Creamy Sausage Gravy

Creamy Sausage Gravy is the epitome of comfort and flavor, perfect for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. This classic white sauce, known as béchamel in French cuisine, becomes a luscious gravy when combined with delicious breakfast sausage. The key to making a smooth and velvety white sauce is to cook the flour in butter until it loses its raw aroma and takes on a light golden color. Slowly whisking in the milk ensures a smooth consistency as starch granules release and thicken the sauce. The peppery kick in this gravy enhances its flavor and pairs wonderfully with buttermilk or savory biscuits. Get ready to indulge in this comforting and soul-warming dish!

MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS, ENOUGH FOR 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound Maple-Sage Breakfast Sausage or good-quality bulk sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ⅔ cup)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a 10-inch heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the Maple-Sage Breakfast Sausage (or any good-quality bulk sausage) to the skillet. Use a wooden spatula or spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it is no longer pink, which should take around 6 minutes.
3. Stir in the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion softens, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage and onion mixture, and cook while stirring constantly until the flour is completely absorbed, which will take about 1 minute.
5. Gradually add half of the whole milk to the skillet, while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the first half of the milk is fully incorporated, whisk in the remaining milk, and allow the mixture to come to a simmer while continuing to whisk.
6. Simmer the gravy, whisking continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency, which should take around 3 minutes.
7. Season the creamy sausage gravy with kosher salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste, adding a peppery kick that complements the sausage beautifully.

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of creating Creamy Sausage Gravy, a comforting and delectable dish that brings warmth and flavor to your breakfast table. The combination of breakfast sausage and velvety white sauce makes this gravy a true delight, especially when served atop buttermilk or savory biscuits. Enjoy the heartiness and comforting taste of this classic breakfast dish with a peppery twist. Happy cooking and bon appétit!