Traditional Sausage Gravy

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Intensity: Low (Beginner-friendly)

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about waking up to the smell of sizzling sausage and fresh biscuits. A true Southern staple, Traditional Sausage Gravy is the heart and soul of a hearty breakfast. Creamy, savory, and loaded with rich flavors, this dish has stood the test of time for a reason. Whether you’re serving it over warm buttermilk biscuits or using it as a base for brunch, this old-fashioned sausage gravy recipe delivers simple satisfaction with every spoonful.

Perfect for a slow Sunday morning, a brunch gathering, or even a breakfast-for-dinner kind of night, sausage gravy is both easy to prepare and immensely satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from ingredients and technique to pro tips and nutritional info.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 4 generous servings of sausage gravy:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, country-style, or sage sausage preferred)

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ cups whole milk (can substitute with 2% if needed)

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste (optional; depends on saltiness of sausage)

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

• ½ teaspoon dried sage (for added earthiness if not using sage sausage)

• A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder (optional depth of flavor)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or cast iron pan

• Whisk or wooden spoon

• Measuring spoons and cup

• Stove or cooktop

• Plate (for setting aside sausage, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned evenly and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes.

Tip: Don’t drain all the fat. You’ll need the drippings to build the roux that thickens the gravy. If your sausage is very greasy, you can pour off a bit, but make sure to leave at least 2–3 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour directly over the sausage in the skillet. Stir the flour into the fat and meat, allowing it to coat everything evenly. Continue to stir and cook for about 1–2 minutes. This step is important to cook out the raw taste of the flour and form the roux (the thickening base of your gravy).

Intensity Note: This part requires attention but is not difficult—just stir constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Gradually pour in 2 ½ cups of whole milk, whisking or stirring constantly as you pour. It’s best to add the milk slowly, especially at first, to prevent lumps from forming.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. As it heats, the gravy will begin to thicken. This usually takes about 5–8 minutes.

Tip: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, stir in:

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• Salt to taste (many sausages are salty, so taste first)

• Optional spices (like red pepper flakes or sage)

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once everything is incorporated and heated through, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle the sausage gravy generously over freshly baked biscuits, toast, fried potatoes, or even scrambled eggs.

Serving Suggestion: Classic Buttermilk Biscuits are the most traditional pairing. They soak up the gravy beautifully and offer a perfect texture contrast.

Serving Ideas

While sausage gravy is most famously served over biscuits, you can also get creative:

• Pour it over hash browns for a rustic twist.

• Use it to top fried chicken or chicken-fried steak.

• Serve it in a breakfast bowl with eggs, bacon, and home fries.

• Try it over grits or cornbread for a Southern spin.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:
Sausage gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a bit of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Freezing:
Sausage gravy can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, whisking to recombine any separated fat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the type of sausage and milk used. Sodium content especially can change widely depending on brand.

Why This Recipe Works

Traditional sausage gravy relies on three key pillars:

1. Simplicity: Just a few pantry staples make this dish accessible to all.

2. Flavorful Fat: The fat from the sausage is used as the base for the roux, making the gravy intensely savory.

3. Balance: The creamy milk and spicy sausage balance each other beautifully, especially with a dash of black pepper.

It’s also highly adaptable. You can spice it up, lighten it down, or even make it with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend designed for thickening sauces.

What kind of sausage is best?

Country-style pork sausage or sage sausage is traditional. You can also use spicy sausage for a kick.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

You can, though results may vary. Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works best. Make sure it’s unflavored and unsweetened.

What if my gravy is too thin or thick?

Too thin: Simmer longer or add a flour slurry (1 tsp flour mixed with 2 tbsp cold milk).
Too thick: Add warm milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Final Thoughts

Traditional Sausage Gravy is more than just a Southern breakfast—it’s a bite of nostalgia, comfort, and soul. Whether you grew up on it or are trying it for the first time, this simple yet satisfying dish is a great way to bring a little warmth to your table. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a breakfast dish that feels like home.