Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish

Few dishes embody the heartiness and warmth of a Southern breakfast quite like Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy. This rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful gravy is a staple in homes across the South and beyond, served generously over flaky, buttery biscuits. Whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend brunch dish or a cozy meal to start your day, this homemade sausage gravy is the ultimate comfort food.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Southern sausage gravy, why it’s such a beloved dish, and how you can recreate Pioneer Woman’s famous version at home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will make you a gravy expert in no time!

The History of Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is a dish with deep roots in Southern cuisine, dating back to the early days of American settlers. In the 1800s, biscuits and gravy became a popular breakfast choice among farmers and laborers, providing a filling, high-calorie meal to keep them fueled for a long day’s work.

With limited resources, cooks had to be creative, using simple pantry ingredients to create hearty meals. They would fry pork sausage, using the flavorful drippings as the base for a creamy gravy made with milk and flour. Served over hot, freshly baked biscuits, the dish quickly became a breakfast staple that has stood the test of time.

Today, sausage gravy and biscuits remain one of the most comforting and satisfying dishes, enjoyed by families across America—especially in the South.

The Best Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy Recipe

Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is known for her rich, flavorful comfort food recipes, and her take on classic sausage gravy is a must-try. This recipe is simple, uses only a handful of ingredients, and delivers thick, creamy, and perfectly seasoned gravy every time.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

1 lb breakfast sausage (pork sausage, mild or spicy)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (more if needed)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
½ tsp onion powder (optional)
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 tbsp butter (for extra richness, optional)
Biscuits (store-bought or homemade, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breakfast sausage and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Stir occasionally and cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
If the sausage is very greasy, drain off some (but not all) of the excess fat—keeping about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.

2. Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour evenly over the cooked sausage.
Stir well to coat the sausage in flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps get rid of the raw flour taste.

3. Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue stirring as the mixture starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
If the gravy gets too thick, add a little more milk, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Season to Perfection

Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir well and let the gravy simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for a silkier texture.

5. Serve Over Biscuits

Split open warm biscuits and spoon generous amounts of gravy over the top.
Garnish with additional black pepper and serve hot!

Why This Recipe is So Loved

Thick & Creamy: The perfect balance of sausage, roux, and milk creates a gravy that’s rich, smooth, and coats every bite of biscuit.
Packed with Flavor: The seasoning is just right—savory, slightly spicy, and full of hearty sausage goodness.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic pantry staples to make this dish.
Quick & Easy: It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a hearty breakfast any day of the week.
Versatile: It pairs perfectly with biscuits, toast, eggs, hash browns, or even breakfast potatoes.

Tips for the Best Sausage Gravy

Use quality sausage: The flavor of your gravy depends on the sausage! Choose a good-quality breakfast sausage for the best results.
Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour with sausage grease for a minute or two prevents the gravy from having a raw flour taste.
Season to taste: Black pepper is key in sausage gravy, so don’t be shy! Adjust salt and spice levels to your liking.
Add extra milk if needed: If your gravy gets too thick, just whisk in more milk until it’s the right consistency.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.

What to Serve with Sausage Gravy

While biscuits and sausage gravy is the most traditional pairing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Southern classic:

Scrambled or Fried Eggs – Serve with eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
Hash Browns or Home Fries – The gravy makes an amazing topping for crispy potatoes.
Over Toast or English Muffins – A great alternative if you don’t have biscuits.
Mashed Potatoes – A comforting twist for dinner instead of breakfast.

How to Store & Reheat Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is easy to make ahead and stores well for later!

Storing:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one until heated through.

Final Thoughts: A Southern Classic You Can’t Resist

Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a taste of tradition, comfort, and home cooking at its best. Whether you’re serving it for a hearty Sunday brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or just a regular weekday morning, this recipe will never disappoint.

With its rich, creamy texture, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a warm, buttery biscuit base, this is the kind of dish that makes mornings worth waking up for. Try it once, and it’ll become a family favorite for generations to come!