There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of homemade sausage gravy, rich and creamy with a savory depth that’s impossible to resist. This recipe delivers a velvety texture, studded with crumbled sausage and seasoned to perfection, all in just 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate breakfast or brunch centerpiece, perfect for draping over fluffy biscuits or pairing with crispy hash browns.
Every bite is a symphony of flavors—smoky, hearty sausage mingling with a luscious, buttery gravy that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With 19g of protein per serving, it’s a dish that fuels your day while warming your soul. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this gravy is a quick, delicious way to elevate any meal.
What You’ll Need for Homemade Sausage Gravy
- 1 lb (455 g) pork breakfast sausage (recommend sage-flavored for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour (plain flour works perfectly)
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) whole milk (for a creamy texture)
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Homemade Sausage Gravy
- Cook the sausage: Place the sausage in a skillet over medium/high heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains. Do not drain the skillet—the fat is essential for the gravy.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir frequently for about 1 minute until the flour is fully absorbed and coats the sausage.
- Incorporate the milk: Slowly drizzle the milk into the skillet, stirring constantly as you pour. Add the crushed red pepper now if using.
- Thicken the gravy: Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and reaches your desired consistency. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Season and serve: Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve warm over homemade biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern comfort food that pairs beautifully with warm, flaky homemade biscuits. For a hearty breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy hash browns. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle it over fried chicken for a twist on chicken and waffles!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the gravy to separate.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using turkey sausage for a lighter option or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper to ¼ teaspoon. Vegetarian? Swap the sausage for crumbled plant-based sausage and use almond or oat milk.
Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, cook the sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to make the gravy, simply reheat the sausage in the skillet and proceed with the recipe. You can also use a whisk to quickly incorporate the flour and milk for a smoother texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
A large skillet is essential for this recipe, as it allows enough space to brown the sausage and mix in the flour and milk. A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon works best for breaking up the sausage, while a whisk can help prevent lumps in the gravy.
Homemade Sausage Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork breakfast sausage I recommend using sage flavored
- ¼ cup all-purpose (plain) flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
- salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place sausage in a skillet over medium/high heat.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up and crumble sausage as it cooks, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Do not drain your skillet.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the sausage crumbles. Stir frequently until flour is absorbed (about 1 minute).
- Slowly drizzle the milk into your skillet, stirring as you pour. Add crushed red pepper, if using.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently until mixture is thickened and desired consistency is reached.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve warm over homemade biscuits!