White Gravy Recipe (Country Gravy)
User Reviews
5
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
230 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
White Gravy Recipe (Country Gravy)
Description
The White Gravy Recipe combines rendered bacon grease with flour to create a roux, which is slowly cooked until golden before milk and cream are added. Continuous whisking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture. The finished gravy is thickened in a few minutes and seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne to provide subtle heat.
This gravy is classic for southern-style breakfasts served with biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a mild smoky flavor from the bacon grease which is the recommended fat for best flavor. Butter can be substituted for a vegetarian-friendly option, though the flavor will be less smoky.
Using cold whole milk and heavy cream helps achieve the best texture and richness, but lower-fat alternatives can be used for a lighter version. The bacon grease can be saved in the refrigerator for months or frozen for longer storage to keep on hand for this recipe. Fresh herbs like thyme may also be added for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons bacon grease , recommended for best flavor (see note); can substitute butter (vegetarian-friendly)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cup milk see note, whole, cold
- 1/4 cup heavy cream see note, cold
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste, freshly ground
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper , or more according to heat preference
Instructions
- Melt the bacon grease in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continually until it is dissolved. Continue whisking until the mixture has turned a rich golden color, about 3 minutes. Add the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the heavy cream and whisk until incorporated. Add the salt, pepper and cayenne and let the gravy simmer for another minute. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Makes about 2 1/4 cups white gravy.
Notes
- Reserve bacon grease after cooking bacon and refrigerate or freeze for later use; it keeps up to 3 months refrigerated.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest gravy; 2% milk or half and half can provide a lighter version.
- Butter is a good vegetarian substitute for bacon grease but will produce a less smoky flavor.
- Add fresh herbs such as thyme for a subtle herbal note if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 230 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 230kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 351mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 183mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 418IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 143mg | 14% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.