Southern gravy is a staple in any southern household and can be found on the tables of many southern restaurants. This creamy and flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to dishes such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. While it may seem intimidating to make from scratch, with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a homemade southern gravy that will rival any restaurant's version.
One of the most iconic dishes in Southern cuisine is sausage gravy. This creamy and rich gravy is made with a roux, milk, and flavorful sausage. It's the perfect topping for fluffy biscuits or served over fried chicken for an indulgent meal. Here are some of the top Southern sausage gravy recipes to try at home.
While sausage gravy may be the most well-known, there are plenty of other types of Southern gravy to explore. From classic brown gravies to creamy white gravies, there's something for everyone. These gravies are perfect for topping meats, biscuits, and even vegetables.
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Classic Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Fat, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Salt, Cracked Black
This recipe for classic Southern gravy is a staple in many Southern households. Made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, it's a simple and delicious accompaniment to any meal. Serve it over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a true Southern experience.
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Buttermilk Fried Squirrel with Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Black
For a truly traditional Southern meal, try this recipe for buttermilk fried squirrel with Southern gravy. The buttermilk marinade helps to tenderize the meat and give it a tangy flavor, while the gravy adds a rich and creamy element. This is a dish that is sure to impress any Southern food lover.
Giblet gravy is a popular dish in the South, especially around the holidays. This gravy is made with the giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) from a turkey or chicken, along with pan drippings, flour, and stock. It's a flavorful and hearty gravy that is perfect for topping your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
No list of Southern gravies would be complete without the classic biscuits and gravy. This dish consists of fluffy biscuits topped with a creamy sausage gravy. It's a beloved breakfast dish in the South, but can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it's often served with a side of gravy. This recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is made with buttermilk and cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal, especially when topped with a spoonful of gravy.
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Southern Beef Tips & Gravy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onions, Garlic, Grass Fed Beef, Olive Oil
For a heartier gravy dish, try this recipe for Southern beef tips and gravy. Tender beef tips are cooked in a flavorful gravy made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that consists of pan-fried chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This recipe calls for a combination of chicken broth and milk to create a creamy and savory gravy that is perfect for topping the tender chicken.
If you're looking for a unique Southern gravy, give this tomato gravy recipe a try. Made with diced tomatoes, bacon, and spices, this gravy is tangy and flavorful. It's traditionally served over biscuits, but can also be used as a topping for meats or vegetables.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and they are often served with a side of gravy. This recipe for classic Southern collard greens is made with bacon, onions, and chicken broth, and then topped with a flavorful gravy made with pan drippings and flour.
Cornbread dressing is a popular dish in the South, especially around the holidays. This recipe for Southern cornbread dressing is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and seasonings. It's then topped with a savory gravy made with chicken broth and pan drippings.
Oxtails are a popular meat in Southern cuisine, and they are often served with gravy. This recipe for Southern smothered oxtails is made with a flavorful gravy that is perfect for topping the tender and rich oxtails. Serve it over rice or with a side of biscuits for a filling and delicious meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal would be complete without a side of flaky biscuits. This recipe for classic Southern biscuits is made with flour, buttermilk, and butter, resulting in a light and buttery biscuit that is perfect for dipping into gravy.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food in the South, and it's often topped with a creamy gravy. This recipe for Southern baked macaroni and cheese is made with a homemade cheese sauce and topped with a savory gravy made with chicken broth and flour. It's the ultimate comfort food dish.
If you prefer your mac and cheese with a crispy topping, give this recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese a try. It's made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. The addition of a savory gravy takes this dish to the next level.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, and these pecan pie bars are a delicious twist on the traditional dish. The shortbread crust is topped with a gooey and nutty filling, and then drizzled with a rich and buttery gravy. These bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Peach cobbler is a must-have dessert in the South, and this recipe for Southern peach cobbler is a crowd-pleaser. The sweet and juicy peaches are topped with a buttery and flaky crust, and then finished off with a drizzle of warm and creamy gravy. It's the perfect ending to any Southern meal.
If you're looking for a traditional and simple collard greens recipe, this classic Southern version is for you. Made with just a few ingredients and cooked in a flavorful broth, these collard greens are the perfect side dish for any Southern meal. And of course, don't forget to top them with a spoonful of gravy.
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Butter, Whole Milk, Flour, Salt
Last but certainly not least, we have another version of the classic biscuits and gravy dish. This recipe calls for a creamy and flavorful sausage gravy that is perfect for topping fluffy biscuits. It's a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch option that will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
Ingredients:
1. Pan Drippings
The key to a flavorful southern gravy is using the pan drippings from whatever meat you are cooking. Whether it's fried chicken, pork chops, or even bacon, the drippings are the base of your gravy and will add depth and richness to the flavor. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as well, as this will add even more flavor to your gravy.
2. Flour
Flour is the thickening agent in gravy and is essential for creating a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure to use all-purpose flour as it has the right amount of protein to thicken the gravy without becoming lumpy.
3. Milk
Some southern cooks may argue that using milk in gravy is sacrilegious and that only water or broth should be used. However, I find that using milk adds a creaminess and richness to the gravy that can't be achieved with water or broth. Use whole milk for the best results.
3. Salt and Pepper
Southern gravy is all about flavor, so don't be shy with the salt and pepper. I recommend using freshly ground black pepper for a more robust flavor.
Instructions:
1. Make a Roux
To start, heat the pan drippings in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, slowly add in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Continue stirring until the roux turns a light golden brown color.
2. Add Milk
Once the roux is ready, slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. The gravy will thicken as it heats up, so make sure to keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.
3. Season and Simmer
Add salt and pepper to taste and continue stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more milk to thin it out. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once your gravy is ready, serve it over your favorite southern dishes or use it as a dipping sauce for biscuits or fried foods. Your homemade southern gravy will be the star of any meal.
Now that you have the perfect homemade southern gravy recipe, you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and take your time to create a smooth and flavorful gravy. With this recipe, you'll be able to recreate that classic southern taste in the comfort of your own home. So go ahead, indulge in some delicious homemade southern gravy and savor every bite.