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Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s made with browned sausage, thickened with a creamy milk gravy, and served over soft biscuits.
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients needed to make this hearty dish.
Ingredients
- Ground Sausage: 1 lb of mild ground breakfast sausage forms the base of the gravy. It provides a rich, savory flavor that’s essential to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon adds a subtle depth of flavor to the gravy, complementing the sausage.
- Flour: ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour helps thicken the gravy, giving it a creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: 3 cups of whole milk are whisked into the sausage mixture to create a smooth and velvety sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, adding just the right balance of flavor to the gravy.
- Biscuits: 8 biscuits, preferably homemade or store-bought, to serve with the rich sausage gravy.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground sausage over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to break up the sausage into small pieces and ensure it cooks evenly. Cook until the sausage is fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour over the meat. Stir to combine well, making sure the sausage is evenly coated in the flour. Reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning.
- Step 3:
- Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to incorporate the seasonings into the sausage mixture.
- Step 4:
- Slowly whisk in 3 cups of whole milk, making sure to blend the mixture well to avoid lumps. Continue stirring as the gravy thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and the gravy should become smooth and creamy.
- Step 5:
- Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 6:
- Serve the sausage gravy immediately, spooned over warm biscuits for a delicious and comforting meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
- For the best experience, serve the sausage gravy hot, spooned generously over freshly baked biscuits. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.
- If you have leftovers, store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to return it to its creamy consistency.
- This sausage gravy also pairs well with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or hash browns. It can even be used to top mashed potatoes or toast for a comforting meal at any time of day.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- You can easily double the recipe if you're serving a larger crowd, making it perfect for family brunches or gatherings.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the whole milk with 2% milk or a mixture of milk and chicken broth to reduce the fat content.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Alton Brown: Stir the gravy constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Paula Deen: Use a cast iron skillet for the best flavor and even heat distribution when making sausage gravy.
- Ree Drummond: Make sure to let the sausage cook fully before adding the flour, as this helps the gravy thicken properly.