Description

Craving a creamy, meaty gravy to elevate your biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken? Country Gravy is a Southern staple, packed with the savory flavors of sausage, bacon, and green onions, creating a rich, velvety sauce that’s pure comfort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or hearty dinners, this gravy is simple to make and irresistibly delicious

Ingredients

Scale

Country Gravy uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature rich, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the base for the roux and adds richness.
8 ounces breakfast sausage links, casings removed and meat broken up: Provides savory, meaty flavor.
4 strips bacon, sliced crosswise: Adds smoky depth and texture.
½ cup chopped green onions (light parts only), plus 1 tablespoon green parts for garnish: Contributes mild oniony flavor and a fresh garnish.
⅓ cup packed all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
2 ½ cups cold milk: Creates a creamy, smooth base.
1 pinch cayenne pepper, more for garnish: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances flavors.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Sausage and Bacon: Deliver the classic meaty, smoky flavor of country gravy.
Flour and Milk: Form a creamy roux-based sauce for a velvety texture.
Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor to complement the richness.
Cayenne: Provides a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

Sausage: Use ground pork, turkey sausage, or chorizo for a spicier twist.
Bacon: Substitute with pancetta, turkey bacon, or omit for a lighter version (add 1 tablespoon extra butter).
Milk: Replace with half-and-half for richer gravy or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based sausage, vegan bacon, vegan butter, and plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use 2-3 tablespoons).
Spicy Gravy: Increase cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce.
Herb-Infused: Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage with the flour for extra flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 8 ounces breakfast sausage, 4 strips bacon, ½ cup chopped green onions (light parts) plus 1 tablespoon green parts, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups cold milk, cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper.
Remove sausage casings and break up the meat; slice bacon crosswise; chop green onions, separating light and green parts.

Tip: Prep ingredients ahead to streamline cooking, as the process moves quickly.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add 8 ounces breakfast sausage (casings removed, broken up) and 4 strips bacon (sliced crosswise).
Cook, breaking sausage into small pieces, until sausage is browned and bacon is almost crisp, about 10 minutes.

Tip: Stir frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Green Onions

Add ½ cup chopped green onions (light parts only) to the meat mixture.
Sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.

Tip: Cook onions just until softened to retain their mild flavor.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Stir ⅓ cup packed all-purpose flour into the meat mixture, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until fully combined and the mixture is pasty.
Cook, stirring often, to remove the raw flour taste, 2-3 minutes.

Tip: Add flour gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 5: Add Milk and Thicken

Whisk in 2 ½ cups cold milk, about 1 cup at a time, until fully combined.
Continue whisking until the gravy begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Tip: Use cold milk to prevent lumps and whisk vigorously for a smooth texture.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Season with a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend and the gravy is thick, 10-15 minutes.

Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as sausage and bacon can be salty.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with 1 tablespoon chopped green onion (green parts) and an extra pinch of cayenne pepper.
Spoon over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken.

Tip: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.