If you’ve ever craved that classic, comforting taste of Southern-style gravy, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe. This mix is a pantry game-changer, blending simple ingredients into a flavorful base that whips up creamy, peppery country gravy anytime you want. Whether you’re drizzling it over fluffy biscuits, fried chicken, or even mashed potatoes, this recipe captures that rich, nostalgic flavor without the fuss of starting from scratch. It’s exactly what you need to bring warmth and a hearty finish to your meals with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that combine to create a gravy mix that’s packed with flavor and the perfect texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the smooth, thickening power of flour and cornstarch to the savory punch of seasonings and the natural richness of fat.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for thickening your gravy smoothly and giving it body.
- 1 cup dry milk powder: Adds creaminess and a subtle dairy richness without extra liquid.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Ensures a silky, lump-free gravy with extra thickening power.
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Provides that classic peppery bite most country gravies are known for.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Brings a gentle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A subtle herbaceous note that complements the pepper and onion beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fat (butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease): The secret richness that gives your gravy a silky, luscious mouthfeel.
- 3 tablespoons of the gravy mix: The right measure to start your homemade gravy with water or milk.
- 1 cup water or milk (milk recommended for creamier gravy): The liquid to bring your dry mix to life, turning it into decadent gravy.
- Optional: browned sausage for sausage gravy: Add this for a hearty, meaty twist that takes your gravy next level.
How to Make Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and poultry seasoning in a large bowl. This dry mix is the heart of your homemade country gravy, blending textures and flavors perfectly before cooking.
Step 2: Add Fat to the Mix
Next, incorporate 2 tablespoons of your chosen fat into the dry mixture. This not only enriches the flavor but helps create the velvety texture that makes country gravy so irresistible. Whether you use butter or rendered bacon grease, it will boost the overall taste beautifully.
Step 3: Store the Mix
Pour your homemade country gravy mix into an airtight container or jar. It’s ready for use immediately or can be stored for several weeks, making it a fantastic pantry staple for quick meal preparations.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
When you’re ready to make the gravy, whisk 3 tablespoons of the mix into 1 cup of milk or water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency and bubbles gently. If you want sausage gravy, add browned sausage at this stage to create a hearty, savory dish.
How to Serve Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your gravy by topping it with freshly chopped parsley or chives. These vibrant green herbs add a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite feel fresh and lively.
Side Dishes
This homemade country gravy is perfect poured over buttery biscuits, golden fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, or even scrambled eggs. It complements hearty, Southern-inspired meals wonderfully, turning simple dishes into soul-warming feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning the gravy over roasted vegetables or baked potatoes, or use it as a base for a savory breakfast casserole. You can also drizzle it over a meatloaf slice for an extra layer of flavor that will impress at any family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made more gravy than needed, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing
Country gravy doesn’t always freeze well due to the dairy and cornstarch content, but you can freeze the dry gravy mix itself in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready, prepare fresh gravy as usual for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or water if it thickens too much during storage to bring back that lovely creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this gravy mix without dry milk powder?
While dry milk powder adds creaminess and richness, you can omit it, but the gravy may be less velvety. Consider using all milk as the liquid to compensate for the loss, or add a bit of heavy cream when making the gravy.
How long does the homemade country gravy mix last?
Stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, the mix can last up to 3 months. Keep moisture out to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Can I use this mix to make gravy without fat?
The fat is essential for that classic mouthfeel and flavor, but if you need a fat-free version, use oil or a butter substitute. The texture will change slightly, but you can still enjoy a tasty gravy.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Unfortunately, no, because it uses all-purpose flour. However, you could experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture.
What’s the best liquid to use with the mix?
Milk is the top choice for creaminess and flavor, but water works fine in a pinch. If you want richer gravy, try half-and-half or add a bit of heavy cream for indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe is such a rewarding little kitchen victory that pays off with big, comforting flavor every time. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile—perfect for turning everyday meals into something special. Trust me, once you try this mix, it will become your go-to secret weapon for delicious country gravy anytime you crave that warm, homey taste.
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Homemade Country Gravy Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce/Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This homemade Country Gravy Mix is a convenient and delicious base for making classic Southern-style gravy. Made from a blend of flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, and flavorful seasonings, it can be quickly transformed into creamy gravy by simply adding fat and liquid. Perfect over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or with sausage gravy, this mix offers a comforting and easy way to bring rich, savory flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
Dry Mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Gravy Preparation
- 2 tablespoons fat (butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease)
- 3 tablespoons of the gravy mix
- 1 cup water or milk (milk recommended for creamier gravy)
- Optional: browned sausage for sausage gravy
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Mix: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, ground black pepper, salt, onion powder, and poultry seasoning. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Store Your Mix: Transfer the dry mix into an airtight container for future use, or use immediately to prepare gravy.
- Cook the Fat: In a skillet over medium heat, melt your choice of fat—such as butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease—to create the base for your gravy.
- Add the Gravy Mix: Whisk in 3 tablespoons of the prepared gravy mix into the hot fat to form a roux. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and cook until the mixture is lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Liquid: Gradually pour in 1 cup of water or milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth gravy. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Optional Sausage Addition: For sausage gravy, brown your sausage in the skillet before starting the gravy. Once browned, remove some of the fat if desired, then add the gravy mix directly to the pan with sausage and follow the gravy preparation steps.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat and serve hot over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Use milk instead of water for a creamier and richer gravy texture.
- The gravy mix can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks for convenient use.
- Adjust black pepper and salt levels according to your taste preference.
- For a sausage gravy, make sure to brown the sausage first for added depth of flavor.
- If gravy is too thick, thin it out with extra milk or water until desired consistency is reached.
