I. Introduction

If you’re a fan of Southern-style breakfasts, you won’t find a more comforting dish than sausage gravy. This creamy and flavorful concoction is easy to make from scratch, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to biscuits, toast, and a variety of breakfast foods. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to make sausage gravy, as well as ingredient variations, serving suggestions, regional variations, and more. Let’s get started!

II. Step-by-Step Recipe

For making sausage gravy, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until it’s browned and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour to the drippings, whisking constantly until it forms a roux, about 2-3 minutes. The roux should be light brown in color.
4. Gradually pour in the milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, usually in 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot over biscuits or toast.

Some tips to keep in mind while cooking the sausage gravy:

• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and to prevent scorching.
• Whisk the roux continuously to avoid burning and to achieve a smooth consistency.
• If the gravy is too thick, add more milk or water, a little at a time, until it’s the desired consistency.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

III. Ingredient Variations

While the classic sausage gravy recipe is delicious in its own right, there are several ingredient variations that you can experiment with to add your unique touch. Here are some ideas:

• Use different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or maple-flavored sausage, to vary the taste.
• Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary, to enhance the flavor and aroma.
• Include some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the gravy to add extra texture and nutrition.
• For a low-carb version, replace the flour with almond or coconut flour, or use xanthan gum as a thickener.

IV. Accompaniments

Sausage gravy is versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of breakfast foods, from biscuits and toast to potatoes and eggs. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Top warm buttermilk biscuits with generous spoonfuls of sausage gravy for a classic Southern breakfast. You can also add some scrambled eggs or fried chicken for a heartier meal.
• Serve the gravy over crispy hash browns or home fries for a delicious brunch option.
• Wrap the sausage gravy in a burrito with some scrambled eggs, chopped tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a portable breakfast on the go.
• Use the gravy as a dipping sauce for crispy bacon or turkey sausage links.

Here are some breakfast platter combinations that go well with sausage gravy:

• Classic breakfast platter: Sausage gravy, biscuits, scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
• Tex-Mex breakfast platter: Sausage gravy, breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and peppers, Mexican rice, and refried beans.
• English breakfast platter: Sausage gravy, sausage links, black pudding, grilled tomatoes, and toast.

V. History and Regional Variations

Sausage gravy has its roots in the Southern United States, where breakfast foods are often hearty and filling. The dish traditionally features pork breakfast sausage and a creamy milk-based gravy seasoned with salt and black pepper. However, there are several regional variations of sausage gravy:

• Redeye gravy: A variation of sausage gravy made with ham drippings and coffee. It’s popular in states like Tennessee and Georgia.
• Biscuits and gravy casserole: This is a baked version of sausage gravy, typically made with buttermilk biscuits and seasoned with sage or thyme. It’s a favorite in Midwestern states like Indiana and Illinois.
• Sawmill gravy: This is a basic version of sausage gravy made with all-purpose flour, whole milk, and salt and is popular in Virginia and North Carolina

VI. Tips and Tricks

If you want to take your sausage gravy to the next level, here are some expert tips:

• To make the gravy thicker, increase the quantity of flour or cook the roux for a little longer. You can also add a cornstarch slurry or instant mashed potato flakes to thicken the gravy.
• To balance out the flavors, add a pinch of sugar, a splash of vinegar, or a dollop of sour cream to the gravy.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can make the sausage gravy ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Leftover gravy can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to two months.

VII. Leftover Ideas

If you have leftover sausage gravy, don’t throw it away! Here are some ideas for how to use it:

• Pour the gravy over a baked potato for a hearty lunch or dinner.
• Use it as a pizza sauce, and top with cooked sausage, cheese, and your favorite veggies.
• Add some chicken or vegetable broth to the gravy to turn it into a creamy soup.
• Make a breakfast sandwich with sausage gravy, a fried egg, and a slice of cheese.

VIII. Conclusion

Sausage gravy is a classic Southern dish that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you can whip up a batch of homemade sausage gravy in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and serving suggestions, and share your variations with us in the comments below.