If you’re hunting for a white gravy recipe that’ll make you want to lick the plate, you’ve landed in the right spot. This is white country gravy at its best: no frills, just pure, creamy goodness. It’s the kind of gravy that evokes memories of Sunday mornings, of biscuits waiting to be smothered and plates asking to be cleaned.
Every home cook knows there’s a little magic hidden in those recipes passed down through generations, cherished not for their complexity but for their authenticity and warmth. My white gravy recipe embodies that sentiment. Often overshadowed by its more colorful counterparts, looking at you brown gravy, this silky, savory sauce brings its own brand of charm to the table. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been whispered from grandmama’s ear to mama’s, a culinary secret that ties meals together, offering a creamy embrace to dishes from the heart of the South.
Why You’ll Love This White Gravy Recipe
- Straightforward and Simple: No fancy tricks here, just honest-to-goodness ingredients coming together.
- Pairs with Practically Anything: Got biscuits? Mashed potatoes? This gravy’s got their back. From drizzling over fried chicken and chipped beef over toast to complementing country-fried steak, this easy white gravy recipe elevates your meal in a matter of minutes.
- Done in a Jiffy: Because sometimes, hunger just can’t wait. Whip it up and pour it out.
- Trusty Pantry Go-Tos: You probably have all these ingredients on hand right now. No special shopping trips required.
- Feels Like Home: Every ladleful is a reminder of family gatherings, laughter around the table, and that heartwarming Southern comfort.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of our gravy, giving it that rich, buttery texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the thickening agent, helping to achieve that creamy, consistent texture we all love in a good gravy.
- Milk: Adds depth and creaminess to the gravy, melding with the roux (butter and flour mix) to create a velvety sauce.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors, ensuring that the gravy isn’t flat but has just the right savory touch.
- Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and aromatic kick, balancing the richness of the butter and milk.
How to make a simple white gravy
- In a small saucepan, melt butter.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk vigorously, creating a paste. Cook for about a minute.
- Stirring constantly, slowly add milk, a little at a time. Let mixture come to a simmer and continue cooking until gravy is thickened.
- Stir in salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best White Gravy Recipe
- Whisking Well: Ensure you whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly to avoid any lumps. A smooth roux is key to a lump-free gravy.
- Temperature Control: Gradually raise the heat after adding the milk. A slow simmer helps thicken the gravy without burning it.
- Fresh Ingredients: While the recipe is simple, using fresh milk and good-quality butter can elevate the flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Before pouring it out, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or a tad more pepper can make all the difference.
Popular Substitutions & Addition
- Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, almond milk or oat milk can replace regular milk. Just keep in mind the consistency might vary slightly.
- Herbs: Want a hint of freshness? Stir in some chopped parsley or chives right before serving.
- Meaty Variations: Crumbled cooked sausage or bacon bits can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes can give your gravy a gentle kick for those who like it a tad spicy.
What to Serve with it
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Nothing beats the classic combination of warm, flaky biscuits drenched in creamy white gravy.
- Chicken Fried Steak: A generous pour over a crispy chicken fried steak makes for an irresistible Southern delicacy.
- Mashed Potatoes: Give those fluffy mashed potatoes an extra layer of flavor with this gravy.
- Green Beans: For a twist, drizzle some gravy over steamed or sautéed green beans for a richer side dish.
How To Store & Reheat White Country Gravy
If you find yourself with leftover white country gravy, make sure to pour it into an airtight container. This will help retain its creamy consistency and robust flavor. Store it away in the fridge, ready for its next outing.
To reheat, you might be tempted to give it a quick zap in the microwave — and that’ll work in short bursts, stirring between each. But for that homestyle warmth and velvety texture, gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until just right.
How Long Will White Country Gravy Last In The Fridge?
Your white country gravy should keep its charm in the fridge for about 3-4 days. But, like most things in life, it’s usually best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Can I Freeze White Country Gravy?
Sure thing! Pour your cooled gravy into an airtight container or a freezer bag, taking care to push out any excess air to fend off that pesky freezer burn. This gravy should remain a delightful treat for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When the craving strikes, remember to thaw it slowly in the fridge and then reheat it gently to bring back its creamy magic.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is my gravy lumpy? It’s likely that the flour wasn’t whisked into the butter thoroughly enough. To fix this, you can strain the gravy to remove lumps or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
- Can I use a milk substitute for this recipe? Yes, you can! Almond, soy, or oat milk can work as alternatives, but remember, the consistency and flavor might vary a bit.
- My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it? Continue cooking the gravy on low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s still too thin, you can create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoons of cold milk, then whisk it into the gravy until the desired consistency is reached.
- Can I add flavors to my white gravy? Absolutely! Feel free to add some minced garlic, sautéed onions, or even crumbled sausage for added flavor.
- The gravy tastes too bland. How can I amp up the flavor? Salt and pepper are your friends here. Add them gradually, tasting as you go. You might also consider a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper for a deeper flavor profile.
- Can I make this gravy ahead of time for a gathering? Sure can! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring well to ensure it’s smooth.
Mastering a classic like the white country gravy can elevate any meal from ordinary to heartwarmingly memorable. Whether you’re drizzling it over biscuits or giving your mashed potatoes that extra oomph, this easy white gravy recipe stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together in harmony. Keep it handy in your culinary repertoire, because once friends and family get a taste, they’ll be asking how to make white gravy just like yours!
More Gravy recipes
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White Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk vigorously, creating a paste. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Stirring constantly, slowly add milk, about ¼ cup at a time, until all the milk is added.
- Let mixture come to a simmer and continue cooking until gravy is thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best White Gravy Recipe
- Whisking Well: Ensure you whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly to avoid any lumps. A smooth roux is key to a lump-free gravy.
- Temperature Control: Gradually raise the heat after adding the milk. A slow simmer helps thicken the gravy without burning it.
- Fresh Ingredients: While the recipe is simple, using fresh milk and good-quality butter can elevate the flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Before pouring it out, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or a tad more pepper can make all the difference.
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This White Gravy recipe is pure comfort. Creamy, simple, and incredibly tasty. Perfect for biscuits, fried chicken, or steak. It’s a definite favorite in my kitchen!
Excited to share this recipe with my mom. She has been looking for a white gravy recipe & this is perfect.
What a quick and easy recipe for white gravy. I’m already thinking of all the delicious ways I want to use. Starting with chicken fried steak. It’s perfect!
Just like the gravy my granny used to make!! So good, definitely making it again!
This gravy sauce was delicious!! So much better than regular gravy.
This classic sauce béchamel is well explained so that the lumps will be minimal. I used to add a pinch of cayenne but now i use a dash of Tabasco at the end. When it’s for biscuits or mashed potatoes I add freshly grated nutmeg. If it’s for chicken then freshly snipped tarragon. But in winter parsley or chives unless I have any frozen tarragon (dried is useless).
But the real difference comes from quality local butter, fresh whole milk and strong off-white flour. Here there is nothing to compare with organic flour! Not when its one of the main ingredients. The result is a wholesome creamy beige. Delicious.
Have you tried this with brown butter? Rich and nutty…