There's nothing quite like a classic White Country Gravy to make your taste buds happy. Milk gravy is a southern staple that is made with just a few simple ingredients, and it's so easy to cook up at home. Whether you're serving it over biscuits or potatoes, this gravy will become a family favorite!
Southern cuisine is known to be rich and comforting. And what's more comforting than white country gravy? This dish contains flour, milk, and butter (or sausage or bacon fat). It's the perfect gravy to stick to your ribs!
Milk gravy is a staple in many southern households. It's served with everything from biscuits to chicken fried steak. And it's so easy to make! All you'll need is some flour, milk, and either butter, sausage or bacon fat.
The flavor is delicious! The milk gives the gravy a rich and creamy flavor, while the sausage or bacon fat adds a bit of salty flavor. White pepper is added for a unique kick of heat, and the flour helps to thicken the gravy so it's nice and thick.
This white country gravy is the perfect comfort food!
So if you're looking for something to warm you up on a cold day, or you just want to make a delicious southern meal, this gravy is sure to hit the spot.
Try serving it on a big pile of Truffle Mashed Potatoes.
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Why Make This Recipe
- This thick and comforting gravy is made with just 4 simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
- It has a down-home country flavor coming from the sausage or bacon fat.
- Serve milk gravy in a variety of different ways to change it up.
- You can add additional spices and seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Bacon Fat, Sausage Fat, or Butter - You can use bacon fat, butter, or sausage drippings for a country flavor in the gravy base
- All Purpose Flour - Used with the cooking fat to make a roux that will thicken up the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and Pepper - You can use white or black pepper and salt to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the gravy.
- Whole Milk - Makes up the creamy liquid portion of the gravy, allowing everything to come together to the perfect pourable consistency.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this White Country Gravy (Milk Gravy) recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Melt the fat: Add the butter or meat drippings to a large skillet and heat over medium until fully melted.
Make the roux: To the pan with the fat, whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking it, whisking continuously, for 8-10 minutes or until it turns into a thick, golden-brown paste.
Add in the milk: Whisk in the milk a little at a time so the flour paste absorbs it and starts to liquefy. Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy is smooth and thick - about 3-5 minutes.
Adjust and serve: If it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk. Ladle over biscuits, potatoes, or your favorite protein. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Tips for making a roux:
- Cook the roux over medium heat so it doesn't burn.
- Use a whisk to help incorporate the flour into the fat.
- Cook until it's a thick paste and has turned golden in color.
While butter tastes great in this gravy, try using bacon fat or sausage drippings for even more flavor.
If you find that your gravy is too thick, whisk in a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If its too thin, let it simmer and bubble until desired consistency is formed.
The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools so you may want to stop cooking once it's slightly runny.
Use whole room-temperature milk for this recipe as it will help prevent the gravy from curdling.
Variations
For gluten free gravy: Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend or white rice flour.
For vegan gravy: Use vegan butter, coconut oil, or olive oil and plant based milk such as almond, cashew, or soy milk.
If you want more of a sausage gravy flavor, add in some crumbled cooked sausage when you whisk in the milk.
For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in place of the white pepper.
Add other seasoning blends to the gravy including garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme.
Storage & Freezing
White country gravy will last covered in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, whisking occasionally.
This gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk if needed to reconstitute the mixture.
FAQs
This white country gravy is delicious served over biscuits, potatoes, rice, or any protein such as chicken, pork chops, or steak.
Whole milk works best in this recipe as it won't curdle when heated. However, you can also use 2% milk though it will have a less creamy consistency.
While butter tastes great in this gravy, you could also use bacon fat, sausage drippings, or even duck or beef fat.
📖 Recipe
White Country Gravy
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ cup bacon fat, sausage drippings or butter
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups whole milk (ideally at room temperature)
Instructions
- Melt the fat/butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper. Continue cooking it, whisking continuously, for 8-10 minutes or until it turns into a thick, golden brown paste.
- Whisk in the milk a little at a time, so the flour paste absorbs it.
- Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy is smooth and thick - about 3-5 minutes. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk.
Notes
- Cook the roux over medium heat so it doesn't burn.
- Use a whisk to help incorporate the flour into the fat.
- Cook until it's a thick paste and has turned golden in color.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Amy
I made this recipe for breakfast yesterday and it was delicious! I used bacon fat and it was so flavorful. I’ll be making it again!
Janessa
Love the flavour in this creamy gravy from the bacon fat!
Toni
This gravy is totally irresistible!! Everyone at my house loved it!
Ava M.
I was just looking for an easy sauce to serve over potatoes and your recipe came up, so lucky because it was a hit! Thank you.
Jen
My family went crazy for this gravy!! So delish!