Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for her delicious and hearty recipes, and her version of sausage gravy is no exception. This gravy is made with spicy sausage, a creamy base, and is served over warm biscuits. Whether you’re serving it to guests or making it for your family on a lazy morning, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your breakfast rotation. It’s easy to make, filling, and utterly delicious.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (preferably spicy or mild, depending on preference)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (you can also use 2% milk, but whole milk makes it creamier)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

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Equipment:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving dish (for biscuits and gravy)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Time: 5-7 minutes

1. Heat the pan:
   Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
2. Cook until browned:
   Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and cooked through. The sausage will release its fat, which will be used to make the gravy. Once the sausage is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Time: 3-5 minutes

1. Add the butter:
   Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, add the unsalted butter to the pan with the sausage. Allow it to melt completely. This will create the base for your gravy, called a “roux.”
2. Add the flour:
   Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and butter mixture. Use a whisk to stir it together. You want to cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and allows the flour to thicken the gravy as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Time: 5 minutes

1. Slowly add the milk:
   Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. This will create a smooth and creamy base for your gravy.
2. Simmer the gravy:
   Increase the heat slightly to medium and continue whisking until the gravy starts to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it thickens evenly. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer to thicken up.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Time: 2 minutes

1. Season with salt and pepper:
   Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. You can start with a pinch of salt and about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then adjust to taste.
2. Optional seasonings:
   If desired, add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the gravy an extra layer of flavor. The garlic and onion powders add subtle seasoning, while the red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.

Step 5: Serve the Sausage Gravy

Time: 2 minutes

1. Serve hot:
   Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency and is well-seasoned, remove it from the heat. Pour it generously over freshly baked biscuits for a classic serving. You can also serve this gravy over toast or hash browns if you prefer.
2. Garnish (optional):
   For a finishing touch, garnish with a little bit of chopped parsley or chives. While it’s optional, this adds a nice pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the gravy.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Biscuits: The most traditional way to serve sausage gravy is over freshly baked biscuits. You can either make homemade biscuits or use store-bought ones for convenience. Fluffy, soft biscuits are perfect for soaking up the creamy gravy.
• Toast: If you don’t have biscuits on hand, sausage gravy also pairs wonderfully with buttered toast.
• Hash Browns or Home Fries: For a heartier breakfast, serve the sausage gravy over crispy hash browns or home fries.
• Eggs: Add some scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top for an even more filling breakfast or brunch option.

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Notes:

• Adjust the Thickness: If you find that your gravy is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it over low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens to your liking.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier sausage gravy, use spicy breakfast sausage instead of mild, or add extra red pepper flakes for heat. Conversely, if you like a milder gravy, use a mild sausage and skip the extra spices.
• Freezing and Storing: You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat in a pan, adding a little milk to loosen the gravy. You can also freeze the gravy for up to 3 months—just be sure to cool it completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the stovetop when ready to use.
• Alternative Proteins: If you prefer a different protein, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. These alternatives will make the gravy a little lighter but still delicious.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage and swap the butter and milk for vegan butter and plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk). You can also add a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comforting and Hearty: Sausage gravy is a comforting breakfast classic that’s perfect for when you need something hearty and filling to start the day.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple, with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a great choice for busy mornings or even special weekend breakfasts.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spicy sausage, creamy milk, and savory seasonings creates a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with flaky biscuits or crispy toast.
• Versatile: While sausage gravy is traditionally served with biscuits, it can be used in many different ways—over hash browns, toast, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

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The Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, savory, and utterly delicious when paired with soft, fluffy biscuits. Whether you make it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this sausage gravy will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the warmth and richness of this Southern-inspired dish.