Country white gravy is a comforting Southern staple made quickly and easily with simple pantry ingredients. Creamy and savory, it’s comfort food perfection over biscuits, fried chicken, and more!
Country White Gravy
Country white gravy is more than just a sauce. It’s a tradition. Its creamy texture and rich flavor have made it a beloved staple of Southern cuisine. Creamy, savory, and incredibly versatile, this gravy is a must-have recipe for anyone who loves classic home-cooked meals.
You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this delicious gravy, quickly and easily. It's the perfect way to add creamy comfort food flavor to biscuits, mashed potatoes, chicken fried steak, and more!
Whether you’re making a big family breakfast or serving up a comforting dinner, this gravy is sure to please.
What Is Country White Gravy?
Country white gravy, also known as milk gravy, is a simple yet flavorful sauce made from a roux of fat and flour, combined with milk. The result is a velvety smooth texture that pairs perfectly with hearty Southern dishes. Traditionally, it’s seasoned with just simple salt and lots of black pepper.
Do I Have to Use Drippings?
No. We just need a fat to make the roux with flour. If you don't have any bacon or sausage drippings on hand, you can also use the same amount of butter.
What's the Difference Between Country White Gravy and Sausage Gravy?
The big difference is that sausage gravy has actual cooked and crumbled sausage in it. Instead of using just fat or drippings, like this country white gravy recipe, a sausage gravy first cooks sausage and then adds the flour straight to the pan with the sausage and drippings to soak up all of that sausage flavor.
What's the Secret to Perfectly Smooth Gravy?
Smooth, creamy gravy is actually really easy if you know this trick. Simply add milk very slowly while whisking. I only add about ¼ cup at a time and whisk until it's completely combined before adding. This slow combination allows all of the ingredients to meld without making lumps.
How Thick Should Country White Gravy Be?
This is up to your own personal preference. I prefer mine thicker, which means I just let it simmer a bit longer until it's nice and thick.
If you feel your gravy has gotten too thick, add a little more milk, about ¼ cup at a time until it reaches desired consistency. Alternately, if your gravy is too thin, just continue simmering until it's just slightly more runny than your desired consistency. Gravy continues to thicken as it cools, so stop simmering when it's just a tiny bit on the runny side.
How to Use Country White Gravy
Country white gravy isn’t just for biscuits. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Chicken Fried Steak
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole or your favorite breakfast casserole
- Fried Chicken
- Classic Southern Breakfast - with eggs, sausage, bacon, and biscuits!
- Egg Skillet with hash potatoes and vegetables of your choosing, topped with eggs and gravy
- Pork Chops
- Chicken Fingers
- Roasted, sauteed, or steamed vegetables to give them a creamy twist
- Casseroles as a base sauce for savory bakes - a great substitute for any cream soups in recipes!
More Southern Favorite Recipes You'll Love
- Southern Biscuits and Gravy - Fluffy biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy for a comforting, hearty breakfast classic!
- Southern Skillet Cornbread - Crisp golden crust, moist, buttery interior. A savory classic that pairs well with soups, stews, or on its own!
- Easy Egg Breakfast Casserole - Super simple, all-in-one egg casserole loaded with cheese, and sausage. Perfect for quick mornings or cozy weekend brunch gatherings!
- Crockpot Grits - A southern classic, slow-cooked to creamy perfection. They’re so comforting, perfect anytime—great for breakfast, a savory side, or sweet toppings!
- BEST Chicken Pot Pie - Tender chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce under a buttery, flaky crust. It's comfort food that's hearty, delicious, and satisfying!
Country White Gravy Video
Country White Gravy
Ingredients
- ¼ cup bacon or sausage drippings (or butter if you don't have any drippings)
- ¼ cup flour
- 2½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add drippings or butter. Heat until melted and warm.
- Add flour and continue to heat through until warm, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Slowly add milk, adding no more than a ½ cup at a time. Whisk vigorously to combine between each addition.
- Continue cooking and stirring until gravy comes to a light simmer and thickens. Add white pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm over your desired dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free: This recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten free measure-for-measure flour.
- Dairy Free: Use your favorite dairy free milk in this recipe to make it dairy free.
- Gravy continues to thicken as it cools, so stop simmering when it's just a tiny bit on the runny side.
- Add a little more milk if gravy is too thick (add ¼ cup at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
- I like to cook gravy in a cast iron skillet, like this one.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Directions: Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in a medium saucepan.
Nutrition
Never Miss a Thing!
Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!
Leave a Reply