Introduction
This Secret Sausage Gravy Recipe delivers rich, creamy comfort in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings. With savory sausage and a perfectly seasoned cream base, it’s ideal for biscuits, toast, or hash browns. For more hearty breakfast ideas, try the Fluffy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe or the Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
This Sausage Gravy Recipe creates a rich, creamy, and peppery sauce that’s perfect for spooning over warm biscuits. The savory pork sausage and velvety milk base come together for ultimate comfort food.
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste

Timing
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
Context: This Sausage Gravy Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Brown the Sausage
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of bulk breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains. The sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
Step 2 — Create the Roux Base
Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour directly over the cooked sausage and drippings in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the sausage evenly.
Cook the flour mixture for 1–2 minutes until it turns light golden brown and smells nutty. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the foundation for your gravy.
Step 3 — Gradually Add Milk
Slowly pour in 3 cups of whole milk while stirring constantly. Start with just ½ cup and whisk until smooth before adding more.
This gradual incorporation prevents lumps from forming in your Sausage Gravy Recipe. Keep the heat at medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 4 — Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. The gravy will begin to thicken as it heats.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until the gravy coats the back of a spoon. If you draw a line through the gravy on the spoon, it should hold the line without running.
Step 5 — Season to Taste
Season with 1 teaspoon of black pepper and ½ teaspoon of salt. Remember that sausage varies in saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. The gravy should be well-seasoned but not overpowering.
Step 6 — Adjust Consistency
If your gravy becomes too thick, whisk in additional milk, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
For thicker gravy, simmer 2–3 minutes longer. The perfect Sausage Gravy Recipe should be creamy and pourable but not runny.
Step 7 — Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and let the gravy stand for 2–3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
Serve immediately over freshly baked biscuits, toast, or hash browns. This Sausage Gravy Recipe is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Turkey sausage — Leaner protein with similar savory flavor profile
- Chicken sausage — Lower fat option that maintains hearty texture
- Plant-based sausage — Excellent dairy-free and cholesterol-free alternative
- Almond or oat milk — Creamy dairy-free substitutes for traditional milk
- Cornstarch or arrowroot — Gluten-free thickeners instead of flour
- Low-sodium broth — Reduces salt while adding depth to your sausage gravy recipe
- Greek yogurt — Higher protein, lower fat alternative to heavy cream
- Coconut cream — Rich dairy-free option for creamy texture

Serving Suggestions
- Pour this classic Sausage Gravy Recipe generously over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
- Serve this hearty gravy alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy home fries for a complete and satisfying morning meal.
- This Sausage Gravy Recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast spread, or a comforting dinner.
- For a fun twist, spoon the gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or crispy fried chicken for a true Southern-inspired dish.
- Create a breakfast bowl by layering hash browns, this savory sausage gravy, and a fried egg on top for a delicious and easy meal.
- For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the gravy in a warm gravy boat alongside a platter of biscuits, allowing guests to help themselves.
This versatile Sausage Gravy Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable and delicious meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using lean sausage that doesn’t render enough fat. Fix: Opt for regular pork sausage to create a flavorful, rich base for your Sausage Gravy Recipe.
- Mistake: Adding flour directly to cold sausage and fat. Fix: Let the fat get hot first so the flour cooks properly and doesn’t taste raw.
- Mistake: Pouring in all the milk at once, causing lumps. Fix: Whisk in warm milk gradually to achieve a perfectly smooth gravy.
- Mistake: Underseasoning because sausage saltiness varies. Fix: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after the milk has been incorporated.
- Mistake: Rushing the cooking process and not letting the gravy thicken. Fix: Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Mistake: Over-thickening the gravy on the stove. Fix: Remember it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so aim for a slightly loose consistency.
- Mistake: Skipping the black pepper, which is essential for flavor. Fix: Be generous with freshly cracked black pepper to give your gravy its signature kick.
- Mistake: Using a non-stick pan that prevents fond (browned bits) from forming. Fix: Use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet to develop deeper flavor from the sausage.
- Mistake: Letting the gravy sit too long, causing a skin to form. Fix: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you need to hold it for a short time before serving.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Cool your Sausage Gravy Recipe completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Store cooled Sausage Gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm your Sausage Gravy gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Always ensure your Sausage Gravy Recipe is stored properly to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This easy Sausage Gravy Recipe is a perfect, hearty breakfast. Serve it over biscuits for a classic comfort meal. Try our English Muffin Breakfast Pizza Recipe for another quick morning idea. Let us know how your gravy turns out in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious recipes!
PrintSausage Gravy
A classic, creamy Southern breakfast gravy made with ground pork sausage, flour, and milk. Simple to prepare and perfect served over warm biscuits.
- Author: Dorothy Miller
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk ground pork breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the sausage, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining (about 5-10 minutes). Do not drain the grease.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir constantly until the flour is fully absorbed into the fat (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce heat to medium or low and continue stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and reaches a simmer (3-5 minutes).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm immediately over biscuits.
Notes
Do not drain the sausage grease as it adds flavor and helps create the creamy texture. Pour milk slowly to avoid lumps. For thicker gravy use 2 cups milk; for thinner gravy add up to 1/2 cup more.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 75
FAQs
Can I make this Sausage Gravy Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Sausage Gravy Recipe in advance. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
What type of sausage is best for sausage gravy?
Pork breakfast sausage is ideal for this Sausage Gravy Recipe because it provides the right fat content and seasoning. You can use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference. For a leaner option, turkey sausage works but may require adding a little extra fat.
How can I make my sausage gravy thicker or thinner?
To thicken your gravy, let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a small amount of additional flour. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in more milk until you reach the desired consistency. Adjusting the liquid is key to perfecting this Sausage Gravy Recipe.



