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    Home » Sauce Recipes

    Country Style White Gravy

    BY: Ben Rayl PUBLISHED: 31 May, '22 UPDATED: 31 May, '22 1 Comment

    RecipePrintComments
    5 from 3 votes
    White country gravy hero 3

    This country-style white gravy is the perfect gravy to make in a hurry, that uses 5 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prepare! This delicious gravy recipe is buttery in flavor and seasoned to perfection. Simple pantry ingredients have never tasted so good!

    White gravy pouring
    Contents
    • ⭐ Why this recipe works 
    • 🍽 Key ingredients
    • 🍽 How to make
    • 💭 Cooking tips
    • 📖 White gravy variations
    • 🥗 What to serve with
    • 🙋 Frequently asked questions 
    • 🧊 Storing and ♨️reheating
    • 🍳 Related Recipes
    • 👪 Serving size
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ Why this recipe works 

    Homemade country gravy always tastes better than the packaged stuff, and this country gravy is no different! It's one of those perfectly tasting gravies that goes with anything fried, grilled, baked, or whenever there isn't a sauce or gravy involved in a recipe.

    It's amazing just how tasty a 5-ingredient gravy can be - and I bet you already have these ingredients in your house as we speak. All you need is butter, flour, milk, and seasoning.

    The buttery roux and the milk give the gravy a smooth, creamy texture, and the right amount of salt and pepper add the flavor. Who knew that such simple ingredients could make such a tasty gravy!

    The best part is that it's completely foolproof that any home cook can make it - and you only need one saucepan and a whisk.

    It's also versatile as the gravy is a base for most soups and sauces and takes on board other herbs and spices to suit everyone's tastebuds.

    When you're dish needs a gravy, and you haven't planned for the ingredients, this comforting white country gravy will deliver the goods every time because 99% of the time, you're gonna have them in the house!

    🍽 Key ingredients

    The key ingredients for this homemade white country gravy are commonly found in all households and are the base for many soups and gravy recipes.

    White gravy ingredients

    Flour - I use all-purpose flour for this white gravy as it gives the best result, but you can use other types of flour for thickening the gravy.

    Butter - Unsalted butter is best as you need to season the gravy to taste.

    Milk - Use whole milk for a creamier texture.

    Seasoning - Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper are the best for gravy recipes as they are coarser compared to table salt and black pepper powder.

    Substitutions

    Milk

    You can substitute the whole milk for half and half or a dairy-free option like almond or soya milk.

    Additions

    Add a few extra spices to give the white country gravy added flavor.

    • Cayenne pepper
    • Garlic powder
    • Onion powder
    • Paprika
    • Nutmeg

    🍽 How to make

    This easy country gravy recipe takes minutes to prepare using just a few ingredients and a saucepan. Follow my foolproof step-by-step recipe, helpful top tips, and ideas to serve with this sublime gravy.

    Cooking instructions

    Step 1
    Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. 

    Butter in a pan

    Step 2
    Whisk in the flour until the flour incorporates all of the butter.

    Butter flour mixing

    Step 3
    Once the raw flour taste and butter cooks (around 2-3 minutes) it will start to smell toasty. It is then the perfect time to slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. The gravy will start to instantly thicken as the milk is poured.

    White gravy pouring

    Step 4
    When all of the milk is added, and the gravy looks smooth and silky, add the salt and pepper to taste.

    Serve immediately on top of country-fried steak, chicken fried steak, or mashed potatoes.

    White gravy pouring on a chicken steak

    💭 Cooking tips

    Use leftover bacon grease

    If you have leftover bacon grease in your skillet, you can combine it with the butter to add extra flavor to the gravy.

    Thick gravy

    If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

    Lumpy gravy

    If your gravy becomes lumpy, you can strain it through a sieve. Lumpy gravy is usually caused by adding too much milk at once and not whisking frequently.

    Using salted butter

    If you're using salted butter, you may not need any salt added to the gravy, but you will still need the black pepper.

    White gravy pouring

    📖 White gravy variations

    Once you've mastered the basic recipe, why not try some variations to mix it up.

    Herb gravy

    Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs of your choice, such as thyme or rosemary, for a delicious herb-infused gravy.

    Seafood gravy

    Add some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the traditional country gravy for a tasty and filling seafood dish.

    Cheese gravy

    Stir in ½ cup of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, into the gravy for a cheesy twist on a classic dish.

    White gravy pouring  on a fried chicken

    🥗 What to serve with

    This fantastic all-purpose gravy is so versatile that it can be served with numerous dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

    Baked chicken tenders

    These easy chicken tenders are deliciously crispy on the outside with a parmesan cheese and pork rinds coating and juicy in the center. The recipe takes 30 minutes to make, contains 5 ingredients, and pairs well with the white pepper gravy.

    Parmesan-crusted pork chops

    These parmesan-crusted pork chops are marinated with a mustard and herb mixture and then coated in shredded Parmesan cheese for a delicious golden brown coating. It's a simple recipe that takes half an hour and perfectly goes with a creamy gravy.

    Roast beef

    This roast beef recipe is so easy to make, and the results are incredibly tender and juicy. The key to a good roast beef is to cook it low and slow in the oven. Serve it with this homemade country gravy for the perfect Sunday lunch.

    Brown Rice and Veggie Meat Loaf

    If you love meatloaf recipes, this easy meatloaf packed with ground beef, a variety of garden vegetables, and hearty brown rice is a must-try to serve with creamy sauces like country gravy.

    You can also use this country style white gravy on my chicken and biscuits recipe.

    🙋 Frequently asked questions 

    Is country gravy the same as white sauce?

    Yes, white sauce, sawmill gravy, or country gravy, as it is also known, is typically a combination of butter and flour cooked together until the mixture turns light brown. Milk is then added to create a smooth and silky gravy.

    Can you freeze country gravy?

    No, I would not recommend freezing country gravy as it will separate when thawed and will be very difficult to whisk back together. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    White gravy in a spatula

    🧊 Storing and ♨️reheating

    This country gravy is ideal for refrigerating and reheating at a later date to pour over your next meal.

    Fridge -Transfer the country gravy to a sealed container and place a layer of plastic wrap on top of the gravy to prevent a layer of skin from forming. Consume within 4 to 5 days.

    Reheating - Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

    🍳 Related Recipes

    If you liked this country style white gravy recipe you should try my comfort foods recipes.

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    👪 Serving size

    You will get enough country gravy to serve approximately 8 to 10 people. Or you could easily double or triple the recipe quantity to make a huge saucepan full of the delicious white gravy.

    Whether you're looking for the perfect gravy to go with your Sunday roast or just need something comforting and delicious on a busy weeknight, country gravy is the perfect choice. So why not give it a try and discover for yourself just how amazing this easy homemade country gravy is.

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    Try one of my comfort dinner recipes for your next family meal! And if you have any questions, I'm here to help!

    📋 Recipe

    Featured white gravy

    Country Style White Gravy (Quick and Easy)

    This country-style white gravy is the perfect gravy to make in a hurry, that uses 5 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prepare! This delicious gravy recipe is buttery in flavor and seasoned to perfection. Simple pantry ingredients have never tasted so good!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved! Share
    Course: Sauces
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 41kcal
    Author: Ben Rayl

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons flour
    • 2 cups milk - 2% *you must use milk with a higher fat content
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. 
    • Whisk in the flour until the flour incorporates all of the butter.
    • Once the raw flour taste and butter cooks (around 2-3 minutes) it will start to smell toasty. It is then the perfect time to slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly.
    • The gravy will start to instantly thicken as the milk is poured.
    • When all of the milk is added, and the gravy looks smooth and silky, add the salt and pepper to taste.
    • Serve immediately on top of country-fried steak, chicken fried steak, or mashed potatoes.

    Notes

    Use leftover bacon grease
    If you have leftover bacon grease in your skillet, you can combine it with the butter to add extra flavor to the gravy.
    Thick gravy
    If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
    Lumpy gravy
    If your gravy becomes lumpy, you can strain it through a sieve. Lumpy gravy is usually caused by adding too much milk at once and not whisking frequently.
    Using salted butter
    If you're using salted butter, you may not need any salt added to the gravy, but you will still need the black pepper.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Elsie S. Stewart

      October 25, 2022 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it's really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.
       

      Reply

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    Chef Ben Rayl

    Hi, I'm Ben!

    I believe comfort food unites us, and I want to inspire you to cook at home with everyday ingredients. It is easier and takes less time than you think, costs less than eating out, and tastes a million times better.Read More

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