The Best Country Gravy Recipe: Elevate Your Breakfast Game
There’s something undeniably comforting and soul-warming about a homemade country gravy. It elevates any breakfast dish from a simple plate of buttermilk biscuits to a Sunday morning feast. But achieving that creamy, flavorful, and perfect consistency can sometimes feel like a hit-or-miss affair. Fear not, breakfast lovers! Today, we’re unveiling the secret to the best country gravy recipe you’ll ever make.
This recipe is simple to follow, requires only a handful of affordable ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll be swirling this creamy goodness over your biscuits, potatoes, or even fried chicken before you know it.
The Secret Weapon: Building Flavor from the Base
The key to making the best country gravy lies in building flavor from the base. Forget the store-bought packets – this recipe utilizes real ingredients to create a depth of taste that surpasses any pre-made option.
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is the foundation of this recipe, providing richness and a smooth texture. Opt for high-quality butter for the best results.
- Breakfast Sausage: This adds savory depth and a hint of meaty flavor. Choose your preferred type, like mild or spicy, depending on your taste preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as the thickening agent, creating that smooth and creamy gravy texture we all love.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper are essential for balancing the flavors and adding a touch of warmth. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Milk: Whole milk provides the perfect creamy base for the gravy. You can substitute with low-fat or skim milk, but the final texture and flavor might be slightly lighter.
The Recipe: Unleashing the Creamy Goodness
Now, let’s get down to business! Here’s the recipe, complete with helpful tips and tricks:
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Don’t let it brown – we just want it melted and bubbly.
- Cook the sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the pan and cook until browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step infuses the butter with delicious meaty flavors.
- Whisk in the flour: Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This is called “roux,” and it’s the key to thickening the gravy.
- Seasoning is key: Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the roux and whisk well to combine. This is where you can adjust the seasonings to your preference. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed.
- Slowly incorporate the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, constantly stirring to prevent lumps. Be patient and let the milk fully incorporate before adding more. You might not need all 3 cups of milk, depending on your desired consistency.
- Simmer and thicken: Once all the milk is incorporated, bring the gravy to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should be smooth and coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust: Give your gravy a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or water to thin it out.
- Serve and savor!: Pour your delicious homemade country gravy over your favorite breakfast dish, like biscuits, potatoes, fried chicken, or even waffles. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Tips & Twists: Make it Your Own
This recipe is a jumping-off point for your creative culinary journey. Here are some ideas to personalize your country gravy:
- Spice it up further: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Go cheesy: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy twist.
- Herb garden twist: Add a few chopped fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Mushroom magic: Sauté some chopped mushrooms with the sausage for an earthy and savory flavor.he sausage and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian option.
Beyond the Plate: A Breakfast Ritual Reborn
This best country gravy recipe is more than just a delicious addition to your breakfast table. It’s a simple and satisfying way to elevate your everyday meals and create lasting family memories.
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Country Gravy
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups whole milk or more if needed
Instructions
- Heat a saucepot over medium heat and melt down the butter.
- Drop in the sausage and break apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it's browned and crumbly.
- After 5 minutes, stir in the flour, pepper and cayenne. Mix well for another 2 minutes, incorporating the flour into the sausage.
- Drop heat to medium-heat and slowly whisk in the milk to make the gravy and avoid any lumps. Whisk for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy is your desired consistency. You can add a bit more milk if you want to thin it out.
- Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve over my biscuits for an awesome country biscuits and gravy!
This recipe is so good. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!