Sausage Gravy Recipe (Classic Southern Milk Gravy & Biscuits!)

If there’s one breakfast that can bring a whole family running to the table, it’s fresh, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. This dish is pure Southern comfort—the kind you find bubbling away on the stove during Saturday mornings at grandma’s, or served up at cozy diners where everyone’s treated like family.

We call it milk gravy around here, and it’s the same simple, old-fashioned recipe my mom taught me. Rich, creamy, and studded with crumbles of seasoned sausage, it’s poured piping hot over flaky biscuits and is guaranteed to stick to your ribs (in the very best way!). Whether you’re a biscuits-and-gravy newbie or a lifelong fan, this is the recipe that turns a basic breakfast into a memory.

A big batch of sausage gravy, warm biscuits, and maybe a little friendly debate about how much pepper is “too much”… that’s the kind of tradition worth keeping alive.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Gravy Recipe

• Super easy & foolproof—even for beginners
• Rich, creamy, classic flavor
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or “brinner”
• Freezer-friendly—leftovers reheat like a dream
• No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a pound of good sausage!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned and no longer pink.
2. Add Butter:
   Stir in the butter until it melts completely and coats the sausage.
3. Make the Roux:
   Sprinkle flour over the sausage and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the “raw” flour taste and starts thickening your gravy.
4. Add the Milk:
   Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps and keeps the gravy smooth.
5. Season:
   Add the garlic powder (if using), seasoned salt, regular salt, and plenty of black pepper. Keep stirring as the gravy simmers and thickens—about 5-8 minutes.
6. Taste & Serve:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, simmer a few more minutes.
7. Serve Hot:
   Spoon generously over split biscuits and enjoy immediately!

Tips, Variations & Troubleshooting

• No sausage? You can use ground turkey or even mushrooms for a meatless twist.
• Make it spicy: Use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne.
• Add-ins: Stir in a little shredded cheddar at the end for cheesy gravy!
• Troubleshooting:
  • Too thick? Add a splash of milk.
  • Too thin? Let it simmer, stirring often, until thickened.

Fun Debate!

Are you Team Extra Pepper or do you like your gravy mild? Let me know in the comments—Southern cooks have strong opinions about black pepper!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sausage gravy over your favorite biscuits. (Try it with my Cast Iron Biscuits: A Recipe and a Dose of Nostalgia or High Cream Biscuits Made at Home for a true Southern breakfast treat!) Pair with scrambled eggs and a side of fruit for a full meal.

FAQ (Schema-Ready)

Q1: Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Q2: Can you freeze sausage gravy?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring well.

Q3: Can I use milk alternatives?
A: Whole milk is best, but you can use 2% or lactose-free milk. Plant-based milks work, but the flavor and thickness will be different.

Call to Action

What’s your secret to perfect sausage gravy? Share your tips, favorite biscuit recipes, or memories below! And if you loved this recipe, pin it or share on Facebook to help another home cook find Southern comfort!


Sausage Gravy (Southern Milk Gravy for Biscuits)

Classic creamy sausage gravy, perfect for serving over homemade biscuits. Easy, comforting, and packed with flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• - 1 lb ground pork sausage
• - 2 tbsp butter
• - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• - 3 cups milk whole milk preferred
• - 1/4 tsp garlic powder optional
• - 1/4 tsp seasoned salt
• - 1/4 tsp salt more to taste
• - 1 tsp black pepper more to taste

Instructions

 

• Brown sausage in a large skillet; add butter and melt.
• Sprinkle flour over sausage; stir for 2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly.
• Add seasonings. Simmer, stirring, until thickened.
• Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot over biscuits.

Notes

- Add more or less pepper to taste.
- Use any biscuits you love—homemade or store-bought.
- Leftover gravy is great for breakfast-for-dinner nights!