If you’re craving that comforting, hearty taste of Southern breakfast, you will absolutely fall in love with this Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavorful sausage bits that make every bite a delight. Perfectly dippable over flaky biscuits or spooned onto your favorite morning dish, this gravy is an absolute game-changer that brings a little piece of rustic charm right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients makes this dish accessible but still packs in big flavor and satisfying texture. Each element plays a key role in building that creamy, savory gravy you’ll want on everything.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose a quality sausage for rich flavor and just the right amount of fat to create a luscious gravy base.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens your gravy perfectly without overpowering the taste, turning pan drippings into creamy goodness.
- 3 cups whole milk: Use whole milk for creaminess that really melts beautifully with the sausage flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory notes and balances the gravy perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice to make the gravy pop.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding your breakfast sausage. Break it apart as it cooks and let it brown thoroughly so there’s no pink left. This step is crucial because those browned bits form the flavorful foundation of your gravy.
Step 2: Add the flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir continuously for one to two minutes until the flour absorbs all the sausage drippings and turns into a thick paste. This creates the perfect base to thicken your gravy and give it that classic texture.
Step 3: Pour in the milk
Slowly add the whole milk to the skillet while stirring constantly. This careful mixing prevents lumps from forming, resulting in a smooth and velvety gravy that will coat your spoon and biscuits beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the gravy
Keep cooking the mixture on medium heat for five to seven minutes, stirring often. As the gravy heats, it will naturally thicken to the heavenly consistency you’re aiming for, perfect for pouring generously over your breakfast.
Step 5: Season and taste
Finally, stir in salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning here because it’s what makes this Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe truly sing. Serve it hot and fresh for the best experience.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. A little extra cracked black pepper also looks and tastes fantastic.
Side Dishes
This gravy pairs perfectly with warm buttermilk biscuits, crispy fried potatoes, or even fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s also wonderful spooned over freshly steamed greens or creamy grits for a filling breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this gravy in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a charming rustic presentation. Drizzle it over mashed potatoes or even breakfast casseroles to elevate the dish. You can also use it as a hearty topping for savory waffles for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your sausage gravy to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the gravy, too! Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for one to two months, so you have a delicious homemade option ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that smooth, pourable texture without losing any flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just be aware that it might have less fat, which means your gravy could be a bit less rich, but you can always add a little butter or oil to make up for it.
Is it okay to use milk alternatives?
While whole milk is best for that creamy texture, almond or oat milk can work if you want a dairy-free version. Just expect a slightly different taste and texture, and use unsweetened, plain varieties to keep it savory.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat a spoon and hold its shape when spooned over biscuits, but not so thick that it feels gluey. If it gets too thick, just thin it with a little more milk while reheating.
Can I make the gravy ahead for a big breakfast?
Definitely! This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe holds up well made ahead of time. Just gently reheat it on the stove and stir in a splash of milk if needed to refresh the texture.
What can I do if my gravy lumps?
If you end up with lumps, whisk the gravy vigorously over low heat or strain it through a sieve. Adding the milk slowly while stirring helps prevent lumps from forming in the first place.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is such a warm hug on a plate. Sharing it feels like bringing a little bit of home-cooked goodness into your day, whether it’s for weekend brunch or a comforting treat. Give it a try — once you taste it, this recipe is bound to become a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern-style sausage gravy recipe from Pioneer Woman, featuring savory breakfast sausage cooked in a creamy, peppery white gravy. Perfectly thickened with flour and whole milk, this gravy is ideal for serving over warm biscuits for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. Do not drain the drippings as they add flavor to the gravy.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle 1/3 cup all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the fat and form a thick, pasty mixture.
- Pour in Milk: Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk to the skillet while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual incorporation helps create a smooth gravy base.
- Thicken the Gravy: Continue to cook and stir the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon.
- Season and Serve: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot over freshly baked biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; you can substitute with 2% milk but the gravy may be slightly less rich.
- Do not drain the sausage drippings as they are essential for the flavor and texture of the gravy.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of additional milk.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a little milk to loosen.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
