how to make sausage gravy from scratch (Easy Southern Recipe)

There are few things more comforting than a plate of warm biscuits smothered in creamy, homemade sausage gravy.

I even had to teach my husband how to make this. He always used store-bought gravy packets, and once he saw how easy homemade sausage gravy really is, he never went back.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make sausage gravy from scratch that’s thick, creamy, and full of flavor, you’re in the right place. This classic Southern sausage gravy recipe comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients.

This recipe is simple, forgiving, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend morning.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Gravy

• Made with basic pantry ingredients
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• No gravy packets needed
• Rich, creamy, and perfectly peppery
• Classic Southern comfort food

This is the kind of recipe that gets passed down — and requested again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make homemade sausage gravy for biscuits:

** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.

• Breakfast sausage
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk (or milk + cream)
• Butter (optional but delicious)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
• That’s it. Simple food done right.

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How to make sausage gravy from scratch

** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Add the breakfast sausage to a large skillet over medium heat.
Break it into crumbles and cook until fully browned. Do not drain the grease — that’s flavor.

Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage.
Stir well so the flour coats the sausage and absorbs the fat.
Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Slowly Add the Milk
Pour in the milk gradually while stirring constantly.
This helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth gravy.

Step 4: Simmer Until Thick
Let the gravy simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring often.
It will thicken as it cooks.
If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.

Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and plenty of black pepper — Southern gravy should be peppery.
Serve hot over warm biscuits and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

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Make It Your Own

Want to customize your gravy?

• Use spicy breakfast sausage for heat
• Add a tablespoon of butter for extra richness
• Stir in a splash of cream for ultra-creamy gravy

This recipe is flexible and forgiving — just like good Southern cooking.

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Best Biscuits for Sausage Gravy

This gravy pairs beautifully with:

• Savory Scones
• Drop biscuits (great for beginners!)
• Homemade or high-quality store-bought biscuits

The key is a biscuit sturdy enough to soak up all that creamy goodness.

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Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

Making sausage gravy from scratch is simple, but a few small techniques make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Use the Right Sausage

Choose a well-seasoned breakfast sausage. Mild works well, but a peppery or country-style sausage adds extra depth without needing additional spices.

Don’t Drain the Pan

The sausage fat is essential for flavor and helps the flour form a smooth roux. If your sausage is very greasy, you can spoon off a small amount, but don’t remove it all.

Cook the Flour Briefly

After adding the flour, stir and cook it for about 1–2 minutes. This removes the raw flour taste and creates a richer gravy.

Add Milk Slowly

Pour the milk in gradually while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Let the Gravy Simmer

Gravy thickens as it cooks. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes before deciding if it needs more milk.

Season at the End

Sausage varies in saltiness. Taste the gravy after it thickens, then adjust salt and black pepper as needed.

Fix Common Issues Quickly

• Too thick: Stir in a splash of warm milk.
• Too thin: Simmer longer or add a small flour-and-milk slurry.
• Lumpy: Whisk [paid link] vigorously or use a spoon to smooth it out.

Serve Immediately for Best Texture

Sausage gravy thickens as it cools. For the creamiest texture, serve it hot over warm biscuits.

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Recipe Variations

This sausage gravy recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or how you like your gravy.

Spicy Sausage Gravy

Use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This adds heat without overpowering the gravy.

Extra Creamy Sausage Gravy

Replace part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent texture. This works especially well for brunch or holiday breakfasts.

Country-Style Sausage Gravy

Choose a coarser ground country sausage and increase the black pepper slightly. This gives the gravy a more traditional Southern flavor.

Sausage Gravy Without Milk

If you’re out of milk, you can use half-and-half or a mix of cream and water. The flavor will still be rich, just slightly lighter.

Herb-Enhanced Gravy

Stir in fresh thyme or sage at the end of cooking for a subtle herbal note that pairs well with biscuits.

Biscuit-Free Serving Ideas

Sausage gravy isn’t just for biscuits. Try it over:

• Toast or English muffins
• Hash browns or home fries
• Scrambled eggs or fried eggs

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Serving Suggestions

Sausage gravy is best served hot and freshly made, with a smooth, creamy texture.

Classic Southern Style

Serve generous spoonfuls of sausage gravy over warm, split biscuits. This is the traditional and most popular way to enjoy it.

Breakfast Plates

Pair sausage gravy with:

• Scrambled or fried eggs
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
• Hash browns or home fries

This makes a hearty, well-rounded breakfast or brunch.

Brunch Buffet Idea

Keep sausage gravy warm in a slow cooker [paid link] on the low setting and serve with a basket of biscuits. This works well for family gatherings and holidays.

Comfort Food Dinners

Sausage gravy isn’t just for mornings. Spoon it over:

• Mashed potatoes
• Toast or Texas toast
• Fried chicken or chicken-fried steak

Lighten It Up

For a lighter option, serve a smaller portion alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

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Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of homemade sausage gravy.

Refrigeration

Allow the sausage gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat sausage gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk to loosen the gravy as it warms.
You can also reheat it in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each round.

Freezing

Sausage gravy can be frozen, but its texture may change slightly after thawing.
For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Texture Tip After Storage

Gravy thickens as it sits. Stir in a little warm milk while reheating to bring it back to a smooth, creamy consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my sausage gravy too thick?

• Add more milk, a little at a time, until smooth.

Why Is My Gravy Too Thin?

• Let it simmer longer — the gravy thickens as it cooks.
• You can also mix 1 teaspoon of flour with milk and stir it in.

Why Does My Gravy Taste Bland?

• Add more black pepper.
• Make sure your sausage is well-seasoned.
• A pinch of salt goes a long way.

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to make sausage gravy from scratch is a kitchen skill worth having.
It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday breakfast or a lazy Sunday morning, this Southern sausage gravy recipe delivers every time.

Grab a biscuit, pour it on thick, and enjoy.

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