This Easy Sausage Gravy is a rich, creamy, and savory Southern classic that pairs perfectly with warm, flaky biscuits. Made with simple ingredients like ground sausage, flour, and milk, this comfort food staple comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and packed with sausage flavor
- Perfect for biscuits, toast, or breakfast casseroles
- Requires simple pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste (if needed, depending on the sausage)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Do not drain the grease unless there’s an excessive amount (you need some for the roux).
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season and thicken: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh thyme or sage for a more aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Cheesy Sausage Gravy: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy twist.
- Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage and low-fat milk for a healthier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the gravy.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just crumble and heat the pre-cooked sausage in the skillet before adding the flour and continuing with the recipe.
Can I make sausage gravy without flour?
Yes, cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free thickener. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it in once the milk is added.
What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?
Pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles can be used.
How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?
Add the milk slowly while stirring continuously, and whisk vigorously if any lumps start to form.
Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
How thick should sausage gravy be?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, add a little extra milk.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, though the texture might be slightly thinner.
What should I serve with sausage gravy?
Classic biscuits are the traditional choice, but it’s also great over toast, hash browns, or breakfast potatoes.
Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Is sausage gravy gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Easy Sausage Gravy is a creamy, savory breakfast classic that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy biscuits, crispy hash browns, or buttery toast, this rich and flavorful gravy is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting Southern staple ready in no time!
Print
Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Sausage Gravy is creamy, rich, and packed with savory sausage flavor. It’s a Southern comfort food classic, perfect for pouring over warm, flaky biscuits or toast. Made with simple ingredients, this hearty gravy comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and delicious option for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk (add more if needed for thinning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
- If there’s excess grease, drain some off but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
2. Make the roux:
- Add butter (if using) and sprinkle the flour over the sausage.
- Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the flour absorbs the fat and turns a light golden color.
3. Add milk and seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your liking.
4. Adjust and serve:
- If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve:
- Spoon the sausage gravy generously over freshly baked biscuits, toast, or even fried potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat or maple-flavored sausage for a sweet-savory combo.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.