White Gravy Is the 4-Ingredient Sauce Your Biscuits Are Missing (2024)

Kristina Vänni

Kristina Vänni

Internationally recognized culinary authority Kristina Vänni is a well-known food writer, engaging TV host, award-winning recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer. In addition to writing for industry-leading websites including Better Homes and Gardens, The Spruce Eats, and Food52, she has been a featured expert on national media such as ABC News’ “World News Tonight” and CBS’ “The Talk” and has served as a spokesperson and recipe developer for national brands such as Finlandia, KitchenAid, Post Foods, Baileys, among many others. Kristina is currently writing her first cookbook, an exploration of the traditional and seasonal cuisine from her family's dairy farm in Finland. Kristina enthusiastically shares her creative content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and industry expertise with food enthusiasts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Follow

updated Oct 20, 2023

Be the first to leave a review!

In a matter of minutes, this gravy can be whipped up to become the perfect creamy, savory topping for your favorite dishes.

Serves6Makes2 cupsCook10 minutes

Jump to Recipe

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

In a matter of minutes, you can whip up white gravy in a saucepan for the perfect creamy, savory topping for your favorite dishes. This basic sauce is prepared with ingredients you likely already have on hand: butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. For a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne can be added as well. It’s the kind of recipe that can be used so often, that you will find you soon have it committed to memory. I suggest trying your first batch spooned over a homemade buttermilk biscuit. The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with the warm, fluffy layers.

What Is White Gravy Made of?

White gravy is made with just five easy ingredients. It begins with a roux made with butter and flour and is thinned to the perfect pouring or spooning consistency using milk. White gravy is simply seasoned with salt and pepper before serving.

What’s the Difference Between Country Gravy and White Gravy?

Country gravy and white gravy are names that are frequently used interchangeably for similar sauces. Sometimes country gravy uses bacon grease in place of the butter as the fat to make the roux.

What to Serve with White Gravy

White gravy is delicious when served over homemade biscuits or mashed potatoes. It can also be used as a creamy blanket for chicken fried steak or pork chops as well.

Comments

White Gravy Recipe

In a matter of minutes, this gravy can be whipped up to become the perfect creamy, savory topping for your favorite dishes.

Cook time 10 minutes

Makes 2 cups

Serves 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons

    (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup

    all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups

    whole or 2% milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    kosher salt, plus more as needed

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

Instructions

  1. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture has a toasty aroma and becomes a deep golden hue, 3 to 5 minutes. (The roux will thin out a bit as it continues to cook.)

  2. Whisking constantly, slowly add 2 cups milk a 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture will seize up at first. Don’t worry, just keep slowly adding the milk and whisking constantly — it will become smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and whisk to combine.

  3. Continue to whisk and cook until the gravy is thickened to your desired consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. It should fall in a thick stream from a spoon, but not clump. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.

Recipe Notes

Variations: For a spicier white gravy, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage and freezing: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

White Gravy Is the 4-Ingredient Sauce Your Biscuits Are Missing (2024)

FAQs

What is white gravy made of? ›

The basic recipe for white gravy consists of butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Some people use bacon or sausage fat in place of butter, and others further season the gravy beyond salt and pepper.

What makes a sauce gravy? ›

At the most basic level, gravy is a simple pan sauce that requires liquid and a thickener. Traditional turkey gravy usually has fat, flour, and stock. You can make excellent turkey gravy with just those ingredients, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.

Why does my sausage gravy have no flavor? ›

If the gravy lacks oomph, adjust seasoning as necessary with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If you used canned stock instead of homemade, the gravy might not be as flavorful.

What is the gravy in biscuits and gravy made of? ›

Flour – Mixed with the fat released by the sausage the flour makes the roux that gives you the creamiest gravy. Milk – I use whole milk in this recipe to keep it extra rich and creamy. Seasoned Salt + Pepper – Flavor, flavor, flavor!

What do Americans call white gravy? ›

Country gravy, also called white gravy, is made with 5 basic ingredients. Bacon fat and flour are used in this version to make a simple roux that adds a delicious nutty flavor. Using room temperature milk and stirring continuously ensures your homemade country gravy is super smooth and creamy.

What's the difference between white gravy and country gravy? ›

Country gravy and white gravy are names that are frequently used interchangeably for similar sauces. Sometimes country gravy uses bacon grease in place of the butter as the fat to make the roux.

What is breakfast gravy made of? ›

If you ask ten southern cooks how to make breakfast gravy, you'll probably get ten different answers. While every family seems to have their own “secret” recipe, they're all quite similar. In fact, this simple dish really only needs four ingredients: butter, flour, milk, and sausage.

Why does my white gravy taste bland? ›

If your gravy is a little on the bland side, add some more stock, a sprinkle of salt, or a splash of fortified wine. Finally, you can fix salty gravy by adding some sugar, butter, vinegar, or more stock.

How to jazz up biscuits and gravy? ›

I think it's best with sausage, but you could substitute bacon or other chopped meats. Flour and butter: for flavor and to thicken the gravy. Half and half– or substitute whole or 2% milk. Seasoning: Thyme, Rosemary, Crushed red pepper.

How to thicken white gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

How unhealthy is biscuits and gravy? ›

Unfortunately, this comforting and heavy breakfast or brunch can quickly knock out your calorie intake for the whole day. Biscuits and gravy are high in calories and saturated fats and low in nutritional benefits.

What is the American version of biscuits and gravy? ›

Biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast dish in the United States, especially in the South. The dish consists of soft dough biscuits covered in white gravy (sawmill gravy), made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage, flour, milk, and often (but not always) bits of sausage, bacon, ground beef, or other meat.

Why does my biscuits and gravy taste like flour? ›

Your gravy might taste doughy or chalky if you didn't cook the flour enough when making your roux. You'll want to cook the flour for at least five minutes, until it smells nutty and begins to turn light brown. But if you don't notice until it's too late and you've already added your broth, bring the gravy to a simmer.

What is Cracker Barrel white gravy made of? ›

It consists of milk or cream, meat grease, flour, salt, and plenty of pepper. It can be either a white or light brown gravy, depending on the fat (butter or meat drippings).

What is real gravy made from? ›

For each cup of gravy you want, start with 2 tablespoons of drippings and fat, and 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch. (This will produce a rich and thick gravy. If you would like a thinner gravy, either start with one tablespoon each of drippings and starch, or add more liquid to thin the gravy.)

Why is white gravy called sawmill gravy? ›

The term "sawmill gravy" comes from early logging camp food and old-time sawmills. It was originally made with cornmeal, bacon drippings, milk, and seasonings. This resulted in a somewhat gritty gravy; in fact, rumor has it that the loggers would accuse the cooks of putting sawdust in the recipe!

Why does my white gravy taste like flour? ›

Your gravy might taste doughy or chalky if you didn't cook the flour enough when making your roux. You'll want to cook the flour for at least five minutes, until it smells nutty and begins to turn light brown. But if you don't notice until it's too late and you've already added your broth, bring the gravy to a simmer.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6145

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.