Classic White Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Classic white gravy is a creamy, comforting sauce perfect for breakfast dishes like biscuits or sausage, as well as hearty dinners. Made with a simple roux and milk, it comes together quickly and adds rich flavor to any meal.
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
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture develops a toasty aroma and turns a deep golden color, about 3 to 5 minutes. The roux will thin slightly as it cooks.
- Step 2: Slowly add the milk in 1/2 cup increments, whisking constantly. The mixture will initially seize up, but keep adding milk and whisking until it becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Continue cooking and whisking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. It should pour in a thick stream without clumping. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole milk for creamier gravy or substitute with 2% for a lighter version.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Storage
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking frequently and adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make white gravy without butter?
Butter is key to making a roux and adding flavor, but you can substitute with an equal amount of oil or bacon grease for a different taste and texture.
How do I fix lumpy white gravy?
If lumps form, whisk vigorously to break them up or strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve. Adding the milk slowly and whisking constantly helps prevent lumps from forming.
Print
Classic White Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (serves 4) 1x
Description
This Classic White Gravy recipe is a smooth, creamy, and savory sauce made with a simple roux of butter and flour, slowly combined with milk and seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper. Perfect for pouring over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken, this easy-to-make gravy elevates any comfort food meal.
Ingredients
Gravy 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
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture emits a toasty aroma and turns a deep golden hue, about 3 to 5 minutes. The roux will thin out a bit as it cooks—this is normal.
- Add Milk Slowly: While whisking constantly, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole or 2% milk in half-cup increments. The mixture may seize and become lumpy initially, but continue whisking steadily; it will smooth out and become creamy. Then add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, whisking to combine thoroughly.
- Thicken the Gravy: Continue whisking and cooking the gravy for another 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. The gravy should fall in a thick stream from a spoon without clumping. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer gravy or 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Adjust the thickness by cooking longer to thicken or adding a splash more milk to thin.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- This gravy pairs perfectly with biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or breakfast dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: white gravy, classic gravy, southern gravy, biscuit gravy, simple white sauce
