Homemade Country Gravy is a creamy, savory classic that’s perfect for pairing with biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or country-fried steak. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this rich and flavorful gravy is quick to prepare and tastes far better than anything store-bought.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly creamy with a hint of seasoning for a comforting flavor.
- Versatile and pairs well with many Southern dishes.
- Customizable with your choice of add-ins, like sausage or bacon.
- A homemade classic that’s easy enough for beginners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter (or bacon grease for added flavor)
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: crumbled cooked sausage or bacon
Directions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium skillet, melt the butter (or bacon grease) over medium heat.
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens.
- Season: Stir in salt and generous amounts of black pepper to taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Optional Add-Ins: If using, stir in cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon at this stage.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Pour the gravy over warm biscuits, chicken, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Sausage Gravy: Brown and crumble breakfast sausage in the skillet before making the roux. Use the sausage drippings instead of butter for added flavor.
- Bacon Gravy: Use bacon grease in place of butter and stir in cooked crumbled bacon.
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier gravy.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency if needed.
- Freezing: Gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Stir well after reheating.
FAQs
What’s the secret to lump-free gravy?
Whisk constantly while adding the milk slowly to the roux to prevent lumps.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Milk provides the creamy texture, but water can be used in a pinch for a thinner, less rich gravy.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Simmer the gravy longer, or whisk in a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of water or milk.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently and stir in a bit of milk to restore its consistency.
What’s the difference between country gravy and brown gravy?
Country gravy is milk-based and lighter in color, while brown gravy is made with beef or chicken stock and has a richer, darker flavor.
Can I make gluten-free country gravy?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Why is my gravy too thick?
Gravy thickens as it cools. Stir in additional milk or water and heat gently to thin it out.
Can I use heavy cream?
Yes, heavy cream will make the gravy even richer and creamier.
Is country gravy spicy?
Traditional country gravy is not spicy, but you can add black pepper or cayenne to suit your taste.
What dishes pair well with country gravy?
Classic pairings include biscuits, fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, or over toasted bread for a simple comfort food meal.
Conclusion
Homemade Country Gravy is a quick and easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, creamy sauce. Whether poured over fluffy biscuits, served with crispy fried chicken, or used as a topping for potatoes, this gravy adds the perfect touch of Southern charm to any meal. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Homemade Country Gravy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This creamy and flavorful country gravy is made from scratch using simple ingredients. It’s a Southern staple that’s easy to whip up in minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or bacon grease for extra flavor)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. If using bacon grease, heat it until it begins to sizzle slightly.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Add the Milk:
- Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Season the Gravy:
- Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Thicken:
- Continue cooking the gravy over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over biscuits, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For sausage gravy, cook 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage in the skillet first, remove excess grease, and proceed with the recipe, adding the cooked sausage back in at the end.
- For a richer gravy, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore its consistency.