The Best Homemade Gravy from Scratch (quick and easy!)

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A delicious buttery white gravy you can whip up in five minutes with 5 ingredients you already have on hand. This makes the best homemade gravy from scratch that’s quick and easy.

Homemade gravy is one of the first recipes I sought out to nail from scratch. I’ve had gravy that was too bland, too thick, and some that tasted like grease. This recipe has a delicious buttery taste with just the right consistency. You can dress it up with some ground sausage for breakfast or eat it just as it is over your favorite dish!

Five Simple Ingredients to Make Homemade Gravy From Scratch

Butter: I love the buttery taste that comes with using butter. Bacon grease and sausage grease are definitely an option it just depends on your preference. The nice thing about using butter is it’s great for those mornings you’re wanting something quick and easy to throw together. We do add sausage to our breakfast gravy alot of times but I always make the base out of butter. I personally love the taste plus it reminds me of my childhood.

Flour: Most days I use all-purpose unbleached flour. Here lately I have started using Einkorn flour. Both taste great! Einkorn is an ancient grain and a little easier on our bodies as well as more nutrient rich. So if you are like me and always looking for easy ways to make things a little healthier you may want to try Einkorn flour. I order ours from Thrive Market.

Milk: This will provide the liquid base for the gravy. We use raw whole milk. You can use whatever milk you have on hand.

Salt & Pepper: You can’t have a good gravy without using both salt and pepper, in my opinion. Salt enhances the flavor while pepper gives a touch of spice and warmth to the gravy.

Instructions

Melt butter on medium-high in a skillet.

Turn heat on medium-high and melt butter. Be sure to keep a close eye on it. Browning is fine just make sure it doesn’t burn before you add your flour.

Whisk Flour into Melted Butter

As soon as butter is melted quickly whisk in the flour. Whisk together into a creamy paste. This will make a roux. Whisk until you have a light brown roux.

Here’s why you make a roux:

1. Thickening: The primary purpose of a roux is to thicken the gravy. When flour is cooked in fat, its starches gelatinize and absorb liquid, resulting in a thickened sauce or soup.
2. Texture: Roux adds a smooth texture to the gravy, giving it body and richness. It helps to create a smooth mixture by evenly dispersing the flour particles in the liquid so it isn’t clumpy.
3. Flavor: Cooking the flour in fat adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the roux, which in turn enhances the overall flavor of the gravy.

Making a roux is a crucial step because it helps to achieve the desired texture, thickness of your gravy.

Pour in Milk and Whisk Continuously

Pour in your milk and whisk until roux is incorporated. Turn the heat down to low and whisk until you have desired consistency. The ratio for this recipe creates the perfect creamy consistency. Not too runny, not too thick. It truly does make for the best homemade gravy from scratch that is quick and easy!

Season with Salt and Pepper

Once you’ve incorporated the milk add in your salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately over a piece of toast or hot biscuit for breakfast or some fried chicken or steak for dinner.

Best Ways to Eat White Gravy from Scratch

1. Biscuits and Gravy: One of the most popular ways to enjoy white gravy is poured over freshly baked biscuits or slices of toast. You can find my favorite homemade bread recipe here. The combination of the flaky, buttery biscuits and creamy gravy is a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.
2. Fried Chicken: White gravy pairs wonderfully with crispy fried chicken. Drizzle the gravy over the chicken pieces for a deliciously indulgent meal that combines savory flavors and creamy texture.
3. Country Fried Steak: Country fried steak, also known as chicken fried steak, is a Southern classic that’s often served smothered in white gravy. The tenderized steak is coated in seasoned flour, fried until golden brown, and then topped with creamy gravy for a hearty and satisfying meal.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Serve white gravy alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish. The creamy texture of the gravy complements the smoothness of the mashed potatoes, creating a delicious combination that’s perfect for any meal.
5. Breaded Pork Chops: Breaded pork chops smothered in white gravy make for a delicious and comforting meal. The crispy exterior of the pork chops contrasts with the creamy gravy, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
6. Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich: Use white gravy as a filling for a breakfast sandwich made with biscuits, scrambled eggs, and your choice of breakfast meat, such as sausage or bacon. The creamy gravy adds moisture and flavor to the sandwich, making it a satisfying morning meal.

Want some more from scratch recipes?

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

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If you try this recipe and love it I’d love for you to give me a 5 star review and share it on social media!