounts of black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Once the gravy has thickened and seasoning is adjusted, serve hot over freshly baked biscuits or your preferred base.
Notes
- Use bulk breakfast sausage for authentic flavor; both mild and hot varieties work well.
- Do not drain the fat from the sausage as it adds richness to the gravy.
- Adjust milk quantity for desired gravy thickness.
- Generous black pepper is traditional and enhances the flavor.
- Serve over warm biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast experience.
