White gravy, or country gravy, is essential in Southern food. Its rich texture and delicious Flavor make it an ideal addition to various recipes. White gravy is a great option when cooking an energizing breakfast, a warm meal, or if you need something to enhance your meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps necessary to make this delicious dish from scratch.
Table of Contents
What is White Gravy?
The white gravy recipe is a creamy sauce made using a roux containing flour and butter, then seasoned with milk and seasoned to the perfect level. It’s the foundation of Southern cuisine, usually served with biscuits, chicken-fried steaks, or mashed potatoes. Although it’s a simple dish, white gravy recipe is rich and delicious taste can transform a meal into something special.
Ingredients
The recipe for delicious white gravy is a matter of only a few ingredients from your pantry. The ingredients you’ll need are:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It serves as the foundation for the roux and gives it a rich taste.
- 4-tablespoon all-purpose meal: It is essential for the thickening of gravy.
- 2 cups of whole milk provides creaminess and the Consistency you want.
- Black pepper freshly crushed and salt: season gravy according to your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make a delicious and smooth white gravy made from scratch
- Place a medium-sized saucepan over moderate heat, and then heat the butter. Make sure it doesn’t turn brown since this could alter the taste.
- Add the flour mixture to the melting butter and whisk continuously to create an even roux. It should cook for around a minute to remove the taste of raw flour.
- Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking. This will prevent lumps and give the milk a smooth texture.
- Continue to cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until gravy has thickened to the preferred consistency.
- Sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your needs.
- Remove from the heat and serve warm with your favorite meals.
Tips for the Best White Gravy Recipe
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are both fresh to ensure the most Flavor.
- Whisk continuously: Do not stop whisking even when adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps.
- Change Consistency If your gravy gets overly dense, thin it by adding milk or a splash and mixing until it is smooth.
- Enhance Flavor: You can use Bacon grease or sausage fats instead of butter for a richer flavor.
Serving Ideas
White gravy is an excellent accompaniment to numerous dishes. Here are some suggestions on how to serve it to help you plan your next meal:
- Over Biscuits: is an iconic Southern breakfast that never displeases.
- For Fried Chicken: Elevate the chicken you fry by adding a generous dollop of creamy white gravy.
- With Mashed Potatoes: A comforting dish to serve at your table.
- As a Dipping Sauce: it is excellent for crispy chicken tenders or fries.
Common Variations of White Gravy Recipe
Sausage White Gravy
Improve the Flavor of your white gravy by adding cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. This recipe is hearty and perfect for fluffy breakfast dishes or biscuits.
Herbed White Gravy
Add a splash of Flavor by adding fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary. This recipe is excellent and served with roast chicken or mashed potatoes.
Pairing Suggestions for White Gravy
Classic Biscuits and Gravy
It’s the ultimate comfort food. Warm buttermilk biscuits, smothered with rich white gravy, create the perfect breakfast or brunch meal.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
White gravy complements creamy mashed potatoes, making delicious side dishes ideal for holidays or family meals.
Secrets to Perfect White Gravy Every Time
Use Fresh Ingredients
Use fresh butter and milk to create a creamy, smooth consistency to achieve optimal results. Do not use substitutes, as they can alter the texture and taste.
Adjust the Consistency
If the gravy is too thick, mix in the milk until it reaches the desired texture. Simmer it for a few minutes while stirring constantly to thicken it.
Enhance the Flavor
Feel free to experiment with different flavors. A little cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or even a dash of cream can elevate your gravy’s white color.
White Gravy Recipe from Scratch
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm over biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add sausage crumbles for a classic sausage gravy.
FAQs About White Gravy Recipe
What exactly is the white gravy composed of?
White gravy is traditionally prepared using simple ingredients like butter, flour, salt, milk, and pepper. These ingredients make a delicious and creamy sauce that is perfect for a variety of recipes.
What is white gravy within the UK?
In the UK, white gravy isn’t as popular but is commonly called bechamel sauce. This is similar to bechamel sauce but typically contains spice nutmeg. It is widely utilized in European food preparation.
Which is the key ingredient to great gravy?
The secret ingredient to delicious white gravy recipe is the rich fat of the bacon grease, or even sausage fats, instead of butter.
Is bechamel the same thing as white gravy?
Although white gravy and bechamel are similar, they’re different. Bechamel is an iconic French sauce made using flour, butter, milk, and sometimes nutmeg. White gravy, on the other hand, can be described as an American comfort food typically spiced with pepper, salt, and occasionally drippings from meat.
How do you make Gordon Ramsay make bechamel sauce?
Gordon Ramsay’s recipe for bechamel sauce usually involves mixing a roux of flour and butter and slowly adding warm milk while whisking continuously. Seasoning and nutmeg are also added to enhance the Flavor.
What makes my white gravy taste rather bland?
If your white gravy recipe Flavor is bland, it could require additional seasoning. Add salt, fresh ground pepper, a small amount of onion powder, or garlic to increase the taste.
How can you improve the thickness of white gravy?
To thicken the white gravy, mix a tiny amount of cornstarch or flour with water. Simmer the mixture until you achieve your desired Consistency.
How does gravy get prepared from scratch?
Making gravy from scratch requires making a roux by mixing equal portions of liquid (like butter or drips) and flour. Then, slowly add stock or milk and stir it continuously until the gravy becomes thicker.
Conclusion
Learning how to make white gravy recipe from scratch is much simpler than you imagine. With just a few ingredients and basic techniques, you can make an incredibly creamy and versatile sauce that goes well in many recipes. White gravy can bring comfort and taste to any dish if you’re eating it with potatoes, biscuits, or fried chicken. Make this recipe today and enjoy the delight of cooking at home that’s delicious and satisfying!