11 Classic Southern Gravy Recipes

Make any dish a comfort meal with these gravy recipes.

Southern Living White Country Gravy in a gravy boat to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In the South, just about everything tastes better with gravy. It's a superhero sauce that turns anything it touches into a comfort food—and you don't have to save it just for biscuits. While a classic gravy consists of fat from meat drippings, flour, and stock, there are plenty of versions beyond the tried-and-true recipe. From tomato gravy to chocolate gravy, the options for adding a flavorful, indulgent sauce to your dishes come in droves. Check out these delicious gravy recipes to hang onto for any time of year.

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Sausage Gravy

Southern Living Sausage Gravy on a biscuit to serve

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Sausage gravy is a hallmark breakfast item on any Southern table, and this recipe makes it just like your grandma would. Made with just seven ingredients (including salt and pepper), this old-fashioned favorite comes together quick for an indulgent meal.

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White Country Gravy

Southern Living White Country Gravy in a gravy boat to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

White country gravy is arguably the best sauce to put on a fluffy, flaky biscuit. This recipe uses just a few simple pantry staples to create a creamy gravy that'll go perfectly on biscuits, mashed potatoes, and more.

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Red-Eye Gravy

Southern Living Red Eye Gravy served with a biscuit

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Red-eye gravy is made with just two ingredients—coffee and bacon fat drippings—and while these two may not sound harmonious on paper, they form a savory, salty, and meaty glaze that is truly irresistible during breakfast time.

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Chocolate Gravy

Southern Living Chocolate Gravy ready to serve with biscuits

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Switch up your savory breakfast gravy for sweet with chocolate gravy. This recipe calls for just flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and salt—ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—and will leave everyone pleased.

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Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Make Ahead Gravy
Emily Laurae/Southern Living

If you know you're going to need gravy but can't rely on having the perfect amount of meat drippings, this make-ahead gravy is the one for you. With just 20 minutes of active time, you'll have gravy ready to go and off your to-do list.

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Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Crafting a Thanksgiving feast is stressful enough, and having to make a gravy at the last minute isn't always ideal. Avoid the stress with this tasty make-ahead turkey gravy made with a rich turkey broth instead of meat drippings.

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Giblet Gravy

Southern Living Giblet Gravy in the gravy boat to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

No Thanksgiving in the South is complete without a savory turkey giblet gravy. Giblets usually include the liver, gizzard, kidneys, and heart, and since they typically aren't eaten on their own, they're perfect for making a delicious gravy to complement the dinner spread.

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Tomato Gravy

Southern Living Tomato Gravy on biscuits

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Make the most of leftover ingredients with this supremely-Southern tomato gravy. Made with fresh beefsteak tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, rosemary, and more, this sauce is a perfect topper for biscuits, eggs, pork chops, and so much more.

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Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy

Southern Living Hamburger Steak plated serving with mashed potatoes and green beans

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Elevate powder gravy mix with this savory, umami sweet onion and mushroom gravy. Mushrooms and onions are sautéd in a pan and the brown gravy is stirred in to make a delicious addition to comforting hamburger steaks.

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Overnight Giblet Gravy

Overnight Giblet Gravy
FOOD STYLING: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY

Some of the best gravies start the night before, including this overnight giblet gravy. This recipe uses turkey neck and innards to create a flavorful stock that simmers low and slow overnight the day before a feast.

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Chicken-Fried Steak With Cream Gravy

Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely 

Transport yourself to the Sooner State with this chicken-fried steak and cream gravy. The beef fat is saved and mixed with flour and milk to add a delicious, creamy element to this comforting dish.

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