Time-saving Hack: Can Sausage Gravy Be Made Ahead To Simplify Mornings?

Sausage gravy is a delectable Southern comfort food that makes any breakfast or brunch special. But what if you’re short on time in the morning? Can you make sausage gravy ahead of time and save it for later? The answer is a resounding yes! This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make sausage gravy ahead of time, store it properly, and reheat it to perfection.

Benefits of Making Sausage Gravy Ahead of Time

Making sausage gravy ahead of time offers several benefits:

• Time-saving: You can prepare the gravy in advance and refrigerate or freeze it, saving you precious time in the morning.
• Convenience: Having pre-made gravy on hand eliminates the hassle of making it from scratch on busy mornings.
• Meal prepping: Sausage gravy can be incorporated into meal prep plans, making it easy to have a hearty breakfast or lunch ready to go.

How to Make Sausage Gravy Ahead of Time

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage: Cook the sausage over medium heat in a large skillet until browned.
2. Sprinkle in flour: Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over it and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is evenly distributed.
3. Gradually add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
4. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate or freeze: Allow the gravy to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Storing Sausage Gravy

• Refrigerator: Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the gravy to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sausage Gravy

• Refrigerated gravy: Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Frozen gravy: Thaw the frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat as directed for refrigerated gravy.

Tips for Making the Best Sausage Gravy Ahead of Time

• Use high-quality sausage: The quality of the sausage will greatly impact the flavor of the gravy.
• Cook the sausage thoroughly: Browning the sausage properly will add depth of flavor to the gravy.
• Don’t overcook the flour: Cooking the flour for too long can result in a bitter taste.
• Adjust the consistency: The consistency of the gravy is a matter of personal preference. Add more milk for a thinner gravy or cook for longer to thicken it.
• Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Serving Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over biscuits: The classic pairing, sausage gravy over freshly made biscuits is a Southern staple.
• Over waffles: For a sweet and savory combination, try sausage gravy over waffles.
• Over grits: Grits topped with sausage gravy is a hearty and comforting breakfast option.
• As a side dish: Sausage gravy can also be served as a side dish to complement fried chicken, pork chops, or other Southern favorites.

In a nutshell: Plan Ahead with Sausage Gravy

Making sausage gravy ahead of time is a smart and convenient way to save time and enjoy this delicious Southern comfort food whenever you crave it. By following the tips and instructions outlined in this guide, you can prepare and store sausage gravy with confidence, ensuring that you have a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option at your fingertips.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of ground breakfast sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage can be substituted for ground breakfast sausage in this recipe.

2. Can I add cheese to the gravy?
Yes, shredded cheddar cheese or Velveeta can be added to the gravy for an extra creamy and flavorful twist.

3. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
To thicken the gravy, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water. Gradually whisk the slurry into the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Can I make the gravy vegetarian?
Yes, you can make vegetarian sausage gravy by substituting ground breakfast sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh.

5. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, heavy cream can be used instead of milk for a richer and creamier gravy.