How To Make Sausage And Gravy: A Southern Comfort Food Classic

Sausage and gravy is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for sausage and gravy, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to make sausage and gravy, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking the dish to perfection. So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Sausage

The type of sausage you choose will have a big impact on the flavor of your gravy. For a classic sausage and gravy, you can use breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can use ground pork or turkey.

Preparing the Sausage

Once you’ve chosen your sausage, you’ll need to prepare it for cooking. If you’re using breakfast sausage, you can simply remove the casings. If you’re using Italian sausage or chorizo, you’ll need to remove the casings and then crumble the sausage.

Cooking the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is browned. Be sure to break up the sausage as it cooks so that it cooks evenly. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Making the Gravy

In the same skillet that you cooked the sausage, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook the flour and butter mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until it is golden brown.

Adding the Milk

Slowly whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture. Be sure to whisk constantly so that the mixture does not clump. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened.

Seasoning the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.

Adding the Sausage Back to the Gravy

Once the gravy is seasoned to your liking, add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.

Serving Sausage and Gravy

Sausage and gravy is typically served over biscuits, toast, or hash browns. You can also serve it with eggs, pancakes, or waffles.

Tips for Making the Best Sausage and Gravy

• Use high-quality sausage. The better the sausage, the better the gravy will be.
• Cook the sausage over medium heat so that it doesn’t burn.
• Be sure to whisk the flour and butter mixture constantly so that it doesn’t clump.
• Slowly whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture to prevent curdling.
• Season the gravy to taste.
• Serve sausage and gravy over your favorite breakfast foods.

Sausage and Gravy Variations

There are many different ways to make sausage and gravy. Here are a few variations that you might enjoy:

• Sausage and Gravy with Cheese: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the gravy for a cheesy twist.
• Sausage and Gravy with Vegetables: Add some chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, to the gravy for a more hearty meal.
• Sausage and Gravy with Herbs: Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, to the gravy for a flavorful boost.
• Sausage and Gravy with Cream: Add a cup of heavy cream to the gravy for a richer flavor.

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Use Sausage and Gravy

Sausage and gravy isn‘t just for breakfast. Here are a few creative ways to use it:

• Sausage and Gravy Casserole: Layer sausage and gravy with mashed potatoes, cornbread, and cheese for a hearty casserole.
• Sausage and Gravy Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with sausage and gravy for a delicious and easy dinner.
• Sausage and Gravy Pizza: Spread sausage and gravy over pizza dough and top with cheese and your favorite toppings.
• Sausage and Gravy Soup: Simmer sausage and gravy with chicken broth, vegetables, and spices for a comforting soup.

A Culinary Masterpiece: The Perfect Sausage and Gravy

With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to make sausage and gravy like a pro. This classic dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. So, what are you waiting for? Start cooking!

Not Just a Meal, But a Culinary Journey

Sausage and gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that takes you back to simpler times. With its rich flavors and comforting aroma, this dish has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sausage and gravy is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the best type of sausage to use for sausage and gravy?

A: The best type of sausage to use is one that has a good flavor and is not too greasy. Some popular options include breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, and chorizo.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of sausage. However, the flavor of the gravy will be different.

Q: What is the best way to thicken sausage gravy?

A: The best way to thicken sausage gravy is to use a roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and butter that is cooked together until it is golden brown.

Q: Can I make sausage and gravy ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make sausage and gravy ahead of time. Simply cook the sausage and gravy according to the recipe and then let it cool completely. Store the sausage and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some creative ways to use sausage and gravy?

A: There are many creative ways to use sausage and gravy. Here are a few ideas:

• Sausage and Gravy Casserole
• Sausage and Gravy Stuffed Peppers
• Sausage and Gravy Pizza
• Sausage and Gravy Soup
• Sausage and Gravy Biscuits
• Sausage and Gravy Waffles
• Sausage and Gravy Hash Browns
• Sausage and Gravy Omelet
• Sausage and Gravy Breakfast Burrito