When you think of comforting Southern food, one dish always stands out — creamy, peppery white gravy. This versatile sauce is the perfect companion for biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and even country-fried steak. If you’ve ever wanted to make it at home but felt intimidated, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best white gravy recipe, explain the step-by-step process, share expert tips, and show you how to customize it for any meal. Whether you’re cooking a hearty weekend breakfast or preparing comfort food for dinner, this white gravy will become your go-to recipe.
What Is White Gravy?
White gravy (also called country gravy or cream gravy) is a classic Southern sauce made from simple pantry staples: butter or pan drippings, flour, milk, salt, and black pepper. It’s a roux-based gravy, meaning the fat and flour are cooked together first before adding milk to create a creamy sauce.
Unlike brown gravy, which uses meat stock or drippings, white gravy gets its pale color from milk and is seasoned primarily with salt and pepper. Its flavor is mild, buttery, and slightly peppery — making it the perfect topping for savory dishes.
Ingredients for the Perfect White Gravy Recipe
To make a rich and creamy white gravy, you only need a few ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or bacon/sausage drippings for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm or at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more for a spicier gravy)
Optional:
- Pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
- Dash of cayenne pepper for heat
- Splash of cream for a richer gravy
Step-by-Step White Gravy Recipe
Follow these steps to make smooth, lump-free, creamy white gravy every time:
1. Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If you’re using sausage or bacon drippings, cook your meat first and then measure out about 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted fat. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon for 1–2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the base for your gravy.
2. Add the Milk Slowly
Gradually pour in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, whisking constantly. This step is key to preventing lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth before adding more milk.
3. Season and Simmer
Once all the milk has been added, season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If your gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk and whisk it in. Serve immediately over biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or any dish you love.
Tips for the Best White Gravy
Making white gravy from scratch is simple, but these tips will guarantee perfect results:
- Warm milk works best. Cold milk can cause lumps — take a minute to warm it up in the microwave.
- Whisk constantly. This keeps the gravy smooth and prevents scorching.
- Season generously. Don’t skimp on the black pepper — it’s what gives country gravy its signature flavor.
- Control the thickness. For a thicker gravy, simmer longer. For a thinner gravy, add a bit more milk.
- Use drippings for depth. Bacon or sausage drippings add smoky, savory notes that butter alone can’t match.
Variations of White Gravy
The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to suit any meal. Here are a few tasty variations:
Sausage Gravy
Brown breakfast sausage, then use the drippings to make your roux. Crumble the cooked sausage back into the gravy before serving over biscuits for a classic biscuits and gravy breakfast.
Chicken-Fried Steak Gravy
After frying your steak, use the leftover drippings (with a bit of crispy browned bits) as your fat base. This adds a rich, meaty flavor that perfectly complements the steak.
Vegetarian White Gravy
Skip the meat drippings and stick to butter. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the depth of flavor that drippings provide.
Spicy White Gravy
Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give your gravy a little kick.
What to Serve with White Gravy
White gravy is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the most popular pairings:
- Buttermilk Biscuits – The most classic combination for a Southern-style breakfast.
- Chicken-Fried Steak – A hearty dinner made even better with peppery gravy on top.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy on creamy — an ultimate comfort food combo.
- Fried Chicken – Drizzle gravy over crispy chicken for a soul-warming meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Use white gravy as a sauce to make veggies irresistible.
- Breakfast Bowls – Layer scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, and gravy for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover white gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it if it has thickened too much.
White gravy does not freeze well because the dairy can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Why This White Gravy Recipe Works
This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof — perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. It uses basic ingredients, comes together in under 10 minutes, and can be customized to fit any meal. Plus, it’s far more flavorful than store-bought gravy packets.
Making your own gravy from scratch is a small effort that makes a big difference at the table.
Final Thoughts
This white gravy recipe is everything comfort food should be — creamy, rich, peppery, and easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that elevates any dish, from breakfast biscuits to fried chicken dinners.
Whether you keep it classic or add sausage, spices, or cream, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to the packaged mix again.