If you’re craving real Southern comfort food, this easy sausage gravy recipe delivers everything you want: rich, creamy texture, savory sausage flavor, and simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend breakfast or feeding a hungry family on a budget, homemade sausage gravy comes together fast and tastes far better than anything from a packet.
This classic recipe is ready in about 20 minutes, uses one skillet, and pairs perfectly with warm biscuits, toast, or even hash browns. If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get sausage gravy so smooth and flavorful — you’re about to learn exactly how.
Table of Contents
What Is Sausage Gravy?
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern white gravy made with breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and black pepper. It’s traditionally served over flaky biscuits but is just as good with toast, fried eggs, or breakfast potatoes.
Unlike brown gravies, sausage gravy gets its creamy color from milk and its deep flavor from sausage drippings — no broth required.
Why This Easy Sausage Gravy Recipe Works
- Beginner-friendly: No complicated techniques
- Budget-friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients
- Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes
- Creamy, not gluey: Perfect flour-to-fat ratio
- Customizable: Mild or spicy, thick or pourable
This is the same foundational method used in diners across the South — just simplified for home cooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Breakfast sausage (pork is traditional)
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk (or 2% if needed)
- Butter (optional but recommended)
- Black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
That’s it. No heavy cream required.
How to Make Sausage Gravy (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Sausage
Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Do not drain the fat — this is the base of your gravy flavor.
2. Add Flour
Sprinkle flour directly over the cooked sausage. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly Add Milk
Pour in milk gradually while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth gravy.
4. Simmer Until Thick
Let the gravy gently bubble for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
5. Season
Add plenty of black pepper and salt to taste. Serve hot.
Easy Sausage Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage pork, mild or spicy
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk whole milk preferred
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for extra creaminess
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
Method
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Do not drain the fat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until smooth.
- Let the gravy simmer for 5–7 minutes over low heat, stirring often, until thickened.
- Stir in butter if using, and season generously with black pepper and salt to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Want the perfect base for biscuits and gravy? Make these breakfast protein biscuits next — they’re fluffy, filling, and made for sausage gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding milk too fast → causes lumps
- Skipping the flour cook time → raw taste
- High heat → scorched milk
- Under-seasoning → bland gravy
Low and slow is the secret.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy sausage gravy: Use hot breakfast sausage
- Extra peppery: Add cracked black pepper
- Creamier gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter
- Herby twist: Add a pinch of sage or thyme
Is Sausage Gravy Healthy? Calories & Nutrition
Calories & Nutrition Facts
Sausage gravy is a rich comfort food, not a low-calorie meal. It’s higher in fat due to sausage and milk but can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Protein Content
Thanks to the sausage and milk, sausage gravy provides a moderate amount of protein, making it more filling than many breakfast sauces.
Is Sausage Gravy Good for Weight Loss?
This is not typically considered a weight-loss friendly meal, but portion control and pairing it with protein-rich sides (like eggs) can help balance your plate.
What to Serve With Sausage Gravy
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Toast or English muffins
- Hash browns
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Breakfast casseroles
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Reheat: Low heat with a splash of milk
- Make-ahead: Yes — gravy thickens as it cools
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my sausage gravy too thick?
Add milk a little at a time while reheating until desired consistency.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
You can, but it will be much richer and thicker.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
Whisk vigorously or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
Can I freeze sausage gravy?
Freezing is not ideal — dairy gravies can separate.
What sausage is best for gravy?
Classic pork breakfast sausage with sage works best.
Final Thoughts
This easy sausage gravy recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and one skillet, you can make a creamy, satisfying breakfast that feels like home.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it and check out our other budget-friendly Southern breakfast ideas.