15 Make-ahead Gravy Southern Living Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Apr 3, 2024
Make-ahead gravy is a game-changing recipe for any cook, especially during the busy holiday season. This Southern Living recipe is not only delicious, but it also saves you time and stress in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have rich and flavorful gravy ready to go whenever you need it. Whether you're planning a big family dinner or just want to have some gravy on hand for weeknight meals, this make-ahead gravy recipe is a must-try. Let's take a closer look at why this recipe is a must-have for any home cook.
One of the best things about beer can chicken is the variety of sauces and gravies that can be served alongside it. And when it comes to Southern flavors, nothing beats a hearty and flavorful sausage gravy. Made with a roux, milk, and spicy breakfast sausage, this gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Don't be afraid to pour it generously over your chicken for a truly indulgent experience.
For a more traditional gravy, try making a classic Southern gravy to pair with your beer can chicken. Made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, this creamy and flavorful gravy is a staple in Southern kitchens. Be sure to season it with plenty of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices for a truly delicious addition to your meal.
If you're looking for a more unique and flavorful gravy, try making Southern giblet gravy for your beer can chicken. This gravy is made with the giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) of a chicken, along with chicken broth, flour, and seasonings. It's rich, savory, and adds a depth of flavor to your chicken that you won't want to miss.
A classic Southern breakfast dish, biscuits and gravy can also be a delicious accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Soft and flaky biscuits are smothered in a creamy and flavorful sausage gravy, making for a hearty and indulgent side dish. Be sure to serve it alongside your chicken for a true Southern-inspired meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern skillet cornbread is a staple in many Southern kitchens, and it's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and plenty of butter, this cornbread is cooked in a cast iron skillet to create a crispy and golden crust. Slather on some butter and serve it alongside your chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Southern Beef Tips & Gravy
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onions, Garlic, Grass Fed Beef, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a heartier dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making Southern beef tips and gravy. Tender chunks of beef are cooked in a flavorful gravy made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
A classic Southern dish, smothered chicken is a delicious and comforting meal that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Bone-in chicken is cooked in a savory and creamy gravy made with onions, garlic, and seasonings. Be sure to serve it with plenty of gravy over your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent experience.
For a unique and flavorful gravy, try making Southern tomato gravy to serve with your beer can chicken. This tangy and sweet gravy is made with canned tomatoes, bacon, and seasonings, and it's the perfect accompaniment to any chicken dish. Be sure to top your chicken with this gravy for a burst of flavor in every bite.
For a healthier and more nutritious side dish, try making Southern collard greens to pair with your beer can chicken. These leafy greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings until tender and flavorful. For an extra kick of flavor, add some hot sauce or vinegar to your greens before serving.
Cornbread dressing is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and spices, this dressing is a delicious and comforting addition to any meal. Be sure to bake it until golden and crispy for the perfect texture.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making Southern smothered oxtails to serve with your beer can chicken. Oxtails are slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and seasonings, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Be sure to serve it with plenty of gravy over your chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of classic flaky biscuits. Made with flour, buttermilk, and plenty of butter, these biscuits are light, airy, and perfect for soaking up the flavors of your beer can chicken. Be sure to serve them warm with some butter and honey for a truly satisfying side dish.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. And in the South, we like to make it extra indulgent by adding plenty of cheese and baking it in the oven until golden and bubbly. Be sure to use a blend of your favorite cheeses for the ultimate cheesy and creamy mac and cheese.
If you're short on time, try making Southern baked mac and cheese for a quicker version of this classic side dish. Made with cooked pasta, cheese, and a few extra ingredients, this dish is just as creamy and delicious as its baked counterpart, but can be made in a fraction of the time. Add some breadcrumbs to the top for a crispy and crunchy texture.
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Classic Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Fat, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Salt, Cracked Black
For a simple and traditional gravy to serve with your beer can chicken, try making a classic Southern gravy. Made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, this gravy is rich, creamy, and perfect for pouring over your chicken. Be sure to season it well and serve it alongside your chicken for a truly delicious meal.
Southern pecan pie bars are a delicious and portable dessert that is perfect for serving after a meal of beer can chicken. These bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey pecan filling, and a hint of bourbon for a truly Southern flavor. Be sure to serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
No Southern meal is complete without a serving of peach cobbler, and it's the perfect dessert to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with fresh peaches, a buttery crust, and plenty of warm spices, this cobbler is a delicious and comforting way to end your meal. Be sure to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and they're a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and seasonings, these greens have a tender and flavorful texture that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Be sure to serve them with some hot sauce or vinegar for an extra kick of flavor.
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Butter, Whole Milk, Flour, Salt
Sausage gravy and biscuits is a classic Southern breakfast dish, but it also makes a delicious side dish for beer can chicken. Creamy and flavorful sausage gravy is poured over warm and flaky biscuits for a hearty and indulgent side dish. Be sure to serve it alongside your chicken for a truly satisfying meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that can be used in a variety of dishes, including as a topping for beer can chicken. Made with shredded cheese, pimentos, and other flavorful ingredients, this spread adds a tangy and spicy kick to any dish. Be sure to spread it over your chicken for a unique and delicious flavor combination.
Why Make-Ahead Gravy is a Must-Try
Saves Time and Stress
One of the biggest benefits of this make-ahead gravy recipe is that it saves you time and stress in the kitchen. Instead of rushing to make gravy while your roast is resting, you can simply heat up the pre-made gravy and pour it over your meat. This not only saves you precious time on busy cooking days, but it also eliminates the stress of making perfect gravy in the moment.
Consistent Flavor Every Time
Another advantage of this make-ahead gravy is that it ensures consistent flavor every time you make it. You won't have to worry about the gravy being too lumpy, too salty, or too watery because you can make it ahead of time and adjust the seasoning and consistency to your liking. This also means that you can make a large batch of gravy and have it ready for multiple meals, ensuring that each one tastes just as delicious as the last.
Easy to Customize
This Southern Living recipe is easy to customize depending on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. You can use any type of broth or stock, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable, to create a gravy that complements your main dish. You can also add in herbs, spices, or other flavorings to make the gravy your own. And for those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Make-ahead gravy is not just for holiday dinners. It's perfect for any occasion when you want to elevate your meals with rich and flavorful gravy. Whether you're serving roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a vegetarian dish, this make-ahead gravy will add a touch of indulgence and elevate the flavors of your main dish.
In conclusion, make-ahead gravy is a must-try for any home cook looking to save time, reduce stress, and elevate their meals. With its versatility, consistency, and ease of customization, this Southern Living recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Try this make-ahead gravy recipe and see for yourself how it can transform your cooking experience.