Biscuits and gravy is a beloved Southern breakfast classic that pairs fluffy, buttery biscuits with rich, creamy sausage gravy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make that perfect gravy to smother your biscuits, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through an easy, foolproof way to make sausage gravy that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for Sausage Gravy
The beauty of sausage gravy lies in its simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients:
– Breakfast sausage (ground pork sausage works best; spicy or mild based on preference)
– All-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
– Milk (whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but 2% or skim works too)
– Salt and black pepper (to taste)
– Optional: butter for extra richness
You’ll also want some warm, flaky biscuits ready to serve with your gravy-homemade or store-bought.
Step-by-Step: Making Sausage Gravy for Biscuits
1. Cook the Sausage
Start by browning about 12 ounces of breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Don’t drain the grease; this flavorful fat is key to making the gravy rich and tasty.
2. Make the Roux
Once the sausage is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium-low. If you want, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan along with some of the sausage grease. Sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sausage and fat. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
3. Add Milk and Thicken
Slowly whisk in about 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, whisk in a little more flour.
4. Season to Taste
Add salt and plenty of black pepper to taste. Some like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve Hot Over Biscuits
Split warm biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
– Don’t drain the sausage grease: It adds essential flavor and fat for the gravy.
– Use buttermilk biscuits: They add a tangy richness that complements the savory gravy beautifully.
– Keep stirring while adding milk: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth gravy.
– Adjust gravy thickness: You can control the consistency easily by adding more milk or flour.
– Make biscuits first: While biscuits bake, you can prepare the gravy so everything is ready to serve warm.
Variations to Try
– Use spicy sausage for a bit of heat.
– Add herbs like sage or fennel to the flour for extra flavor.
– Substitute half-and-half or cream for milk for a richer gravy.
– Try turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Making gravy for biscuits and gravy is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a comforting, hearty breakfast that tastes like it came from your favorite diner.
Enjoy your homemade biscuits and gravy-comfort food at its finest!
Would you like a detailed biscuit recipe to go along with your gravy?