Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

Introduction

Sausage gravy is a Southern breakfast staple that combines savory ground sausage with a creamy, peppery white gravy. Popularized by comfort food chefs like Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman), this dish is known for its simplicity and hearty flavor. Paired with homemade biscuits, it’s the ultimate cozy meal to start your day.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Sausage gravy has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, where resourcefulness in the kitchen led to dishes that were both satisfying and affordable. Originally made by cooks on farms and in logging camps, this dish used pantry basics to turn simple ingredients into something delicious. Today, sausage gravy is a comfort food favorite, celebrated across the U.S., especially in diners and home kitchens.

Ingredients Quantity

Optional Additions

A splash of heavy cream for extra richness
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Cayenne pepper or paprika for subtle heat
Maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist when served over biscuits

Tips for Success

Use quality sausage: A flavorful sausage makes all the difference. Go for country-style or sage-flavored sausage for a classic taste.
Don’t drain all the fat: You need the rendered fat to mix with the flour and form the roux.
Stir constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps.
Season well with salt and especially black pepper — the bold flavor is part of what makes this dish shine.

Instructions

Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Don’t drain the fat — it’s essential for flavor and thickening.
Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and drippings. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed to reach your desired thickness.
Simmer and stir: Let the gravy simmer on low, stirring often, until thickened (5–8 minutes).
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot over warm biscuits, toast, or even fried potatoes.

Description

This sausage gravy is creamy, savory, and packed with the rich, meaty flavor of seasoned pork. The black pepper adds a gentle kick, while the milk creates a luxurious base. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and satisfies every comfort craving.

Nutritional Information (Per serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe)

Calories: ~350
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 600mg
Sugar: 4g

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is the epitome of down-home, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Quick to make and full of rich flavor, it’s a great go-to for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave something cozy.

Recommendation

Serve this gravy piping hot over buttermilk biscuits or drop biscuits. Add a fried egg on top for a complete breakfast. For a special twist, layer it over hash browns or serve alongside grits.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While sausage gravy is an indulgent dish, you can lighten it up by:

Using turkey sausage or reduced-fat pork sausage
Swapping whole milk with 2% or even almond milk
Serving over whole-grain toast or biscuits