There s something irresistibly comforting about a good creamy sausage gravy recipe, isn t there? Maybe it s the way that rich, savory sausage blends perfectly with the smooth, velvety gravy, creating a breakfast that instantly feels like a warm hug. I always turn to this recipe when I want to impress guests or just spoil myself on a lazy weekend morning-it s simple, satisfying, and the kind of classic that never goes out of style.

What I love most about this creamy sausage gravy recipe is how flexible it is. It works beautifully over fluffy homemade biscuits, crispy toast, or even scrambled eggs when I m in a hurry. Plus, it s straightforward enough that even if you re new to cooking gravy, you ll find it easy to get that perfect silky texture and balanced seasoning every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Comforting: The sausage and creamy gravy combine for a meal that warms you from the inside out.
Simple Ingredients: With everyday pantry staples, you can make this anytime without a special trip to the store.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust seasoning and spice level easily to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Quick and Foolproof: Even if you re new to gravy making, this recipe guides you step-by-step for perfect results.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spatula lifting thick creamy sausage gravy from a clear bowl, with the gravy having two main layers: the creamy white sauce and small light to medium brown sausage pieces evenly mixed throughout. The texture is smooth and rich with a glossy shine on the sauce, and the background features a white marbled surface that contrasts with the bowl and gravy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this creamy sausage gravy recipe come together beautifully to build that classic southern flavor we all crave. Choosing good-quality breakfast sausage and whole milk makes a huge difference in delivering that rich, velvety texture and hearty taste.

Breakfast Sausage: Pick your favorite-spicy or mild-and look for fresh sausage for the best flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux with the flour.
All Purpose Flour: The key to thickening your gravy without lumps; add it gradually for best results.
Whole Milk: Creamier and richer than low-fat milk, essential for that luscious, creamy gravy consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Season carefully to bring out all the flavors, adding a pinch at a time.
Red Pepper Flakes or Cajun Seasoning (Optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat in your gravy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that the creamy sausage gravy recipe lends itself to plenty of delicious tweaks-it’s all about making it your own. Sometimes I kick up the heat or swap in different types of sausage, and every time it turns out amazing.

Spicy Kick: Adding cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce gives it a lively punch that wakes up the flavors, perfect if you enjoy a little heat.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh thyme or sage for a fragrant twist that pairs well with breakfast potatoes or biscuits.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk and swap butter for olive oil to accommodate dietary needs.
Make it Meatless: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles and still enjoy that creamy, hearty goodness.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage To Perfection

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the breakfast sausage. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink-this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I love letting it get nice and crispy on the edges; that golden-brown sausage flavor is what makes the gravy so good. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease but leave enough to bring flavor to the next step.

Step 2: Create the Roux with Butter and Flour

Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the sausage in the pan. Let it melt completely, then sprinkle in the flour a little at a time, stirring constantly to combine. The goal here is to cook the flour so the gravy doesn t taste raw. Stir for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color-this step is key for that smooth, rich gravy texture.

Step 3: Slowly Add Milk and Simmer

Now, with the heat on low to medium, pour in the milk gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This is where the magic happens-the mixture will start to thicken as it heats up. Keep stirring until the gravy just comes to a boil; you’ll notice it thicken nicely here. If it feels too thick for your liking, just stir in a bit more milk until you get that perfect pourable consistency.

Step 4: Season to Taste and Serve

Finally, season your gravy with salt, pepper, and if you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning. I always start with a small amount of salt and taste as I go-it s easy to add more, but impossible to fix if you over-salt! Serve this luscious gravy piping hot over fresh biscuits, toast, or even drizzled over eggs. Trust me, it s a total game changer.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe

Use Whole Milk: It makes a richer and creamier gravy than lower-fat options, in my experience.
Cook the Flour Well: Stir the roux for several minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste that can ruin the gravy.
Season Gradually: Adding salt bit by bit helps you avoid over-salting, which can’t be fixed later.
Serve Immediately: The gravy thickens as it cools, so warm it gently or add milk when reheating leftovers.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe

Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top-adds a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the creamy richness beautifully. If you like spice, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes on top never disappoints.

Side Dishes

Biscuits are the classic partner, of course, but I also love this gravy over crispy fried potatoes, buttered toast, or spooned on top of scrambled eggs. For a heartier brunch, you can pair it with sautéed greens or a simple fresh fruit salad to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make mini biscuit stacks layered with sausage gravy and a fried egg on top. It looks elegant but is still so comforting and delicious-a real crowd-pleaser at brunch. You can also serve the gravy in a small gravy boat so everyone can pour to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover creamy sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. It thickens quite a bit in the fridge, so before serving again, I always loosen it up with a splash of milk while reheating.

Freezing

While I haven t frozen this gravy personally, others report that freezing is possible-but expect a slightly thinner texture after thawing. If you freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove with some added milk to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

The best way I ve found to reheat leftover sausage gravy is in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk in small amounts as needed. This prevents scorching and ensures the gravy stays silky and smooth without becoming clumpy or grainy.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative and still provides great flavor for this creamy sausage gravy recipe. Just be sure to choose a good quality one with plenty of seasoning, since turkey sausage tends to be milder.
What should I do if my gravy is lumpy?

Lumps usually happen if you add the flour or milk too quickly or don’t stir enough. To fix it, try whisking vigorously or briefly blend with an immersion blender. Next time, add flour and milk slowly and keep stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free margarine. Just know that the gravy might be slightly less rich but still delicious, especially with good seasoning.
How do I know when my gravy is done?

When the gravy has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and looks glossy, it s done. It should pour but not be watery or too thin. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.
Can I make creamy sausage gravy recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the gravy a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to refresh the texture before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you re looking for a breakfast recipe that s both hearty and comforting, this creamy sausage gravy recipe is a true winner. I ve made it countless times for family and friends, and it never fails to bring smiles and full plates to the table. Give it a try-you don t need any fancy tricks, just simple ingredients, a little patience, and you ll end up with a dish that feels like a special occasion any morning.

Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 87 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Southern-style sausage gravy made with savory breakfast sausage, butter, and a creamy homemade roux, perfect for serving over warm biscuits or toast. This hearty and flavorful gravy is simple to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with seasonings like red pepper flakes or Cajun spice for a little extra kick.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sausage Gravy Ingredients

1 lb Breakfast Sausage
4 tbsp Butter
1/3 cup All Purpose Flour
2.5–3 cups Whole Milk
1-2 tsp Salt and Pepper, to taste
Red Pepper Flakes or Cajun Seasoning, optional

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through.
Add Butter: Once the sausage is cooked, add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until fully melted and combined with the sausage.
Create the Roux: Gradually stir in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for about 5 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
Add Milk and Thicken: Lower the heat to low/medium and slowly pour in 2.5 to 3 cups of whole milk while continuously stirring. Keep stirring until the gravy comes to a gentle boil and thickens to your desired consistency.
Season the Gravy: Remove the skillet from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with less and adding more as needed. Optionally, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for an added spicy touch.
Adjust Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out by adding a little more milk until you reach the preferred consistency.
Serve: Serve the sausage gravy hot over freshly baked biscuits, toast, or use it as a base for your favorite breakfast dishes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leftover gravy tends to thicken when refrigerated; reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan with added milk to loosen it up.
This versatile gravy can be used in many breakfast recipes beyond just biscuits, such as over eggs or potatoes.