Easy & Delicious Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy: A Southern Comfort Breakfast Staple

This easy-to-make sausage gravy recipe is a timeless Southern classic that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or craving a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for all cooking levels. Serve it over warm biscuits for a filling meal, and add a side of eggs or fresh fruit to round out the plate. Let’s get started with everything you need to make this delicious dish!

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage (mild): The key flavor base for the gravy. Use pork sausage for a traditional taste.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle layer of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the flavors.
3 cups milk: Creates a creamy texture in the gravy. Whole milk works best.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Biscuits (store-bought or homemade): Fluffy biscuits are ideal for soaking up the savory gravy.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet (cast-iron works well for even cooking)
Whisk for smooth gravy
Spatula or wooden spoon to stir and break up sausage
Serving spoon and ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
Continue cooking the sausage until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Sprinkle the garlic powder over the browned sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate.

Step 3: Add Flour to Form a Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage in the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat the sausage and cook the flour. This will help thicken the gravy without a raw flour taste.

Step 4: Slowly Add the Milk

Gradually pour the milk into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue stirring until the gravy starts to thicken. This may take around 5-7 minutes, depending on your stovetop. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve Over Biscuits

Split the biscuits in half and ladle the hot sausage gravy generously over them. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Variations and Creative Additions

Switch the Protein: Don’t like sausage? Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. For a healthier twist, try chicken sausage or even a vegetarian sausage option.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or even a pinch of thyme can bring a fresh pop of flavor to the gravy.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy.
Cheesy Gravy: For a richer flavor, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese at the end. This adds a creamy, cheesy twist that’s hard to resist.
Creamier Texture: Swap out 1/2 cup of milk for heavy cream for an extra-luxurious gravy.

Serving Tips

For a classic Southern breakfast experience, serve the sausage gravy over warm, split biscuits with scrambled eggs on the side. Add a fresh fruit salad or a few slices of avocado for a complete and balanced meal. If you’re hosting a brunch, set up a “build-your-own biscuit” bar with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and hot sauce so guests can personalize each serving.

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FAQs for Best Preparation and Storage Practices

1. Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk if it’s too thick.

2. How do I store leftovers? Leftover gravy should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir until smooth.

3. Can I freeze sausage gravy? Yes! Allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

4. Do I have to use milk? Whole milk creates a creamy gravy, but you can use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond or oat milk if preferred. For a richer option, replace part of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.

5. Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch as a thickener (about half the amount of flour called for).

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Recipe to Share and Enjoy

This Pioneer Woman-inspired sausage gravy is a cozy, party-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for everything from busy mornings to weekend brunches. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade breakfast that’s bound to please. So grab your biscuits, pour on that savory gravy, and dig into a meal that’s full of Southern comfort!