Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Breakfast Gravy

Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Breakfast Gravy

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Ingredients for Southern Sausage Gravy

Watch the video by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2SBXDRIJ3c&embed=true

As a Southern chef, I know that a good sausage gravy recipe is a must-have for any breakfast or brunch. Here are the primary and additional ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Southern Sausage Gravy.

Primary Ingredients

  • Pork sausage: The star of the show. You can use hot, mild, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.
  • All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
  • Whole milk: Provides the creamy base for the gravy.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the gravy.

Additional Ingredients

  • Sage: A classic herb used in Southern cooking that adds depth of flavor to the gravy.
  • Bacon: For an extra layer of smokiness and flavor.
  • Water: Used to thin out the gravy if it becomes too thick.
  • Eggs: A perfect accompaniment to the gravy and biscuits.
  • Buttermilk biscuits: The perfect vessel for the gravy.

When it comes to making homemade sausage gravy, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. I recommend using breakfast sausage from your local butcher or farmer’s market, as it will have a fresher and more authentic flavor.

To make the gravy, start by browning the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the sausage is cooked through, sprinkle in the flour and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Add in the butter and continue stirring until it’s melted and combined. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out. Season with salt, pepper, and sage to taste. Serve hot over warm buttermilk biscuits for a true Southern breakfast experience.

Overall, making homemade sausage gravy is a simple and delicious way to start your day. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a hearty and satisfying breakfast that will keep you fueled all day long.

Kitchen Tools Needed

When it comes to making a delicious Southern sausage gravy, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Here are the essential tools you will need to make the perfect sausage gravy:

Skillet

A good quality skillet is essential for cooking the sausage and making the roux. I prefer to use a cast iron skillet, as it retains heat well and gives the gravy a nice, rich flavor.

Whisk

A whisk is essential for making a smooth, lump-free gravy. Use it to whisk the flour into the hot fat until smooth, and then gradually whisk in the milk.

Slotted Spoon

A slotted spoon is useful for removing the cooked sausage from the skillet and draining off any excess fat. This will help ensure that your gravy is not too greasy.

Spatula

A good quality spatula is essential for stirring the sausage and flour mixture, and for scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Use it to stir the gravy as it thickens, and to ensure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.

With these essential kitchen tools, you will be well on your way to making a delicious Southern sausage gravy that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Steps to Prepare Southern Sausage Gravy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne7n_mLe9DU&embed=true

As a seasoned chef, I can tell you that southern sausage gravy is a delicious and hearty breakfast dish that is easy to prepare. With simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store, you can make this dish from scratch in no time. Here are the steps to prepare southern sausage gravy:

Preparation of Sausage

First, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Do not drain the drippings because they will be used to make the gravy. Once the sausage is browned, set it aside.

Making the Roux

Next, add butter or oil to the skillet with the sausage drippings and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute until it is smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk, about half a cup at a time, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients

Once the roux has thickened, add the browned sausage back into the skillet and stir well. At this point, you can add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thinner gravy, you can add more milk. If you want a thicker gravy, you can add less milk. Keep whisking the gravy until it reaches the desired consistency.

Simmering the Gravy

Finally, let the gravy and sausage simmer for a minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember to keep whisking the gravy to prevent lumps. Once the gravy is ready, you can serve it over freshly baked biscuits or toast.

Leftover southern sausage gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the gravy, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat and whisk in a little bit of milk to thin it out.

Overall, preparing southern sausage gravy is a simple and delicious way to start your day. With just a few simple ingredients and some whisking, you can create a hearty and satisfying breakfast dish that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Southern Sausage Gravy, there are so many delicious options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

Breakfast

Of course, the classic way to enjoy Southern Sausage Gravy is spooned over a warm, homemade biscuit. I like to make my biscuits from scratch, but you can also use store-bought biscuits or even toast. If you’re serving a crowd, consider making a breakfast casserole with layers of biscuits, sausage, eggs, and cheese. The gravy can be poured over the top for a hearty and delicious breakfast.

Brunch

If you’re hosting a brunch, consider serving Southern Sausage Gravy alongside hash browns or French fries. The combination of crispy potatoes and creamy gravy is irresistible. You can also serve the gravy over scrambled eggs for a protein-packed brunch option.

Dinner

While Southern Sausage Gravy is traditionally a breakfast dish, it can also be served for dinner. Try serving it over rice for a filling and comforting meal. You can also use the gravy as a topping for a baked potato or as a sauce for meatloaf.

Leftovers

If you have leftover Southern Sausage Gravy, don’t let it go to waste! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Serve it over warm biscuits or toast for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.

Overall, Southern Sausage Gravy is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Storage and Reheating Tips

When it comes to storing leftover Southern Sausage Gravy, it’s important to do it properly to maintain its quality and safety. I always recommend storing the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to three days.

If you have a large batch of leftover gravy that you won’t be able to finish within three days, you can freeze it for later use. To do this, allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date and contents. Frozen gravy will last for up to three months.

When reheating leftover gravy, there are a few different methods you can use. The quickest and easiest way is to use a microwave. Simply transfer the gravy to a microwave-safe bowl or container, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If you prefer to reheat the gravy on the stove, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to thin the gravy out if it has thickened in the fridge or freezer.

One important thing to keep in mind when reheating gravy is that it can easily scorch if it gets too hot. To prevent this, be sure to heat it slowly and stir frequently. If you notice any discoloration or off odors, discard the gravy immediately.

Overall, with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy delicious Southern Sausage Gravy any time you want, without having to worry about waste or food safety.

Variations of Southern Sausage Gravy

As a Southern chef, I love experimenting with variations of my favorite foods. Sausage gravy is no exception. Here are a few variations of Southern sausage gravy that you can try at home:

  • Spicy Sausage Gravy: If you’re a fan of spicy food, this variation is for you. Simply add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your sausage gravy recipe for an extra kick. You can also use spicy ground pork sausage instead of mild sausage.

  • Biscuit and Gravy Casserole: This is a quick and easy breakfast casserole that combines biscuits and sausage gravy in one dish. Simply bake biscuits in a casserole dish and pour sausage gravy over them. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Creamy Sausage Gravy: For a richer, creamier version of sausage gravy, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a splash of white wine or sherry to the gravy for extra flavor.

  • Herbed Sausage Gravy: Adding fresh herbs to your sausage gravy can take it to the next level. Try adding chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to your gravy for a delicious twist.

  • Vegetarian Sausage Gravy: If you’re looking for a meatless version of sausage gravy, you can use vegetarian ground sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

These are just a few variations of Southern sausage gravy that you can try at home. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors to make your own unique version of this classic Southern dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sausage Gravy?

Sausage gravy is a classic Southern recipe made from pork sausage, flour, milk or cream, and seasonings. It’s typically served over biscuits or chicken fried steak, and it’s a staple in many Southern households. Sausage gravy is hearty, filling, and delicious, and it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

How to Avoid Lumps in the Gravy?

Lumps in sausage gravy can be a common problem, but there are a few things you can do to prevent them. First, make sure you whisk the flour into the sausage and fat mixture thoroughly before adding the milk or cream. This will help ensure that the flour is evenly distributed and there are no lumps. Second, make sure you add the milk or cream slowly and whisk continuously as you add it. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Finally, if you do end up with lumps in your gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.

Where to Buy Ingredients?

Most of the ingredients for sausage gravy can be found at your local grocery store. You’ll need ground pork sausage, all-purpose flour, milk or cream, and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If you’re looking for a specific type of sausage, like spicy or hot, you may need to check with your local butcher or specialty food store.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality sausage and fresh milk or cream. This will help ensure that your sausage gravy is delicious and flavorful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage and seasonings to find the perfect flavor for your taste buds.

Overall, making sausage gravy is a fun and easy way to bring some Southern comfort to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.

Nutritional Information

As a professional chef, I always try to ensure that my recipes are not only delicious but also healthy. So, if you’re wondering about the nutritional information of this Southern Sausage Gravy recipe, then let me break it down for you.

Firstly, let’s talk about the calories. One serving of this gravy contains around 200-300 calories, depending on the amount of sausage and milk used. It’s not the lowest calorie breakfast option out there, but it’s definitely worth indulging in once in a while.

Now, let’s talk about the sodium content. Salt and pepper are essential ingredients in this recipe, but it’s important to use them in moderation. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. So, I suggest using low-sodium sausage and adding salt and pepper to taste.

White pepper and garlic powder are also used in this recipe to add flavor. They don’t have any significant nutritional value, but they do add a delicious kick to the gravy.

Overall, this Southern Sausage Gravy recipe is a tasty and satisfying breakfast option. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and balance it out with healthier meals throughout the day.

The History of Southern Sausage Gravy

I’ve been cooking Southern food for years, and one of my favorite dishes is sausage gravy. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. But where did this delicious dish come from? Let’s take a look at the history of Southern sausage gravy.

Sausage gravy is a traditional Southern recipe that has been passed down through generations of families. It’s a simple dish that is made from just a few ingredients: pork sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. The recipe is usually cooked in a cast iron skillet, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.

The origins of sausage gravy are not entirely clear, but it’s believed to have originated in the South in the early 19th century. Back then, pork was a common meat in the South, and sausage was an easy way to use up leftover pork. The gravy was a way to stretch the meat and make it go further.

Over time, sausage gravy became a staple of Southern cuisine. It was a popular dish for breakfast or brunch, and it was often served over biscuits. The dish was especially popular in rural areas, where families would make their own sausage and use it to make the gravy.

Today, sausage gravy is still a beloved Southern dish. It’s a comfort food that reminds people of home and family. And while the recipe has evolved over time, the basic ingredients and preparation remain the same. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, sausage gravy is a dish that’s easy to make and always delicious.

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