If you are craving a hearty, comforting classic that elevates any breakfast or brunch, this Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of savory sausage simmering in a creamy, perfectly seasoned gravy that clings to fluffy biscuits like a dream. This dish combines simple ingredients in a way that brings big, bold flavors to your plate with every bite, creating a satisfying start to your day or a cozy meal anytime you need a little southern-inspired comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, everyday ingredients is all you need to create this mouthwatering Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: the sausage delivers savory depth, the flour thickens the gravy to that silky perfect texture, and milk brings it all together into a luscious sauce that’s rich and creamy.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy): Choose your favorite to add that delicious savory and slightly spicy flavor base.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent, essential for turning the sausage drippings into a luscious gravy.
- 2-3 cups milk (whole milk works best): Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the gravy’s texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the recipe perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes, optional: For a subtle kick of heat that livens up the gravy.
- 1 tsp crushed garlic, optional: Adds a layer of warm, aromatic flavor if you want to elevate the taste even more.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by placing your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles, cooking until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where the base flavor builds—those brown bits you get are pure magic for your gravy.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the browned sausage and stir everything together thoroughly. Keep it cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. This step thickens the sausage drippings and sets you up for that perfect gravy texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Pour In the Milk Gradually
Slowly pour the milk into the skillet while stirring constantly. Patience is key here, as the gradual addition helps the gravy to thicken evenly without lumps. It usually takes about 5 minutes for the gravy to reach that classic smooth richness. If you find it too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk until it’s just right for you.
Step 4: Season and Flavor
Once your gravy is thick and creamy, season it with salt and pepper according to your taste. For an added kick or extra flavor depth, stir in optional red pepper flakes and crushed garlic. These small touches can really transform the dish and make it your own.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Give everything a final stir to ensure the gravy is silky smooth and heated through. Your Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is now ready to be spooned generously over warm, flaky biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness of the gravy. If heat is your thing, a few extra red pepper flakes can brighten up your plate visually and flavor-wise too.
Side Dishes
This sausage gravy pairs beautifully with classic southern sides like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or even fried green tomatoes for a touch of tangy crunch. For a more filling brunch, consider adding roasted potatoes or grits to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stop at biscuits? Try pouring your Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe over freshly baked cornbread or even oven-toasted English muffins for a delightful twist. You could even dress up a breakfast casserole with this gravy for an extra comforting layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy and quick addition to your meals later in the week.
Freezing
This sausage gravy freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or separating. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk to restore that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat for extended periods to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide great flavor. Just note that it might release less fat, so you might want to add a little butter or oil to help create the gravy’s base.
What is the best type of milk to use?
Whole milk is preferred for its creamy richness, but you can also use 2% milk. Skim or plant-based milks may work but could alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes or choosing spicy sausage are simple ways to add heat to suit your taste perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch to make a gluten-free version with great results.
How do I fix gravy that is too thick?
Simply stir in a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe is pure comfort food magic, and it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, it’s easy to whip up and always satisfying. I encourage you to try it, personalize it, and make it a staple in your breakfast repertoire—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is a comforting Southern-style breakfast staple, featuring savory browned sausage smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Perfect served hot over warm biscuits for a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2–3 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tsp crushed garlic, optional (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Flour: Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add more milk as needed to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
- Season the Gravy: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add red pepper flakes or crushed garlic if desired for extra flavor.
- Finish Cooking: Continue stirring until the gravy reaches a smooth and thick consistency.
- Serve: Serve the sausage gravy immediately over warm biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier gravy, but you can substitute with 2% or skim milk to reduce fat.
- If you prefer a spicier gravy, opt for spicy breakfast sausage and add red pepper flakes.
- Adding crushed garlic is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Stir gravy continuously to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may require thinning with a splash of milk.
