Super Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe for Breakfast

When you think about a comforting breakfast, sausage gravy often comes to mind, doesn’t it? This super easy recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that the process is straightforward—just brown the sausage, mix in some flour, and add milk until it thickens. But there’s more to this dish than meets the eye. Understanding its history and the little tweaks you can make will enhance your breakfast game considerably. Curious about how to make this classic even better?

Key Takeaways

• Cook ground pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Sprinkle flour over the sausage, stirring and cooking for an additional minute.
• Gradually add whole milk while stirring to avoid lumps, cooking until thickened.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like thyme or crushed red pepper.
• Serve over homemade buttermilk biscuits or toast for a hearty breakfast.

History

Biscuits and gravy have a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s in Southern Appalachia, where they emerged as a hearty meal for lumber workers. This dish, often referred to as “sawmill gravy,” consisted of a basic mixture of pork, milk, and flour. It served as a cheap and high-calorie fuel essential for laborers.

Key points about its origins include:

• Beaten Biscuits: Originally, biscuits were tough and made through vigorous beating, a task often assigned to enslaved workers and home servants.

• Industrial Change Impact: The advent of mechanical machines improved biscuit-making, leading to smoother and more appealing results.

• Post-Change Era: After the American Revolutionary War, simple, affordable ingredients became staples in many households, making biscuits and gravy a go-to dish.

• Cultural Significance: Born from economic necessity, this dish reflects the influence of African American culinary traditions and has evolved with various regional styles. The evolution of flour advancements in the 1870s significantly improved biscuit quality and availability, making the dish even more popular.

Recipe

Sausage gravy is a classic breakfast dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, perfect for drizzling over fluffy biscuits or serving alongside eggs. With its rich, savory flavor and creamy texture, this dish isn’t only satisfying but also simple to prepare. The combination of ground sausage, flour, and milk creates a hearty gravy that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it mild or with a spicy kick. This dish is often associated with Southern cuisine, evoking memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

To get started, gather your ingredients and follow the straightforward steps to create this delicious sausage gravy. It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests. Once you master this recipe, you can experiment with various ingredients and spices to make it distinctively yours.

Ingredients:
– Ground pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
– All-purpose flour
– Whole milk (or half and half or heavy cream)
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Optional spices (thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper)
– Sausage grease (or butter/oil)

To prepare the sausage gravy, begin by cooking the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the sausage is cooked through, sprinkle the flour over it and stir well to coat the sausage, cooking for an additional minute. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, usually around 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding any optional spices you desire.

For the best results, choose high-quality sausage for improved flavor and be sure to let the sausage brown thoroughly for a deeper taste.

Stir constantly when adding flour and milk to achieve a smooth gravy, and if the gravy is too thick, simply add more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy your sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits or as a side to your favorite breakfast items!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience, keep in mind that mastering sausage gravy opens the door to a delightful breakfast staple. This dish not only tastes amazing but also offers nutritional benefits. A quarter-cup serving contains around 89 calories, with a balance of carbs, fat, and protein. When paired with biscuits, the total caloric intake is approximately 226, making it a satisfying meal option. Additionally, the gravy provides a good source of protein content, with 4.1 grams per serving.

For serving suggestions, consider:

• Classic Pairings: Serve over homemade buttermilk biscuits for a traditional experience.

• Alternative Bases: Try it on English muffins or toast for a twist.

• Flavor Improvements: Add spicy sausage or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Preparation tips are essential for success:

• Cook the sausage thoroughly before making the roux.

• Gradually whisk in milk or heavy cream, stirring consistently to avoid lumps.

• Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lastly, feel free to experiment with variations. Using different types of sausage can greatly change the flavor profile, while adding ingredients like thyme or garlic powder can boost the dish.

Enjoy your homemade sausage gravy, and relish each bite of this comforting breakfast favorite!

FAQ

If you’re new to making sausage gravy, you might’ve some questions about the process and ingredients. Here’s a simple FAQ to guide you:

What type of sausage should I use?

• Ground pork breakfast sausage is the most common choice. You can also opt for mild, hot, or sage-flavored varieties.

Can I use a substitute for pork sausage?

• Yes, turkey sausage works, but you may need to add extra fat.

• Chicken sausage is another lighter alternative, while mushroom gravy serves as a vegetarian option.

How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

• To avoid lumps, stir frequently and break up any flour clumps before adding milk.

• Gradually incorporate milk while stirring constantly.

How do I store leftover gravy?

• Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftover gravy can be enjoyed with various breakfast items.

What should I serve with sausage gravy?

• It’s traditionally served over homemade biscuits but can also accompany eggs and grits for a complete breakfast.

How can I reheat gravy?

• Reheat gently on low heat to prevent scorching.

• If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk to achieve the desired consistency.