Country gravy is a creamy, savoury comfort food that pairs nicely with biscuits, chicken-fried steak or mashed potatoes. If you’ve devoted hours trying to master this Southern classic, here’s a bit of good news. You can use this homemade country gravy mix recipe to end your dependence on store-bought mixes! It’s one of the easiest things to make, it’s delicious, it allows you to control what you eat.
PrintCountry Gravy Mix
This article will take you step by step through how to create your own country gravy mix from scratch. In other words you can expect a flexible recipe that keeps well and makes for multiple servings, which will taste like something out of Grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Takes less than 5 minutes to mix together.
- Cost-Effective: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- No Preservatives or Artificial Additives: A healthier alternative to store-bought mixes.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients like spices to make it your own.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the dry mix (you’ll store this base):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
To prepare the gravy (each serving requires):
- 2 tablespoons gravy mix (from above)
- 1 cup water OR milk (for creamier gravy)
- 2 tablespoons butter or drippings (optional for rich flavour)
Instructions
Instructions for Preparing the Mix
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the dry ingredients (flour, powdered milk, salt, pepper, and optional garlic/onion powders) into a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
- Store the Mix: Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
How to Make Country Gravy
- Heat Butter (optional): If using butter or drippings, melt them over medium heat in a skillet.
- Whisk the Mix: Stir 2 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1 cup of water or milk. Whisk well to eliminate lumps.
- Cook the Gravy: Slowly pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed (add more pepper for extra kick!).
Serve immediately for the best flavour and texture.
Tips for the Perfect Gravy
- Whisk Constantly: Ensures a smooth texture without lumps.
- Use Milk for Richness: For a creamier, more traditional flavor, milk is your best choice. Water results in a lighter gravy.
- Customize the Spices: Add paprika or cayenne for added heat, or dried thyme for a herbed twist.
- Double the Batch: Make extra dry mix so you always have some ready to use.
Notes
How to Serve Country Gravy
Country gravy is incredibly versatile and works with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Southern Biscuits: Drizzle warm gravy over fluffy homemade biscuits.
- Chicken-Fried Steak: The ultimate pairing with a hearty portion of gravy smothering the crispy batter.
- Mashed Potatoes: A great alternative to traditional brown gravy.
- Eggs and Sausage: Transform your breakfast into something exceptional.
Nutrition Values (Per Serving of Prepared Gravy)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Calcium: 80 mg
Wrapping Up
There’s nothing like the rich, savoury flavours of a homemade country gravy and now you can whip it up whenever you like! This recipe also allows you to make a silky gravy that’s delicious, cost-effective and not filled with preservatives.
Need to take your gravy up a notch? Begin trialling spices and serving options to make it your own signature dish. And if you save this recipe, you’ll be prepared whenever the urge for comfort food strikes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this gravy mix gluten free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free substitutions instead of the all-purpose flour such as rice flour or cornstarch. Keep an eye on quantities as these flours thicken differently.
2. How can I make this gravy vegan?
Replace the powdered milk with a plant-based powdered milk (soy or coconut are both excellent) and use water or nondairy milk (such as almond or oat or soy milk) to make it.
3. Can I freeze prepared gravy?
Gravy should ideally be made fresh every time, but if you have leftover prepared gravy, it can be covered and kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet, splash of milk or water as necessary.
4. My gravy is too thick. How do I fix that?
If your gravy seems overly thick, just whisk in small amounts of milk or water until it achieves the consistency you want.
5. Is this mix a base for any other sauces?
Absolutely! Stir in cheese for a creamy cheese sauce for pasta or enchiladas. You can also stir in some crumbled cooked sausage bits, for a traditional sausage gravy of the Southern variety.