Description
A classic, creamy Southern white gravy made with simple pantry ingredients. This versatile sauce is perfect for smothering biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes for an authentic country breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (or bacon drippings/sausage grease)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Create the Roux – In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. If using bacon drippings or sausage grease instead, heat until fully melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning, as this will be the flavor foundation of your gravy.
- Add Flour – Sprinkle the flour into the melted fat and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and reaches a golden brown color. This cooking process eliminates the raw flour taste and creates the perfect base for your gravy.
- Incorporate Milk – Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure each addition of milk is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and begins to thicken.
- Simmer and Thicken – Reduce the heat to low and allow the gravy to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cooks; adjust with additional milk if it becomes too thick.
- Season – Add salt and black pepper to taste. Southern white gravy traditionally has a generous amount of black pepper, but adjust according to your preference. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
- Serve – Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot over freshly baked biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using sausage drippings instead of butter by cooking sausage first, removing it, and using the rendered fat for your gravy.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a little additional milk. If it’s too thin, continue simmering to reduce.
- White gravy will thicken further as it cools, so serve immediately for best results.
- For a flavor variation, add a dash of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces-condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 38mg