Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe

Sausage gravy is a comforting classic in my kitchen, and you just gotta experience its rich flavors.

It’s a delightful dish you can make with simple ingredients like breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and basic seasonings.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, bubbling to a thick, luscious consistency in under fifteen minutes.

When you season, add a touch of sage or thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the sausage perfectly.

My favorite thing about this recipe is its versatility—it’s fantastic over biscuits, but you can try it on potatoes or toast for a fun change.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Sausage (preferably breakfast type)
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• Salt (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.

Stir and break it up into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked.

Step 2:

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage while still in the skillet.

Mix thoroughly to coat the sausage with the flour, allowing it to absorb the fat.

Step 3:

Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly to combine the flour and milk smoothly.

The goal is to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking.

Stir frequently until the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Step 5:

Season the gravy with black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed to match your preference.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing Sausage:

Opt for a flavorful breakfast sausage as it contributes significantly to the richness of your gravy.

A bit of spice in the sausage can elevate the dish perfectly.

Flour Mixing:

Make sure to mix the flour thoroughly with the sausage to avoid clumps.

The flour must coat the sausage evenly for a smooth gravy texture.

Adjusting Thickness:

If your gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk while stirring.

Start with small amounts to prevent making it too runny.

Pepper Preference:

Feel free to adjust the amount of pepper based on your heat tolerance.

A bit of pepper adds an essential kick to the gravy.

Perfect Pairing:

Serve your sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits for the best experience.

Cut the biscuits in half to let the gravy soak into the soft bread.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

Classic Biscuits

You can never go wrong with serving sausage gravy over some warm, fluffy biscuits.

Make sure to bake them until they’re golden brown, to create the perfect vessel for that creamy gravy.

Using cold butter when making the dough is key to achieving that delightful flakiness.

Hash Browns

Crispy hash browns add a fantastic texture next to the savory sausage gravy.

You can prepare them from scratch with shredded potatoes or opt for the convenience of frozen ones.

A touch of salt and some butter during frying really brings out the flavor.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs add a light, fluffy complement to the rich, meaty gravy.

They’re quick to make and can be jazzed up with a sprinkle of cheese or chives.

The combination of textures between the eggs and gravy works beautifully.

Cheesy Grits

For an enjoyable twist, serve your sausage gravy over a bed of cheesy grits instead of biscuits.

Grits have a slightly coarser texture, which pairs nicely with the smooth gravy.

Mix in some cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Try serving some roasted Brussels sprouts alongside your sausage gravy for something different.

Season them with olive oil, salt, and a bit of garlic before roasting.

The slight bitterness of the sprouts balances the richness of the gravy wonderfully.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice Mix

You can add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat!

This is a fantastic way to give your sausage gravy an extra kick.

Sausage Options

Not all sausages are created equal, so try experimenting with different kinds.

You could use spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage for a healthier option.

Milk Alternatives

If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, you might want to try using unsweetened almond milk.

It works surprisingly well and still gives a creamy texture.

Herbal Twist

For those who love herbs, consider adding some fresh thyme or rosemary.

These can add a wonderful aroma and distinct flavor to your gravy.

Gluten-Free

To make gluten-free sausage gravy, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

The texture remains as satisfying as the traditional version!

How to Store Leftover Sausage Gravy

To keep your leftover sausage gravy fresh, transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator.

Your gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Remember to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to store sausage gravy for an extended period, freezing is a great option.

First, let the gravy cool to room temperature.

Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

Frozen sausage gravy can last up to three months in the freezer.

Containers and Storage Tips

I find that glass containers work wonderfully, as they’re easy to clean and don’t retain odors.

Plastic containers work fine too, just make sure they’re properly sealed.

If you prefer ziplock bags, lay them flat to save space in the freezer.

Use a sharpie to note the date on containers and bags for easy tracking.

Thawing Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen gravy, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator.

This gradual thawing process helps maintain the gravy’s texture and flavor.

Avoid thawing the gravy at room temperature for food safety reasons.

Enjoy making sausage gravy with care! Your leftovers can be just as tasty when properly stored.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Flour Too Soon

Adding flour directly to the pan while your sausage is still cooking might seem quick, but it leads to lumps.

You should reduce the heat before mixing in the flour and ensure the sausage is browned evenly.

Patience here ensures a smoother gravy.

Improper Seasoning

If you don’t season your gravy correctly, it can taste bland or overly salty.

I recommend adding a pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs gradually and tasting as you go.

This way, you achieve that perfect seasoning balance.

Skipping the Simmer

Rushing the simmering process can leave you with a runny or uneven texture.

Let your gravy simmer gently, stirring occasionally for a few minutes.

This ensures it thickens to the ideal creamy consistency.