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!
Contents
⭐ 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! If you are in a mood for more country-style food then you should try my braised pork shanks recipe.
🍽 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.
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.
Step 2
Whisk in the flour until the flour incorporates all of the butter.
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.
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.
💭 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 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.
🥗 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.
🧊 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.
👪 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.
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Try one of my comfort dinner recipes for your next family meal! And if you have any questions, I'm here to help!
📋 Recipe
Country Style White Gravy (Quick and Easy)
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.
Elsie S. Stewart
I tried this recipe and it's really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.