Sawmill Gravy
Rich, creamy, and infused with hearty flavor, this classic Sawmill Gravy recipe is a savory Southern staple that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with browned breakfast sausage, a velvety milk-based roux, and just the right touch of black and cayenne pepper, this comforting gravy delivers a balance of savory spice and smooth richness in every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile gravy pairs beautifully with flaky buttermilk biscuits, crispy hash browns, or creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're preparing a weekend feast or a quick weekday meal, this one-pan recipe brings authentic down-home flavor to your table with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces breakfast sausage (or ground pork)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Instructions
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Do not drain the drippings, as they’ll add flavor to the gravy.
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the cooked sausage and stir until melted.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sausage and drippings. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
Gradually pour in the whole milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Season the gravy with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the sawmill gravy hot over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite comfort food.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1276 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.5 g | 121% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.3 g | 206% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 279 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 2912 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.1 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.5 g | ||
| Protein | 55.8 g | 112% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 668 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1324 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
