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Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is done, remove any excess grease from the pan by draining it on a paper towel (leave a little bit of fat for flavor, about 1-2 tablespoons).
Step 2: Make the Roux
Once the sausage is browned and the grease has been drained, melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat (if you prefer a leaner gravy, you can skip the butter and use the sausage drippings). Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and fat. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux. This will help thicken your gravy and prevent it from tasting “floury.”
Step 3: Add the Milk
Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it heats up, the gravy will start to thicken. Keep stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits of sausage for extra flavor.
Step 4: Season the Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency (this usually takes about 5-7 minutes), taste it and season with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor, though the sausage itself should provide plenty of savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve the Sausage Gravy
Once the gravy has thickened and is well-seasoned, it’s ready to serve. Spoon the gravy generously over warm, fluffy biscuits. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of parsley (optional, for color).
Serving Suggestions
While Bill’s Sausage Gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with many other foods. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Classic Biscuits: Serve it over freshly baked homemade or store-bought biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast. The flaky, buttery biscuits are the perfect base to soak up the creamy gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, comforting meal, spoon the sausage gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect pairing that’s especially popular in the South.
- Scrambled Eggs: Top scrambled eggs with a generous serving of sausage gravy for a savory breakfast that’s sure to keep you full all morning.
- Grits: Grits and sausage gravy are a match made in Southern heaven. Serve the gravy over a bed of creamy, cheesy grits for an indulgent breakfast.
- Toast or English Muffins: If you’re in a pinch and don’t have biscuits, toast or English muffins can serve as a great substitute. Just split them open and ladle the gravy on top for an easy and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy
- Sausage Choice: Choose a good-quality breakfast sausage with plenty of flavor. You can opt for mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. For extra flavor, you can use sausage with sage or other seasoning blends.
- Thickness of Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, continue to simmer it until it thickens. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more milk. The consistency should be creamy but not runny.
- Spices and Heat: Customize the seasoning to your taste. For extra heat, you can use hot sausage or add a bit of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, skip the red pepper flakes.
- Make Ahead: Sausage gravy can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Bill’s Sausage Gravy is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Its creamy, savory goodness combined with tender sausage makes for a satisfying and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or grits, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
So next time you’re craving a hearty, comforting breakfast, whip up a batch of Bill’s Sausage Gravy—a simple, flavorful recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
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