When I was a little girl, my mom always made the best sausage gravy, we’d have it on biscuits for breakfast, or sometimes she’d smother some potatoes in it.
Mmm, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
This is a really easy and super delicious recipe for sausage gravy poured over biscuits that will have your family begging you to make this again and again.
This recipe makes a hearty breakfast that is perfect any time of the year or any day of the week.
Serve with a side of eggs or even a salad to round-out a filling lunch.
Ingredients
1-pound breakfast sausage, hot or mild
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 to 4 cups whole milk, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
12 cooked biscuits, warmed, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy
With your finger tear small pieces of sausage and add them in a single layer to a large heavy skillet.
Brown the sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle on half the flour and stir so that the sausage soaks it all up, then add more little by little.
Stir it around and cook it for another minute or so, then pour in the milk, stirring constantly.
Cook the gravy, stirring frequently until it thickens (this may take a good 10 to 12 minutes).
Sprinkle in the seasoned salt and pepper and continue cooking until very thick and luscious.
If it gets too thick too soon, just splash in another 1/2 cup of milk or more if needed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
If you’re looking to make variations of Pioneer Woman’s sausage gravy or want some tips to elevate your dish, here are a few ideas:
Variations:
Spicy Sausage Gravy:
Use hot or spicy breakfast sausage instead of mild to add a kick to your gravy.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Herbed Sausage Gravy:
Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary to the gravy for a more aromatic flavor.
Sprinkle in some fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Cheesy Sausage Gravy:
Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to the gravy once it’s thickened. This adds a creamy, cheesy twist.
Mushroom Sausage Gravy:
Add sliced mushrooms (like cremini or button) to the sausage as it cooks. This gives the gravy a savory, earthy flavor.
Vegetable Sausage Gravy:
Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty twist with added vegetables.
Southern-Style with Bacon:
Add crispy bacon bits along with the sausage for a smoky flavor.
Lightened-Up Sausage Gravy:
Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Substitute whole milk with a lower-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
Tips:
Consistency Control:
For thicker gravy, allow it to simmer longer or add a bit more flour.
If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk.
Seasoning:
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sausage can be salty, so be cautious with adding extra salt.
Add freshly ground black pepper for a bold, peppery flavor.
Smooth Gravy:
To avoid lumps, whisk the flour into the sausage drippings until fully incorporated before adding the milk.
Stir continuously as the gravy cooks to ensure it stays smooth.
Serving Ideas:
Serve the gravy over freshly baked biscuits, toast, or even hash browns.
Top with a fried or poached egg for an extra layer of richness.
These variations and tips can help you customize the sausage gravy to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Storing Pioneer Woman sausage gravy properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for later use. Here’s how you can store it:
Storing in the Refrigerator:
Cool Down First: Allow the sausage gravy to cool to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled gravy into an airtight container. This helps keep the gravy fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Refrigerate: Store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
When ready to use, reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency as it may thicken in the fridge.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through.
Freezing the Gravy:
Cool Completely: Make sure the sausage gravy is fully cooled before freezing.
Use Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags: Portion the gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag as the gravy will expand when frozen.
Label and Freeze: Label the containers or bags with the date, then place them in the freezer. Sausage gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating:
To thaw, move the gravy to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Pioneer Woman sausage gravy even after a few days or weeks!
Spoon the sausage gravy over warm biscuits and serve immediately. This recipe can be easily doubled to serve 24.