If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious breakfast treat, the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is an absolute must-try. This rich, flavorful gravy combines savory sausage with a velvety, peppery sauce that’s perfect for spooning over fluffy biscuits or your favorite morning sides. It’s quick to prepare, made from simple pantry staples, and delivers a classic Southern comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is a breeze because it relies on just a handful of essentials, each playing a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and creamy texture.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides the savory, meaty base full of rich, seasoned flavor that makes this gravy truly special.
- All purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, helping the gravy reach that perfect, luscious consistency.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness, balancing the savory sausage with a touch of dairy richness.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and peppery kick that complements the sausage beautifully.
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 the sausage apart with a spatula, cooking it until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Resist the urge to drain the drippings because those flavorful bits will form the base for your gravy, packing it with meaty goodness.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the all purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage and stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step allows the flour to absorb all those savory drippings and transform into a thick paste that will give your gravy its signature richness and body.
Step 3: Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly to keep lumps from forming. The gradual addition and stirring help the flour incorporate smoothly, ensuring your gravy will be perfectly creamy and without any clumps.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
Continue cooking and stirring the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy begin to thicken steadily—reach your preferred consistency, whether that’s a little thinner or nice and thick to spoon generously over your biscuits.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, stir in the salt and black pepper to taste. Tasting as you go ensures the seasoning is just right. Once seasoned, your Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is ready to be enjoyed piping hot, poured over warm biscuits or other breakfast favorites.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Although this gravy is fantastic just as is, you can take it up a notch with simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives that add a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty gravy pairs wonderfully with flaky buttermilk biscuits, fluffy scrambled eggs, or crispy home fries that soak up every last drop. You can also serve it alongside grits or even on top of a breakfast casserole to add that classic Southern charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe over cheddar cheese toast for a savory, gooey delight, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting brunch. Even drizzling it over roasted veggies or savory waffles can bring an unexpected but delicious flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly helps maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the gravy by placing it in a freezer-safe container and storing it for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from separating. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency beloved in the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and will still provide a savory base, though the flavor might be a bit milder. You may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What can I use if I don’t have all purpose flour?
All purpose flour is the best choice for thickening the gravy, but you could use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a substitute. With cornstarch, dissolve it in cold milk first and add slowly, as it thickens more quickly.
How do I prevent lumps in my sausage gravy?
The key is to sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned sausage and stir it well before adding the milk. Adding milk slowly while stirring constantly helps keep the mixture smooth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap whole milk for almond milk or another dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind these may change the flavor slightly, but your Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe can still turn out delicious.
Is this gravy spicy?
Not at all. It has a gentle peppery kick from black pepper but is overall mild and creamy, making it perfect for all ages and palate preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe at home is like bringing a slice of Southern comfort right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a luscious, savory gravy that elevates any breakfast or brunch. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished staple you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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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
This hearty Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is made with browned breakfast sausage, a rich flour-based roux, and creamy whole milk to create a classic Southern-style gravy. Perfectly seasoned and thickened to the right consistency, it’s an irresistible topping for warm biscuits, making for a comforting breakfast or brunch dish.
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 the breakfast sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Do not drain the drippings as they add flavor and fat for the gravy.
- Add the flour: Evenly sprinkle 1/3 cup all purpose flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour absorbs the sausage drippings and forms a thick, fragrant paste, which is the base of the roux for your gravy.
- Incorporate the milk: Slowly pour in 3 cups of whole milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. This step creates a smooth, creamy gravy.
- Thicken the gravy: Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
- Season and serve: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the hot sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a classic dish.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; you can substitute 2% milk but the gravy may be slightly less rich.
- Do not drain the sausage drippings as they provide essential flavor and fat for the gravy.
- Stirring constantly when adding milk prevents lumps from forming in the gravy.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your sausage is already seasoned.
- Serve immediately over warm biscuits for the best experience.
- You can keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
