If you’ve ever wished for a reliable, flavorful base for comforting Southern-style gravy, this Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe is an absolute game changer. It brings together simple pantry staples to create a savory, peppery, and perfectly creamy gravy that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re smothering crispy biscuits, spooning it over fried chicken, or stirring in some sausage for a hearty breakfast, this mix offers versatility and ease, becoming an instant favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect gravy base. Each item in this list plays an essential role in delivering that rich flavor, smooth texture, and irresistible aroma you want from your gravy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the mix that thickens your gravy beautifully and gives it body.
- 1 cup dry milk powder: Adds creaminess and a subtle dairy richness without needing fresh milk on hand.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Enhances the thickening power for a silky finish that clings perfectly to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Brings that signature kick that makes country gravy so memorable.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Balances flavors and highlights every other ingredient.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Infuses a gentle, savory depth that elevates the gravy’s taste.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A subtle blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile with warmth.
- 2 tablespoons fat (butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease): This fat choice enriches the gravy and carries the flavors smoothly.
- 3 tablespoons of the gravy mix: The star ingredient, ready to be cooked with liquid into luscious gravy.
- 1 cup water or milk (milk recommended for creamier gravy): The liquid that brings everything together—milk will give you a richer texture.
- Optional: browned sausage for sausage gravy: Adds hearty, meaty flavor for those craving a sausage gravy twist.
How to Make Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, ground black pepper, salt, onion powder, and poultry seasoning in a large bowl. This ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed, giving your gravy an even and flavorful base.
Step 2: Cook the Fat and Mix
In a medium skillet, melt your chosen fat—whether butter or tasty bacon grease—over medium heat. Once melted and hot, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of your dry gravy mix while stirring constantly. This step cooks the mixture slightly, helping to remove any raw flour taste and preparing it to thicken your gravy beautifully once liquid is added.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk or water, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture heats and thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens, transforming the mix into a luscious, velvety gravy perfect for any meal.
Step 4: Customize (Optional)
If you want to make sausage gravy, cook and crumble your browned sausage, then stir it right into the gravy at this stage. The savory bits make this classic dish unforgettable and truly elevate your breakfast experience.
How to Serve Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your homemade country gravy, try topping it with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a fresh, vibrant touch. A small pat of butter melted on top can also add an extra layer of richness that makes every bite feel indulgent.
Side Dishes
This gravy is a perfect partner for fluffy buttermilk biscuits, crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or even creamy grits. Its comforting warmth and peppery punch bring these classic Southern sides to life with true homestyle charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving game up a notch by ladling gravy over open-faced breakfast sandwiches or drizzling it onto roasted vegetables. For a twist, use it as a sauce base in casseroles—it’ll add that signature country flavor you love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover prepared gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors again without fuss.
Freezing
Because of its dairy content, freezing gravy can be a bit tricky, but it is possible. Freeze in a freezer-safe container with some headspace to allow expansion, then thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking often to maintain smoothness. If the gravy thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This will maintain the gravy’s texture and flavor.
What type of fat works best for this gravy?
Butter gives a classic creamy flavor, while bacon grease or sausage fat adds smoky richness. Feel free to experiment depending on your taste preference—each option brings a unique twist.
Is dry milk powder necessary?
Dry milk powder adds creaminess and depth without needing fresh milk right away. You can omit it if needed, but expect a slightly thinner and less rich gravy.
How spicy is the gravy?
The black pepper adds a pleasant, moderate heat that’s traditional to country gravy. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! This Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe scales beautifully. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and store the dry mix for future use—it’s a great time saver.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe is a fantastic way to bring authentic comfort food flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum love. It’s one of those recipes that once you try, you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again to dress up your meals with pure Southern charm. Give it a go and watch how it transforms your everyday dishes into soulful celebrations at the table.
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Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Sauce/Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This homemade Country Gravy Mix is a convenient blend of pantry staples designed to make rich, creamy country-style gravy effortlessly. Perfect for breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy or as a savory topping for meats and potatoes, this mix can be easily prepared with water or milk for a comforting, Southern-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fat (butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease)
- 3 tablespoons of the gravy mix
- 1 cup water or milk (milk recommended for creamier gravy)
- Optional: browned sausage for sausage gravy
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Mix: Combine the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, ground black pepper, salt, onion powder, and poultry seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create the gravy mix.
- Cook the Fat: In a skillet or saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of your chosen fat (such as butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease) over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of the prepared gravy mix into the melted fat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this roux for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and to thicken the base.
- Add Liquid: Slowly pour in 1 cup of water or milk while continuously whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the gravy is thickened to your desired consistency.
- Optional Sausage Gravy: If making sausage gravy, brown your sausage in the skillet before adding the fat. Once cooked, use the sausage fat to prepare the gravy as outlined above, then stir the browned sausage back into the finished gravy.
- Serve: Serve the warm gravy over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your preferred dish immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a creamier and richer gravy, use milk instead of water when preparing the gravy.
- Store unused dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a spicier gravy, adjust the black pepper accordingly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The gravy thickens as it cools; if it becomes too thick, thin it with a little more milk or water while reheating.
- This mix can be doubled or tripled to prepare larger batches and stored for future quick meals.
