There’s something so comforting about a rich, creamy sausage gravy that reminds me of cozy weekend mornings. This Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving that classic Southern breakfast feel.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made plenty of sausage gravies in my kitchen, but finding a gluten-free version that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor took some experimenting. This one nails it every time — creamy, savory, and with just the right kick.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Perfect Texture: This gravy is thick and silky without any gritty or chalky texture from gluten-free flour.
- Customizable Spice Level: You control the pepper, so it’s just right for your palate — whether mild or bold.
- Great for Breakfast or Brunch: It pairs beautifully with gluten-free biscuits or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a role in crafting that classic sausage gravy taste but tailored to gluten-free needs. Using a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend keeps things simple and ensures your gravy thickens just right.
- Pork Breakfast Sausage: Choose a flavorful, quality sausage with good seasoning since it drives the savory base.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Measure-for-measure blends work wonders because they mimic regular flour’s behavior in thickening.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and richness that balance the savory sausage beautifully.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives the gravy a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors — but don’t add too much at first; you can always adjust.
- Cold Butter: Stirring this in at the end creates a silky finish and smooth texture.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley (Optional): A mild herbaceous note that brightens the dish, especially when used as a garnish.
Make It Your Way
While I tend to keep this recipe classic and simple, you can absolutely make it your own. I love adding an extra pinch of smoked paprika sometimes for a subtle smoky twist, but the gravy is forgiving and very adaptable.
- Variation: I once swapped the pork sausage for a spicy chicken sausage — it gave the gravy a nice kick without being overwhelming.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free butter work well, though the gravy may be a bit lighter.
- Herbs and Extras: Fresh sage or thyme stirred in at the end adds a lovely earthy complexity.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your pork breakfast sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. I like to get a nice golden-brown color—it adds extra flavor and texture. Make sure you don’t drain the drippings because they’re the foundation for your gravy! When it’s all cooked through and sizzling, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Toast the Gluten-Free Flour
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in your gluten-free flour. Stir constantly—this step is key! Toast the flour for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a warm golden brown, almost like peanut butter. It develops a nutty flavor that deepens your gravy. Don’t let it burn, though, or you’ll get a bitter taste.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Simmer
Slowly whisk in the whole milk. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. The mixture will start to thicken after 2-3 minutes of gentle simmering. If you want a looser gravy, add extra milk a tablespoon at a time. It’s all about reaching that creamy, pourable texture you love.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Butter Finish
Once your gravy has thickened, season it generously with black pepper and salt to taste. Remember, sausage often has salt already, so taste before adding too much. Remove from the heat and stir in the cold butter — this little finishing touch makes the gravy silky and rich. If you like, sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a silky, lump-free gluten-free sausage gravy lies in patience and constant stirring. Skipping that can easily lead to clumps or a gravy that’s too thin or too thick.
- Use Quality Gluten-Free Flour: A good measure-for-measure blend gives consistent thickening and doesn’ttaste gritty.
- Toast Your Flour Well: Don’t rush this step — it adds more depth and removes any raw floury taste.
- Whisk Constantly: It prevents lumps and ensures smoothness as the milk cooks down.
- Butter Finish: Never skip the cold butter stirred in at the end. It’s like magic for texture!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for color and a mild oniony freshness. But sometimes, crispy fried sage leaves or a dash more black pepper go beautifully with the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines over freshly baked gluten-free biscuits, but I also love serving it with roasted breakfast potatoes or steamed greens to add some balance and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches, I’ve layered the gravy over gluten-free waffles topped with a fried egg. It’s a fun twist that wows guests and makes breakfast feel extra indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it keeps well for 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir when reheating.
Freezing
From my experience, sausage gravy doesn’t freeze well — the texture can get grainy and separate when thawed, so I prefer to make fresh batches.
Reheating
Warm leftover gravy gently on the stove over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency. Using the microwave works too, but keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While pork breakfast sausage is traditional and gives great flavor, you can try spicy chicken or turkey sausage too. Just be mindful that the seasoning inside will affect the flavor profile of your gravy.
I recommend a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend that is designed to substitute regular flour cup-for-cup. These blends usually contain a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca, helping your gravy achieve that perfect thickness and smooth texture.
Yes! Swap out whole milk for unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
You'll see the gravy coat the back of a spoon and it will hold a slight mound without running off quickly. It usually takes 2-3 minutes of simmering after adding milk. If it’s too thick, just whisk in a bit more milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate to me — familiar, satisfying, and a real crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special brunch, I hope you find it as comforting and simple to make as I do. Give it a try and enjoy that classic taste without the gluten worries!
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Gluten-Free Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful gluten-free sausage gravy made with pork breakfast sausage, gluten-free flour, and whole milk. Perfectly seasoned and thickened, this classic breakfast gravy pairs wonderfully with gluten-free biscuits for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½-1 teaspoon black pepper
- salt, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon cold butter
Optional Garnish
- 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. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. Do not drain the sausage drippings as they will be used for the roux.
- Add the gluten-free flour: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the cooked sausage with the gluten-free flour and stir continuously, cooking the flour for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown, similar to the color of peanut butter.
- Incorporate the milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. If the gravy is too thick, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- 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.
- Serve and store: Serve the warm sausage gravy over gluten-free biscuits or your favorite side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Note that sausage gravy does not freeze well.
Notes
- Use measure-for-measure gluten-free flour for best thickening results.
- Do not drain the sausage drippings as they add rich flavor and are the base for the roux.
- Add milk gradually to control the thickness of the gravy to your preference.
- Fresh chives or parsley make a great garnish for added color and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; do not freeze as texture will be compromised.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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