When it comes to comforting Southern breakfasts, nothing beats warm, flaky biscuits smothered in rich, creamy gravy. If you’ve been searching for the perfect breakfast gravy recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This classic dish is easy to make, requires just a few pantry staples, and turns an ordinary breakfast into something unforgettable.
Whether you like your gravy with a hint of spice, loaded with sausage, or vegetarian-friendly, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, variations, and make-ahead ideas.
Why This Breakfast Gravy Recipe is the Best
This recipe delivers the kind of thick, creamy gravy that clings beautifully to biscuits, toast, hash browns, and even fried chicken. It’s made with simple ingredients: fat, flour, milk, and seasonings — yet it’s packed with flavor.
- Simple & Quick: Ready in 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add sausage, bacon, or mushrooms.
- Perfect Consistency: Smooth and velvety, never too runny or too thick.
Ingredients for Breakfast Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic breakfast gravy recipe:
- 2 tablespoons butter, bacon grease, or sausage drippings – The base fat that adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To create a smooth roux and thicken the gravy.
- 2 cups whole milk – For a creamy, rich texture (2% milk works too).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Pepper is key for that Southern-style kick.
- Optional: Cooked sausage crumbles, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for foolproof breakfast gravy every time:
1. Make the Roux
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the butter (or heat the bacon/sausage drippings) over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour.
Use a whisk to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden — this step removes the raw flour taste.
2. Slowly Add Milk
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Season and Taste
Once the gravy is thick and smooth, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add sausage crumbles or additional spices if desired.
4. Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and spoon the hot gravy over freshly baked biscuits, country-fried steak, hash browns, or scrambled eggs.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Gravy
Making gravy isn’t difficult, but these expert tips ensure a smooth, creamy result every time:
- Use a whisk, not a spoon. Whisking keeps lumps from forming and helps the roux blend evenly with the milk.
- Warm the milk first. Slightly warm milk combines more smoothly with the roux, reducing the chance of clumping.
- Cook the roux long enough. Two minutes is ideal — just until it smells nutty but not burnt.
- Season generously with pepper. Black pepper is what gives this breakfast gravy its classic Southern flavor.
- Adjust thickness as needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer for another minute or two.
Variations of Breakfast Gravy
This breakfast gravy recipe is versatile — here are a few ways to switch it up:
Sausage Gravy
Brown ½ pound of breakfast sausage in the skillet first. Remove excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons, and proceed with the recipe. Add the cooked sausage back in at the end for a hearty, meaty version.
Bacon Gravy
Use bacon drippings instead of butter and stir in crumbled bacon before serving for a smoky, savory twist.
Vegetarian Gravy
Skip the meat drippings and use butter or olive oil. Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
Spicy Gravy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give your gravy a little kick.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many breakfast favorites. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Biscuits and Gravy: The ultimate Southern comfort breakfast.
- Over Hash Browns: A crispy, hearty option that soaks up the gravy.
- With Eggs and Bacon: A full breakfast plate with sunny-side-up or scrambled eggs.
- On Chicken Fried Steak: A true Southern diner classic.
- Over Toast or English Muffins: Perfect if you don’t have biscuits on hand.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This breakfast gravy can easily be made ahead or stored for later:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
- Freeze: Gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it may separate slightly. Whisk well while reheating to bring it back together.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per ¼ cup serving:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 3g
(Varies based on fat choice and any add-ins like sausage or bacon.)
Final Thoughts
This breakfast gravy recipe is a true Southern classic that transforms an ordinary morning into something special. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have a silky, flavorful gravy that tastes like it came straight out of a diner kitchen.
Whether you’re making biscuits and gravy for a cozy weekend breakfast or whipping up a quick weekday treat, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to breakfast favorite!