Let me tell you about simple homemade sausage gravy—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! This rich and creamy gravy has a way of bringing comfort to any breakfast table, whether you’re diving into a lazy Sunday brunch or whipping up a quick weekday morning meal. I still remember the first time I made it; my mom taught me the recipe, and we’d slather it over fluffy biscuits. The aroma of sizzling sausage fills the kitchen, and the first bite? Pure bliss! It’s so versatile too—you can serve it over biscuits, potatoes, or even scrambled eggs! Trust me, once you get the hang of this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
To make the best simple homemade sausage gravy, quality ingredients are key! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage: I recommend using a good-quality sausage with a nice blend of spices for that rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken your gravy, so make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 3 cups whole milk: Whole milk gives the gravy its creamy texture; don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked, if possible, to bring a lovely warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, but it’s essential for balancing the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a bit of heat, this is your secret weapon!
These simple ingredients come together to create a gravy that’s oh-so-delicious, perfect for all your breakfast needs!
How to Prepare Simple Homemade Sausage Gravy
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious gravy! It’s pretty straightforward, but there are a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
Cooking the Sausage
First, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. This is super important; you want that sausage to brown nicely without burning. Once it’s hot, crumble in your ground pork sausage and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The smell is heavenly! Now, carefully remove any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind. This little bit will help flavor your gravy without making it too greasy.
Creating the Roux
Next up, it’s time to create your roux! Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour evenly over the cooked sausage and stir it all together. This will help thicken your gravy later. Make sure to cook this mixture for about 2 minutes; this step is crucial because it cooks off that raw flour taste and gives your gravy a nice depth of flavor. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom!
Adding Milk and Thickening
Now comes the fun part—whisking in the milk! Do this slowly, a little at a time, while continuously whisking. This helps to prevent any lumps from forming. Once all the milk is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes as it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Oh, the aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible!
Seasoning the Gravy
Finally, it’s time to season your gravy! Add in the 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in that optional cayenne pepper for a little kick. Taste as you go; this is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking. A well-seasoned gravy is a happy gravy!
And there you have it—your simple homemade sausage gravy is ready to be served hot over biscuits or any breakfast item you love. Get ready for some happy faces around the breakfast table!
Tips for Success
To elevate your simple homemade sausage gravy, here are a few pro tips that’ll make a world of difference! First off, if you want a little extra flavor, try using a flavored sausage, like garlic or maple, to add a unique twist. You can also swap out the whole milk for half-and-half for an even creamier texture—yum! If you have leftover gravy, don’t worry; just add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to life. And for a herbaceous note, consider stirring in some fresh sage or thyme right before serving. Trust me, these small adjustments can take your gravy to the next level! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your simple homemade sausage gravy, there are so many fun variations to try! First, consider switching out the ground pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. You could also go bold with spicy Italian sausage or even a breakfast sausage with maple for a sweet and savory combo. Want to get fancy? Stir in fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or even rosemary for a delightful aroma and flavor boost. And, oh, don’t forget about cheese! Mixing in some grated cheddar or Parmesan right at the end can create a rich, cheesy gravy that’s simply irresistible. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your simple homemade sausage gravy fresh and delicious, proper storage is key! Allow the gravy to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is super simple. You can warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. Just remember, don’t reheat more than once to maintain the best flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values for simple homemade sausage gravy can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The estimates provided are for general guidance only and may not reflect exact values. For the most accurate information, I recommend calculating based on your chosen ingredients. Always adjust according to your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage for this gravy?
Absolutely! While I love using ground pork sausage for its rich flavor, feel free to experiment with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. You could even try spicy sausage for an extra kick!
What can I serve with sausage gravy?
Sausage gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, but it’s also fantastic over mashed potatoes, rice, or even eggs. Get creative and see what breakfast items you enjoy it with!
How do I store leftover sausage gravy?
To store your simple homemade sausage gravy, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for about 2 months. Just remember to reheat gently!
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can make your sausage gravy ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency before serving.
Why is my gravy too thick?
If your gravy turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply whisk in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency. This is a common issue, but it’s easy to fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely love this simple homemade sausage gravy! First off, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 25 minutes from start to finish. Seriously, you don’t need to be a master chef to make it—just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy gravy in no time! The flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s so rich and savory, with that perfect hint of spice that makes each bite unforgettable.
Plus, its versatility is unmatched! You can pour it over fluffy biscuits, but don’t stop there—try it on toast, baked potatoes, or even scrambled eggs! It’s like a breakfast chameleon, fitting perfectly into any morning spread. Trust me, once you make this gravy, it’ll become a go-to recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s comfort food at its finest!
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Simple Homemade Sausage Gravy: 5 Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and creamy sausage gravy perfect for biscuits or breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir to combine; cook for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using; mix well.
- Serve hot over biscuits or your choice of breakfast items.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage instead of mild.
- Experiment with different herbs like sage or thyme for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: homemade sausage gravy, breakfast gravy, sausage recipe
