The quintessential comfort food staple – creamy white gravy. Whether you’re a Southerner at heart or just looking to add some warmth to your plate, these 18 deliciously rich and indulgent recipes are sure to hit the spot. From classic pairings with sausage and biscuits to savory sauces for pasta, chicken, and more, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive into a world of creamy goodness, exploring everything from traditional Southern favorites to innovative twists on old standbys. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and satisfying or looking to elevate your cooking game, these 18 mouthwatering white gravy recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Classic Southern White Gravy with Sausage
A traditional Southern comfort food that pairs perfectly with sausage, eggs, and biscuits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 sausage links (any variety, such as breakfast sausage or smoked sausage)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk together to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the sausage links according to package instructions.
7. Serve the sausage with the warm white gravy over eggs, biscuits, or as a dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Buttermilk Biscuits with Creamy White Gravy
These tender biscuits are perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy gravy, making them a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– Creamy White Gravy ingredients below
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in buttermilk and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Roll out to 1-inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut into desired shapes.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Creamy White Gravy:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter
Whisk together flour and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter.
Country Fried Steak with White Pepper Gravy
A classic comfort food dish that’s sure to please! This recipe combines tenderized steak, crispy fried coating, and a rich white pepper gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef top round or cube steak
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– White Pepper Gravy (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each steak piece into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured steak into buttermilk, then coat in additional flour mixture, pressing gently.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
White Pepper Gravy:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 tsp white pepper
Combine butter, flour, and milk in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add white pepper and whisk until combined.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish.
Homemade Chicken Fried Chicken with White Gravy
A classic Southern comfort food, this homemade chicken fried chicken recipe is a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, and breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– White gravy ingredients (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place coated chicken on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5. For white gravy: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, depending on the number of batches you fry.
Cheesy White Gravy Smothered Potatoes
Get ready to cozy up with this indulgent recipe that smothered potatoes in a rich, cheesy white gravy. Perfect for a comforting side dish or as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. In a separate pot, boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large baking dish, create a layer of potatoes. Pour the cheesy white gravy over the top, spreading evenly.
7. Repeat step 6, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and the topping is bubbly.
Fluffy Mashed Potatoes with Rich White Gravy
Transform plain mashed potatoes into a decadent side dish by adding a rich and creamy white gravy.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, bringing mixture to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve the mashed potatoes with the rich white gravy spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Bacon-Infused White Gravy for Biscuits
Elevate your biscuit game with this rich and savory gravy infused with crispy bacon. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 cup (60ml) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 2 tablespoons (15g) crumbled cooked bacon
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
3. Gradually whisk in the flour and salt until smooth.
4. Reduce heat to low; add crumbled bacon and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat; stir in minced garlic.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Herbed White Gravy for Roasted Turkey
Elevate your roasted turkey with this savory and aromatic herbed white gravy, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup turkey broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the turkey broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in thyme and rosemary sprigs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan White Gravy over Pasta
Transform your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful white gravy, infused with the savory goodness of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk together to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
5. Stir in garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Toss cooked pasta with the white gravy, garnishing with parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun White Gravy with Shrimp
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine with this spicy and savory shrimp dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Mushroom White Gravy
Elevate your vegetarian dishes with this rich and creamy mushroom gravy, perfect for accompanying pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
7. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy White Gravy with Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Savor the rich flavors of pan-seared pork chops smothered in a creamy white gravy, perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Add butter to skillet; once melted, sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Sprinkle flour over garlic; whisk in heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Serve gravy over pan-seared pork chops.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Golden Fried Chicken Tenders with White Gravy Dip
A classic comfort food combination that’s sure to please! Crispy, golden fried chicken tenders served with a creamy white gravy dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken breast strips (4-6 pieces)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– White Gravy Dip:
+ 1 cup heavy cream
+ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
+ 1 teaspoon paprika
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the chicken tenders for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
7. Serve hot with white gravy dip.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total (5-6 minutes per side for frying).
Slow-Cooked Beef Tips in White Gravy
This classic comfort food recipe yields tender beef tips smothered in a rich and creamy white gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef tips (such as sirloin or round)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef tips and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 4-6 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic; stir to combine.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until gravy thickens.
6. Return beef tips to the pot and simmer in gravy for an additional 1-2 hours or until tender.
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes (initial browning) + 10 minutes (gravy thickening) + 1-2 hours (slow cooking)
Savory White Gravy with Sage and Thyme
Elevate your roasted meats or vegetables with this aromatic gravy, infused with the earthy flavors of sage and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency.
5. Stir in chopped sage and thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cornbread Waffles with White Gravy Drizzle
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these crispy cornbread waffles, perfectly paired with a rich and creamy white gravy drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for greasing the waffle iron
– White gravy (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Grease the waffle iron with vegetable oil and cook the batter in 1/4 cup increments for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Repeat until all batter is used.
White Gravy Drizzle:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt to taste
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, or until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and season with salt.
Smoked Sausage and White Gravy Skillet
Smoked Sausage and White Gravy Skillet Recipe
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 smoked sausages (such as Andouille or Kielbasa)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of white gravy mix
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Place the smoked sausages in the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the white gravy mix over the sausages and add the chicken broth.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern-Style White Gravy with Black Pepper
A classic Southern staple, this white gravy is a perfect accompaniment to biscuits, eggs, and breakfast dishes. This simple recipe adds a depth of flavor from black pepper that elevates the dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in salt and black pepper.
6. Serve hot over biscuits, eggs, or breakfast dishes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of comfort food with these 18 creamy white gravy recipes! From classic Southern dishes like sausage and biscuits, to savory pasta dishes and indulgent chicken fried chicken, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a rich accompaniment to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these white gravy recipes are sure to satisfy. So go ahead, get cooking, and indulge in the creamy goodness!
