There’s something deeply comforting about a rich, creamy sausage gravy that hugs every bite of your breakfast. This Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe brings all those warm, classic flavors without any gluten worries—making those cozy weekend mornings even better.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made countless gravy recipes over the years, but this gluten-free version hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, peppery, and packed with meaty goodness. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up on busy mornings or lazy brunch days.
- Classic flavor without gluten: It mimics traditional sausage gravy but uses a gluten-free flour that thickens just right.
- Uses sausage drippings: No waste here—those browned bits add rich depth to the gravy.
- Easy to tweak: You control the pepper level and thickness, making it just the way you like it every time.
- Versatile and comforting: Perfect over gluten-free biscuits or for drizzling on eggs, this gravy becomes your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a starring role in this dish—quality sausage brings savory depth, the gluten-free flour thickens without clumping, and whole milk adds creaminess. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why these ingredients shine together.
- Pork breakfast sausage: Choose a flavorful, well-seasoned sausage since it’s the base of your gravy’s taste.
- Gluten-free measure-for-measure flour: This works just like regular flour, making it easier to get the perfect roux without gluten.
- Whole milk: The richness from whole milk creates that dreamy, creamy texture you want in a gravy.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked gives the gravy that nostalgic peppery kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; add gradually to avoid over-salting.
- Cold butter: Added last, it smooths out the gravy and gives a subtle glossiness.
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional): A simple green garnish adds freshness and color to the plate.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this gravy is you can easily personalize it depending on your tastes or what you have on hand. I often play with the spice levels or swap in dairy-free milk if needed, and it still turns out comforting and delicious.
- Add heat: I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy warmth that wakes up the flavor.
- Dairy-free version: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, but watch the thickness and adjust the flour slightly to maintain creaminess.
- Herb variations: Fresh sage or thyme instead of chives can bring a lovely earthy note if you want something different.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by cooking the pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it sizzles. I like to get a good browning on the sausage because those crispy bits add flavor. Don’t drain the drippings—you’ll be using these to create a rich roux that forms the base of your gravy.
Step 2: Add the Gluten-Free Flour
Turn the heat down to medium and sprinkle the gluten-free flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to toast the flour slightly until it turns a golden peanut-butter color. This step deepens the flavor and helps thicken your gravy without lumps. Keep stirring so the flour doesn’t burn or clump.
Step 3: Stir in the Milk and Thicken
Slowly whisk in the whole milk. I pour it in gradually to avoid lumps, then keep stirring as the mixture thickens over 2-3 minutes. You want a creamy, smooth gravy that coats the back of a spoon. If you find it too thick, no worries—just add leftover milk a tablespoon at a time until it’s perfect for you.
Step 4: Season and Finish with Butter
Generously season your gravy with black pepper—that peppery bite is key to authentic sausage gravy! Add salt carefully, tasting as you go. Once seasoned well, remove the pan from heat and stir in a tablespoon of cold butter. This little flourish makes the gravy velvety and shiny, sealing in flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot gravy over fluffy gluten-free biscuits or your favorite morning plates. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich gravy beautifully.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make gluten-free sausage gravy foolproof and absolutely delicious. These tips have saved me from lumpy gravy disasters and bland flavors.
- Toast the flour properly: Don’t skip toasting the gluten-free flour—it’s what gives the gravy that rich nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- Use cold butter at the end: Adding cold butter off the heat gives the gravy a silky finish and stops it from overcooking.
- Adjust milk gradually: Add your milk slowly and whisk constantly to avoid a gravy that’s too thin—or worse, lumpy.
- Don’t drain sausage drippings: Those drippings carry all the flavor! They’re your gravy’s secret weapon.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my sausage gravy with freshly chopped chives—there’s something about their mild oniony crunch that brightens up the rich gravy. Parsley is another lovely option if you want a bit more herbal freshness and color on your plate.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, sausage gravy shines over warm gluten-free biscuits. But I also love scooping it over scrambled eggs, roasted breakfast potatoes, or even a stack of fluffy pancakes when I’m feeling indulgent. It pairs beautifully with anything that can soak up that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I like setting up a “gravy bar” with gluten-free biscuits, scrambled eggs, sautéed veggies, and sausage gravy on the side—everyone gets to pile on as they please. For a special treat, drizzle gravy over sweet potato biscuits or top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. It thickens up in the fridge, so before serving, I always thin it out with a splash of milk and gently reheat.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this gluten-free sausage gravy recipe. The texture can become grainy and separate after freezing, which is a bummer for such a creamy dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk to loosen it up. You can use the microwave too—heat in short bursts, stirring between each, so it doesn’t break or dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This recipe uses a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour that’s safe for celiacs and those with gluten intolerance. Just make sure your sausage also doesn’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Yes, you can swap whole milk for dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the thickening by tweaking the flour amount.
The key is to sprinkle the gluten-free flour evenly and stir constantly while gradually adding cold milk. Whisking well during the process helps keep the gravy smooth and lump-free. Toasting the flour with the sausage fat before adding milk also helps.
To make a vegan version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use a dairy-free milk option. Use a gluten-free flour like rice or chickpea flour for thickening. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change but it can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast repertoire because it brings comfort and nostalgia with a gluten-free twist that everyone can enjoy. I hope you find it as foolproof and satisfying as I do—grab your skillet, and let’s start creating those cozy mornings together!
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Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy is a hearty, classic breakfast recipe made with savory pork sausage and a smooth, creamy gluten-free roux. Perfect for serving over warm gluten-free biscuits, this comforting dish is easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and ideal for those following a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
Sausage and Roux
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
- 1 Tablespoon cold butter
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½-1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork breakfast sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Do not drain the sausage drippings, as these will be used to make the roux.
- Add the Flour: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the cooked sausage with gluten-free flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour. Cook until the mixture turns golden brown, similar to the color of peanut butter.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. If the gravy becomes too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Finish: Season the gravy generously with black pepper and salt to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cold butter until melted and incorporated. If desired, garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
- Serve and Store: Serve the warm gravy over gluten-free biscuits or your favorite gluten-free bread. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk. Note that sausage gravy does not freeze well.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour for best thickening and authentic gravy texture.
- Do not drain the sausage drippings; they add essential flavor and fat for the roux.
- Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your preferred gravy thickness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Sausage gravy is best served fresh and does not freeze well.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently with additional milk to maintain smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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