Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy Recipe

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Warm, creamy, and packed with hearty flavor, this Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy brings southern comfort straight to your table. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a hug with each spoonful—richly seasoned ground sausage swirled into a luscious, peppery white gravy. Whether you’re serving it over flaky homemade biscuits or spooning it onto toast, this timeless classic promises a satisfying and indulgent start to your morning.

Perfect for lazy weekends or cozy brunch gatherings, sausage gravy is an old-school breakfast staple that never goes out of style. It’s simple enough for beginners yet comforting enough to evoke memories of grandma’s kitchen. With a short list of pantry staples and a single skillet, you can whip up this soul-warming gravy in no time.

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Ingredients for this Old-Fashioned Sausage Gravy Recipe

• 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (more if needed to adjust thickness)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, based on the saltiness of your sausage)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This should take about 7–10 minutes. Do not drain the grease—this will add flavor and help form the base of your gravy.

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Step 2: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir it in well, ensuring the flour coats the sausage completely. Cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the flour absorb the fat and slightly toast. This step is crucial to eliminate the raw flour taste and helps thicken the gravy later on.

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Step 3: Pour in the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the skillet while stirring constantly. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to blend the milk with the sausage-flour mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will ensure a smooth and flavorful gravy.

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Step 4: Simmer and Season

Allow the gravy to come to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and reduce the heat to low if it starts to bubble too rapidly. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Add freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of salt, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

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Step 5: Serve Warm

Once the gravy is rich, thick, and seasoned to perfection, remove from heat. Serve immediately over warm biscuits, toast, or even hash browns. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1/2 cup serving (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 11g

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the sausage and milk used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this sausage gravy gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a thickening agent like xanthan gum.

2. Is it okay to use plant-based milk?

You can use unsweetened, plain plant-based milks like oat or almond milk. Just note that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from traditional whole milk.

3. What kind of sausage works best?

Pork sausage is the traditional choice, but turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used for a leaner option. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, too!

4. Can I add cheese to the gravy?

Absolutely. A small amount of sharp cheddar added at the end creates a rich, cheesy twist on the classic.

5. Why is my gravy too thick?

If it thickens too much, simply add more milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Can I make this ahead for a crowd?

Yes! Prepare it the night before and reheat gently with a bit of milk in a large skillet before serving.

7. What’s the best biscuit to serve with sausage gravy?

Flaky buttermilk biscuits or classic drop biscuits are perfect companions for this gravy.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just double all the ingredients proportionally, but be sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate the volume.

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