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    Recipes » Recipes » Easy White Gravy Recipe

    Easy White Gravy Recipe

    Published: May 11, 2023 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    a spoon holding white gravy.

    This Easy White Gravy Recipe is quick to make, and you just need a handful of ingredients. It’s SO rich and creamy, and perfect for chicken fried steak!

    a spoon holding a spoonful of white gravy in front of a sheet pan of chicken fried steak.

    Easy White Gravy, also known as Country Gravy, is a classic Southern dish that often accompanies chicken fried steak, biscuits, and other Southern favorites.

    It starts with a simple roux of flour and fat (either drippings from chicken fried steak, bacon grease, or butter), then milk is whisked in and cooked until thick.

    It takes just minutes to make, and it’s so full of flavor!

    I like adding a pinch of cayenne for the slightest hint of spice, though a heavy hand of freshly cracked black pepper works great, too.

    White gravy perfectly complements the crispy steak in chicken fried steak. You could even add sausage to make a white sausage gravy!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • What’s the difference between white gravy and brown gravy?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make this easy white gravy recipe
    • Tips for making the best white gravy
    • Make ahead instructions
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What to serve with white gravy
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes
    • 💬 Reviews
    chicken fried steak topped with white gravy, next to mashed potatoes and green beans.

    What’s the difference between white gravy and brown gravy?

    The difference between white gravy and brown gravy is the liquid used. White gravy employs milk or buttermilk, while brown gravy uses beef stock or beef drippings.

    White gravy is more popular in the American South (us northerners typically stick to brown gravy), where it’s served over biscuits, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, pork chops, and more.

    Ingredients

    milk, flour, drippings, and other ingredients on a white table.

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Drippings (from making chicken fried steak or browning sausage; you can also use bacon grease, oil, or butter)
    • Flour combines with the drippings to create a roux
    • Milk makes the gravy creamy and white
    • Cayenne pepper adds a little kick (add as much or as little as you like)
    • Salt and pepper are needed to properly season the gravy so it’s not bland

    How to make this easy white gravy recipe

    Start by measuring one quarter cup of drippings. Place that in a skillet with high sides, and stir in the flour. Place over medium heat and let cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the roux has turned light brown.

    wooden spoon stirring a roux in a cast iron skillet.

    Whisk in the milk. Let cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking occasionally. The gravy will thicken.

    whisk stirring white gravy in a cast iron skillet.

    Whisk in the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can add just a pinch of cayenne, or if you like some spice, start with one quarter teaspoon and go from there.

    Take the gravy off the heat and immediately spoon over chicken fried steak, biscuits, or whatever you like.

    white gravy in a cast iron skillet, next to chicken fried steak on a sheet pan.

    Tips for making the best white gravy

    • Use drippings (either from cooking chicken fried steak or bacon grease) for the best flavor.
    • Bring the milk to room temperature before whisking it in. And, whisk it in a little bit at a time to ensure you won’t have lumps.
    • Use whole milk if you can—it creates the creamiest gravy.
    • Want a thinner gravy? Add more milk.

    Make ahead instructions

    This easy White Gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance. Reheat it in the microwave or in a small saucepan, whisking occasionally, until warm.

    spoonful of white gravy above a dish of more white gravy, with chicken fried steak in the background.

    Variations

    White gravy can be made with a variety of fats. Here are a few:

    • Drippings from fried chicken or chicken fried steak
    • Drippings from browning sausage
    • Bacon grease
    • Butter
    • Vegetable oil or olive oil

    I recommend choosing drippings or bacon grease for best flavor.

    Here are a few other variation ideas:

    • Use non-dairy milk (unsweetened) in place of the milk to make it dairy-free/vegan
    • Add a pinch of dried thyme or garlic powder
    • Substitute evaporated milk or buttermilk for the whole milk

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I freeze white gravy?

    White gravy may separate as it defrosts. So I don’t recommend freezing white gravy.

    Can I make white gravy without milk?

    You can make white gravy with a dairy-free alternative milk (unsweetened, of course), such as oat milk or almond milk.

    How do I thicken white gravy?

    Place 2 tablespoons of flour or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add ¼ cup of water or milk, and shake to combine. Whisk into the gravy and allow to cook for several minutes to thicken.

    Is white gravy the same as béchamel?

    Béchemal sauce is similar to white gravy (they both contain a roux and milk). However, béchamel sauce contains seasonings such as nutmeg and/or clove, whereas white gravy does not.

    chicken fried steak covered in white gravy on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans.

    What to serve with white gravy

    • Chicken fried steak
    • Flaky biscuits
    • Chicken tenders or fried chicken
    • Mashed potatoes
    • Pork chops
    • Cube steaks
    • Thick cut toast

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    spoon holding a spoonful of easy white gravy with black pepper flecks in front of a pan of chicken fried steak.

    Easy White Gravy (for Chicken Fried Steak)

    Published by Kate
    You just need a handful of ingredients to create this flavorful gravy, made with pan drippings or bacon grease.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Total Time 12 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 156 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup drippings (from making chicken fried steak, or use bacon grease or butter)
    • ¼ cup flour
    • 2–2½ cups whole milk (room temperature) (use 2 cups for a thicker gravy)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Measure ¼ cup of the drippings and place in a skillet over medium heat. Pour the flour over the drippings, and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until light golden brown.
    • Whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Let cook for 3–4 minutes, or until thickened.
    • Spoon gravy over chicken fried steak, biscuits, or whatever you like!

    Notes

    Options for the drippings/fat (drippings or bacon grease create the best flavor):
    • Drippings from fried chicken or chicken fried steak
    • Drippings from browning sausage
    • Bacon grease
    • Butter
    • Vegetable oil or olive oil
     
    This recipe can be made 2 days in advance. Refrigerate and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. I don’t recommend freezing the gravy, as it can separate during the defrosting process. 
    Want a thinner gravy? Use the option for 2½ cups of milk instead of 2 cups.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 129mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 132IUCalcium: 101mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword white gravy
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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