How to Make Perfect Country Gravy in 5 Easy Steps

Country gravy is a deliciously creamy topping that’s perfect for drizzling over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. If you’re looking to learn how to make this classic Southern staple dish, you’re in for a treat! All it takes is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.

The first step to making country gravy is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll only need a few things, such as milk, flour, salt, pepper, and butter. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started. Making country gravy is so easy that even beginners can handle it, so don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch of gravy in no time!

Ingredients Needed to Make Country Gravy

It’s no secret that country gravy is a Southern staple, and there’s a reason for that. It’s simple to make, delicious, and pairs well with so many dishes like biscuits, chicken fried steak, or mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for a recipe to make your own country gravy, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making country gravy from scratch.

1. Butter or Lard

The first ingredient you need to make country gravy is either butter or lard. Both work well, but lard is more traditional. The reason for this is that lard has a higher smoke point and won’t burn as easily as butter. However, if you don’t have lard on hand or you prefer the taste of butter, it’s perfectly fine to use.

2. Flour

The next ingredient is flour. This is what’s going to thicken your gravy and give it that delicious, savory flavor. It’s essential to use all-purpose flour and make sure it’s fresh. Old flour can affect the texture and taste of your gravy.

3. Milk or Cream

The third ingredient is milk or cream. Whole milk is the traditional choice, but you can also use heavy cream for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use skim milk, but keep in mind that it won’t be as creamy or flavorful.

4. Salt and Pepper

Next up, you’ll need salt and pepper. These are crucial to bring out the flavors of your gravy. Add salt and pepper to taste, but keep in mind that gravy can be pretty forgiving. You can always adjust the seasoning later on, so don’t stress too much about getting it perfect right away.

5. Optional: Meat Drippings

If you’re making country gravy to accompany a meat dish, you can add meat drippings to your gravy for extra flavor. Simply pour the drippings into the pan before you add the flour. This will give your gravy a rich, meaty taste that’s hard to resist.

6. Whisk or Wooden Spoon

To make the perfect country gravy, you’ll need a whisk or a wooden spoon. These will help you stir the flour into the butter or lard and prevent clumps from forming.

7. Saucepan or Skillet

You’ll also need either a saucepan or a skillet to make your gravy. A saucepan is ideal because it has high sides, which prevents splatters from getting all over your stovetop. However, a skillet works just as well. Just be sure to use a splatter screen to prevent any messes.

8. A Measuring Cup

When measuring your ingredients, it’s important to be precise. Use a measuring cup to ensure that you’re adding the correct amounts of each ingredient.

9. A Whisk or Blender

If you’re using heavy cream or want a smoother consistency, you can use a whisk or blender to blend your gravy. This will help remove any lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.

10. Patience and a Love for Cooking

Finally, the most important ingredient you need to make country gravy is patience and a love for cooking. Making gravy from scratch can be a bit finicky, so it’s best to approach it with a calm, patient attitude. Remember, if your gravy doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, it’s okay. Keep trying, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. The more you practice, the better your gravy will be!

Tools and Ingredients You Need to Make Country Gravy

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of how to make country gravy, we need to ensure that you have all the necessary implements and ingredients. Here are ten essential things you should have access to when making country gravy.

1. A sturdy skillet

To make country gravy, you’re going to need a large skillet that will allow you to cook your roux and whisk in your liquids efficiently. We recommend a sturdy cast-iron skillet, which retains heat well and is an excellent conductor of heat.

2. Flour and fat

Country gravy is made using a roux, which means you will need a combination of flour and fat to start building your sauce. Many folks use bacon grease, but you can also use butter or vegetable oil.

3. Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are two of the most essential seasoning agents in any kitchen. When making country gravy, you’ll need both to ensure that the flavors are adequately balanced.

4. Whole milk

Country gravy is a rich and creamy concoction that requires a generous amount of whole milk. Make sure you have enough milk on hand to create the sauce’s desired consistency.

5. Chicken or beef broth

Chicken and beef broth add depth and complexity to your country gravy. They also serve as an excellent vehicle for introducing umami flavors to the sauce.

6. Onion and garlic

Onion and garlic are necessary for adding depth and flavor to your country gravy. Saute them in your fat of choice before adding the flour to your roux.

7. Heavy cream (optional)

For an extra decadent country gravy, try adding a splash or two of heavy cream. This will make the sauce even creamier and richer.

8. Whisk or wooden spoon

You’ll need a whisk or wooden spoon to stir your roux and liquids together to create a smooth gravy consistency.

9. Serving vessel

Choose a heat-resistant serving vessel that can hold your country gravy without spilling or making a mess.

10. Biscuits

Finally, you’re going to need something to put your country gravy on, and nothing complements it better than a fluffy, buttery biscuit.

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools set up, we can move on to the real work of making country gravy. In the next section, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating a fantastic country gravy from scratch.

Ingredients for Country Gravy

When it comes to making country gravy, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

Preparing the Ingredients

Making country gravy begins with preparing the ingredients. Start by melting the butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add in the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (optional). Stir continuously until the mixture becomes a light brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, making sure to whisk well and break up any lumps before adding more milk. This is important to avoid lumpy gravy. Continue whisking until all the milk has been added and the mixture is smooth.

Cooking the Gravy

Once all the milk has been added, turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. This is where the magic happens and the gravy thickens up nicely. Keep stirring frequently until it reaches your desired thickness, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk to thin it out. If you like a thinner gravy, add more milk to the mixture until you have the desired texture.

Seasoning the Gravy

After the gravy has thickened to your liking, it’s time to add the seasonings. Start by stirring in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (optional). Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Remember, the gravy will thicken further as it cools down, so keep that in mind when adjusting the seasoning. Keep the gravy warm until you are ready to serve it.

Serving the Gravy

Country gravy is a versatile condiment that can be served over a variety of dishes, including mashed potatoes, biscuits, fried chicken, and more. To serve, simply spoon the gravy over your chosen dish and enjoy the comforting, savory taste.

Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply heat the gravy over low heat, whisking occasionally until heated through. And that’s it – you now know how to make delicious homemade country gravy to impress your friends and family!

Now It’s Time to Dig In!

Thank you for taking the time to learn how to make country gravy with me! I hope this article has been helpful and the delicious aroma of gravy is filling your kitchen. Remember, if you need a quick and easy recipe that tastes amazing, country gravy is the way to go. I encourage you to try different variations and make it your own. Don’t forget to subscribe to our website to receive more mouth-watering recipes and tips for making delicious meals. Mahalo for stopping by, see you soon!