Creamy Homemade Sausage Gravy

Homemade sausage gravy is the ultimate comfort food for me. It’s warm, cozy, and the kind of homemade gravy that makes the whole house smell like a slow morning. When I say this recipe is my go-to recipe for a hearty breakfast, I mean it. It comes together fast with simple ingredients, pairs perfectly with my flakey buttermilk biscuits, and turns even the most chaotic morning into something that feels a little special.

How I Created This Recipe

Growing up, I never had biscuits and gravy. It wasn't until Gage and I were dating in our early twenties that I even heard of it (small town problems). I went to visit him at his work during a break at the mall. He was raving about these biscuits and gravy and convinced me to try them. I hadn't ever had them, but was willing to try. Well, obviously, I was sold! Soft, fluffy biscuits SMOTHERED in creamy gravy with lots of pepper on top.

Years later, I tried to re-create those biscuits and gravy many times. I've tried making them in a cast-iron skillet, in the oven, and even in an air fryer. I have tried many different types of sausage and seasonings and experimented with different levels of spice. I've used all kinds of combinations of butter, lard, shortening, and temperature levels to get that perfect fluffy biscuit. I've even made my own keto biscuits and keto gravy recipe.

I can honestly say this is the BEST sausage gravy I've ever made and BETTER than the original.

Now, sausage gravy with warm homemade biscuits is one of my favorite ways to fill the breakfast table. Serve with freshly baked biscuits, some fresh fruit, and some hot coffee, and you have the perfect meal.

Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's infinitely customizable! Make it spicier, milder, thicker, or thinner based on what you like!

• Breakfast sausage – This is the base flavor for the gravy and adds richness and seasoning right from the start. You can swap in turkey sausage, spicy sausage, or even sausage patties if that’s what you have.
• Butter – Helps form the roux and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the gravy. You can use bacon grease, sausage drippings, or even oil for a different flavor profile.
• Flour – Thickens the white gravy and binds everything together. All-purpose flour works best, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour will also work if you're avoiding gluten. The secret to smooth gravy is slowly stirring it over medium heat until it coats the back of a wooden spoon. Stirring constantly avoids lumps.
• Salt – Brings out the flavors of the sausage and cream. You can adjust the amount or use a seasoning blend like SPG if you prefer.
• Black pepper – Gives the gravy its classic country gravy taste. White pepper or a cracked pepper blend can be used for a slightly different flavor.
• Garlic powder – Adds depth and savory notes. Fresh garlic or granulated garlic both work as substitutes.
• Onion powder – Enhances the background flavor of the gravy. Minced onions or dried minced onions work too.
• Oregano – Adds a subtle earthy flavor. Basil or Italian seasoning can be swapped in.
• Thyme – Adds warmth and makes the gravy taste more homemade. Rosemary works as a replacement.
• Sage – A classic breakfast sausage spice that deepens the flavor. Poultry seasoning is a great alternative.
• Chili flakes (optional) – Adds a spicy twist if you want your gravy to have some heat. Cayenne or spicy pork sausage works just as well.
• Whole milk – Creates the creamy base and keeps the gravy smooth. You can use 2% or even oat milk in a pinch, but whole milk gives the best texture.
• Heavy cream – Makes the gravy extra thick and luscious. Half-and-half works as a lighter option, or add more milk if you want a less rich gravy or if you want it thinner.

Tips For Success

• Start cooking the sausage on medium heat in a large skillet so it browns without burning. Once you add the flour, reduce the heat to medium-low to keep the flour from scorching.
• If the gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for 3–5 minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll thicken as they cool, so just add milk when reheating next time.

Step-By-Step Instructions

The secret to ultra-creamy sausage gravy is to constantly whisk while adding in the liquids.

1. Place the sausage in a large skillet and brown it over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan and stir in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly whisk in half the milk, then the rest of the milk, cooking over medium heat until the gravy begins to thicken.
4. Add in the heavy cream and all the seasonings. Taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove it from the heat.
6. Add the sausage back in and stir together.
7. Serve immediately over warm homemade biscuits, English muffins, hash browns, or even chicken-fried steak!

This homemade sausage gravy is one of those comfort foods that tastes like home. It’s perfect for weekend breakfast, special occasions, or just because you want something cozy. This is truly a great recipe to keep on hand for the next time you need something fast and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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