Rustic & Rich: Comforting Country Gravy Recipe From Scratch

Southern comfort finds its ultimate expression in this creamy country gravy that captures generations of home cooking tradition.

Generations of cooks have perfected their country gravy recipe with simple, soulful ingredients that speak directly to the heart.

Every kitchen deserves a reliable gravy recipe that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

This classic sauce brings warmth and richness to breakfast platters and dinner plates alike.

Butter, flour, and milk blend into a silky smooth concoction that elevates humble dishes.

Each spoonful carries the promise of comfort and satisfaction.

Start your culinary journey and savor the magic of authentic home-style gravy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 4

Country Gravy Ingredient Snapshot

• Butter: Creates a rich, velvety foundation for gravy, provides deep flavor and smooth texture.
• Bacon Grease: Adds smoky, intense flavor punch for those wanting extra depth and traditional Southern touch.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating roux, helps gravy achieve creamy, luxurious consistency without clumping.

• Whole Milk: Delivers silky smoothness, brings together all ingredients with classic comfort food richness.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, balances and elevates gravy's taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the creamy base.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle aromatic warmth, provides gentle background complexity to gravy.

Tools for Making Smooth Homemade Gravy

• Medium skillet or saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy gravy base.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending butter and flour without lumps, and mixing milk smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring gravy and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate milk measurement for consistent texture.

Whisk Together a Rich Country Gravy from Scratch

• Warm Up the Pan

Grab your favorite skillet and let the begin. Heat up your cooking surface with a touch of butter or bacon grease, creating a sizzling canvas for deliciousness.

• Create the Perfect Base

Sprinkle flour over the melted goodness, whisking like a culinary artist. Watch the mixture transform into a golden wonder that’ll be the foundation of your mouthwatering gravy.

• Pour and Blend

Slowly introduce warm milk into your mixture, whisking with passion. Keep those pesky lumps away and let the of smooth blending happen.

• Spice It Up

Invite salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder to the party. Stir everything together until the flavors dance and mingle perfectly.

• Simmer to Perfection

Let your gravy bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally. Watch it transform into a rich, creamy delight that’ll make taste buds do a happy dance.

• Final Touch

Take a quick taste and adjust seasonings. Trust your palate and make it just right for you.

• Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle this heavenly sauce over biscuits, chicken fried steak, or whatever your heart desires. Prepare for compliments and clean plates!

Tips for Avoiding Clumps and Balancing Flavor

• Always use warm milk to prevent lumps and ensure smooth gravy – cold milk can cause unexpected clumping that ruins texture.
• Constant whisking is your secret weapon for preventing flour from burning and creating a silky-smooth gravy every single time.
• Simmer gravy gently to develop rich flavors without scorching the bottom of your pan.
• Start with less salt and pepper, then gradually adjust – you can always add more, but can't take away.
• If gravy gets too thick, thin with a splash of milk; if too thin, continue simmering or add a tiny bit more flour.
• Replace milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat for a lactose-free version.
• Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the gravy celiac-friendly.
• Sprinkle in fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for an herbal dimension that elevates the classic recipe.

Serve Over Biscuits or Fried Chicken

• Hearty Breakfast Companion: Ladle this creamy gravy over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast that'll warm your soul.
• Weekend Comfort Plate: Drizzle generously over crispy chicken fried steak with a side of golden hash browns for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Mashed Potato Upgrade: Transform simple mashed potatoes into a luxurious side dish by pouring this rich country gravy on top, creating a crowd-pleasing accompaniment.
• Protein Partner: Enhance fried chicken or roasted chicken by smothering with this velvety gravy, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Store in Jars for Breakfasts Ahead

• Transfer leftover gravy to an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Let gravy reach room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate for optimal freshness and safety.
• Store gravy in the fridge for 3-4 days, keeping it covered to maintain quality and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm gravy slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore smooth consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent uneven heating and potential texture breakdown.

FAQs

• What ingredients give country gravy its classic flavor?

Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder create the signature savory taste. These simple seasonings enhance the richness of the butter and milk base, delivering that traditional homestyle flavor.

• Can I use different types of milk for this gravy?

Whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk. For a richer gravy, heavy cream can be used, while for a lighter version, you can use skim milk. Just be aware that the fat content will affect the final consistency.

• Why is whisking important when making gravy?

Constant whisking prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. It helps the flour incorporate evenly into the butter and milk, creating a uniform sauce without any clumpy or grainy sections.

• How can I fix gravy that's too thick or too thin?

If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little warm milk until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue cooking and stirring to reduce and thicken, or make a small flour slurry to add body.

Hearty Homemade Country Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Country gravy, a hearty Southern staple, brings comfort and warmth to breakfast tables across the United States. Simple ingredients and classic techniques create a rich, creamy sauce perfect for biscuits, chicken, and country-style meals.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (590 ml) whole milk (warm)
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) bacon grease (alternative to butter)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat butter or bacon grease in a medium skillet over medium temperature until it sizzles gently.
2. Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour across melted fat, whisking continuously to form a smooth, uniform mixture without lumps, cooking until the blend transforms into a golden shade with a nutty fragrance.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour warm milk into the roux incrementally, maintaining vigorous whisking to generate a silky, consistent texture without any clumping.
4. Seasoning Infusion: Add salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the developing gravy.
5. Simmering and Thickening: Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring consistently to prevent scorching while gradually achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency that elegantly coats the back of a spoon.
6. Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile before transferring the piping hot gravy to a serving vessel, ready to complement biscuits, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

Master Whisking Technique: Create a smooth roux by whisking flour and butter vigorously without stopping to prevent lumps from forming.

Control Temperature Carefully: Maintain medium heat to develop golden color and nutty flavor without burning the butter-flour mixture.

Adjust Liquid Gradually: Pour warm milk slowly while continuously whisking to ensure a silky, creamy gravy consistency.

Season Strategically: Taste and adjust seasonings at the end for balanced flavor, remembering that pepper and salt can transform the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 154 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg