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Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe

Sausage Gravy is a classic southern breakfast dish that uses just 4 simple ingredients. Rich and comforting and a recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Sausage gravy spooned on top of a biscuit.


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This southern-style homemade sausage gravy is comfort food and an absolute must in our house on Christmas morning, along with my French Toast Casserole. Many times when we're just craving Southern biscuits and gravy for breakfast or dinner.

Why this recipe works

This homemade sausage gravy recipe is super simple and your family will think you slaved over it. A perfect breakfast for those lazy Sunday mornings, a hearty creamy sauce served over your favorite biscuits with a side of fried potatoes and onions. You may also like my Easy Breakfast Casserole for a delicious one-pot breakfast.

Ingredients needed for Sausage Gravy

All the ingredients needed.
  • Sausage: I like to use Jimmy Dean spicy/hot sausage but you can use a country or breakfast sausage or even the sage flavor.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour it helps to thicken the gravy.
  • Milk: I recommend whole milk here.
  • Heavy Cream: This adds a really creamy texture, with the combination of milk.
  • Red pepper flakes: This is optional, you can also use a bit of cayenne pepper if you prefer.

How to make sausage gravy

Ground sausage added to a skillet. Then once brown flour sprinkled on top.
  • Step 1: In a large skillet on medium-high heat brown the sausage, do not drain the fat.
  • Step 2: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked sausage and stir for another minute.
Ground sausage being browned in a skillet then milk and cream added.
  • Step 3: Slowly pour in the half-n-half and reduce to medium-low heat, stir with a wooden spoon.
  • Step 4: Let simmer until the gravy thickens, stir occasionally and add in red pepper flakes and salt and black pepper to taste. Pour over homemade biscuits.
Sausage gravy in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Recipe tips

  • Don't drain the sausage you need the grease to make a simple roux with the flour.
  • If you like your gravy on the thinner side add a little milk or even water.
  • I don't recommend using a nonstick pan you want a pan that will let your sausage get nice and brown I love my cast iron skillet.
  • I highly recommend using the heavy cream to get that rich and creamy texture but you can just use whole milk if you prefer.
Sausage gravy on top of a biscuit with a side of scrambled eggs.

Recipe faq's

What kind of sausage is best to use?

You can use either fresh ground or pre-packaged pork sausage like breakfast sausage, country sausage, or even hot sausage it's usually in a roll. You dont want to use links or patties for this sausage gravy recipe.

What is the difference between homemade country gravy and sausage gravy?

These are both very similar but country gravy is made without meat and of course, homemade sausage gravy has ground sausage and is sometimes known as sawmill gravy.

Why didn't my gravy thicken?

This can happen for two reasons. If you didn't use the right amount of flour the gravy won't be able to thicken, or you didn't let the gravy simmer long enough.

What do I serve with homemade sausage gravy?

Normally it's served over Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits This sausage gravy recipe is also delicious on top of pork chops, toast, my air fryer potatoes, or crispy hash browns, with a side of eggs.

Why does my gravy taste starchy?

Your gravy can taste doughy or starchy if you didn't allow the flour enough time to cook before adding in the liquid.

Can I freeze this gravy?

Yes, let the gravy cool completely and place in an airtight freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Sausage gravy spooned on top of a biscuit.

Southern Sausage Gravy

4.16 from 13 votes
Written By: Wendie
Sausage gravy is a classic southern breakfast dish that uses just 4 simple ingredients. Rich and comforting and a recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 449

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pork breakfast sausage
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chives or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat a skillet (I use cast iron) on medium-high heat and place sausage in the pan. Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Do not drain the fat!
  • Sprinkle the flour over the top and stir, cook another minute until flour is absorbed.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add in the milk, cream, and red pepper flakes and mix until combined.
  • Simmer until thickened stirring to prevent burning, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot over Homemade Biscuits, toast, or crispy hash browns.

Video

Notes

Don't drain the sausage you need the grease to make a simple roux with the flour.
You can use whole milk in place of the heavy cream, the gravy just may be a bit thinner and a little less creamy.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 710mgSugar: 6g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Southern
4.16 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. This is so much better than how I made mine
    Now this is the only one I make
    Love it

  2. oh my God my favor food I made it for first time.holly ketchup that's is delicious wow I made plate for my neighbor he went nuts.i get bag potatoes with pepper onion soooo good. I what make again heavy cream makes it I get reg sausage not hot