Country Gravy Recipe (with Video)

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Country Gravy Recipe: Country gravy, also known as white gravy, is a creamy, flavorful sauce made primarily from milk, flour, and grease. It’s a staple in Southern cuisine, often paired with biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes. The silky texture and savory taste make it a comfort food favorite.

Origins and Popularity of Country Gravy

This hearty dish has its roots in the American South, where it became a practical and delicious way to use leftover drippings from cooked meat. Over time, it grew in popularity due to its simple preparation and ability to elevate humble ingredients into a luxurious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Country gravy is quick to make, requiring only a few pantry staples. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for adding a rich, creamy element to your favorite dishes. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll always have a crowd-pleasing option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients for Country Gravy

Core Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons of grease (bacon, sausage, or butter)
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
  • Crumbled sausage or bacon bits for added texture.
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need

Essential Cooking Tools
  • A sturdy skillet or frying pan
  • A whisk for lump-free mixing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • A wooden spoon for stirring
Helpful Tips for Efficient Cooking

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution. A non-stick pan can also make cleaning easier. Have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to avoid interruptions during cooking.

Preparing the Base

Creating the Roux

The foundation of any good country gravy is the roux, a cooked mixture of fat and flour. To make it, heat the grease in your skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns golden and has a nutty aroma.

Why the Roux is Key to Perfect Gravy

The roux acts as a thickening agent, giving your gravy its creamy texture. Cooking the flour thoroughly ensures your gravy won’t taste raw or grainy. This step is critical for achieving the velvety consistency country gravy is known for.

Cooking the Gravy

Gradually Adding Milk

Once your roux is ready, slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Adding the milk gradually helps prevent lumps from forming and allows you to control the consistency.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy starts to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too runny, cook it a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Seasoning to Taste

Once the gravy has thickened, season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

Variations of Country Gravy

Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is a classic variation that adds crumbled, cooked breakfast sausage to the base recipe. After browning the sausage in the skillet, use the rendered fat as the base for your roux. Stir the cooked sausage back into the gravy for a hearty and savory twist perfect for pairing with biscuits.

Bacon-Flavored Gravy

If you’re a bacon lover, this variation is a must-try. Cook diced bacon until crispy, then use the bacon grease to create the roux. Add the cooked bacon bits back into the gravy for bursts of smoky flavor in every bite.

Vegetarian Version

For a meat-free version, replace the grease with butter or plant-based margarine. Use vegetable stock instead of milk for a lighter, flavorful option that still delivers the creamy texture you expect from country gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings

Country gravy shines best when served with Southern classics. Here are some popular pairings:

  • Biscuits and Gravy: A quintessential Southern breakfast.
  • Fried Chicken: Drizzle the gravy over crispy fried chicken for added richness.
  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements fluffy mashed potatoes perfectly.
Unique Ways to Serve Country Gravy

Get creative with these unconventional ideas:

  • Over Pasta: Use it as a creamy sauce for noodles.
  • As a Dip: Serve alongside fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks or chicken tenders.
  • On Toast: Spread it over toasted bread for a quick, satisfying snack.

Troubleshooting Tips

Fixing Lumpy Gravy

If your gravy has lumps, don’t panic! Pass it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lumps, or use an immersion blender to smooth it out. To avoid lumps in the first place, ensure you whisk the roux and milk continuously during cooking.

Adjusting Thickness

If your gravy is too thick, add a small amount of milk or broth and whisk until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer to reduce the liquid, or whisk in a tiny amount of flour slurry (flour mixed with water).

Balancing Seasoning

Over-seasoned your gravy? Add a splash of milk or a pinch of sugar to neutralize excessive saltiness. Under-seasoned? A dash of salt, pepper, or herbs can elevate the flavor.

Storing and Reheating Country Gravy

Proper Storage Techniques

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can dilute the gravy.

Best Reheating Practices

Reheat your gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture. Stir constantly to prevent the gravy from scorching. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrient Breakdown

A standard serving of country gravy (about 1/4 cup) typically contains:

  • Calories: 150-200
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-15g
  • Protein: 2-4g
Tips for Healthier Gravy
  • Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk to reduce calories.
  • Substitute butter or olive oil for bacon grease to lower saturated fat.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms or onions for extra nutrients and flavor.

FAQs about Country Gravy Recipe

What is country gravy?

Country gravy, also known as sawmill gravy or white gravy, is a traditional Southern American sauce made primarily from the drippings of cooked meat (usually sausage or bacon), flour, milk, and seasonings like salt and pepper. It’s creamy and thick, typically served over biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.

How do you make country gravy from scratch?

To make country gravy from scratch, start by cooking your meat of choice and reserving the drippings in the pan. Add an equal amount of flour to the drippings and stir to form a roux. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for a few minutes to cook the flour and thicken the gravy.

Can I make country gravy without meat?

Yes, you can make a meat-free version of country gravy using butter or oil in place of meat drippings. Follow the same process as you would with meat drippings, using butter to create the roux. This variation is ideal for vegetarians who crave the comfort of creamy gravy without the meat.

How can you thicken country gravy if it’s too thin?
If your country gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, make a slurry by mixing a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water, then gradually whisking it into the gravy. Continue to cook until it reaches the desired consistency.

What are the best dishes to serve with country gravy?

Country gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s traditionally served over biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast. It also complements fried chicken, pork chops, and mashed potatoes well. For a heartier meal, drizzle it over chicken-fried steak or incorporate it into a casserole.

Can country gravy be made in advance?

Yes, you can make country gravy ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk if it’s too thick. Stir continuously while reheating to maintain a smooth consistency.

Conclusion

Making country gravy from scratch is easier than you think! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a rich, velvety sauce that elevates any dish it touches. Whether you prefer it plain or loaded with sausage or bacon, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why settle for store-bought when homemade is this simple and delicious? Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade country gravy at your next meal.