How to make biscuit gravy from Scratch?

How to Make Biscuit Gravy from Scratch

Biscuit gravy is a Southern classic that is often served with breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for fried chicken or biscuits. It’s a simple and delicious sauce made from the drippings of cooking bacon or sausage, flour, and milk. In this article, we’ll show you how to make biscuit gravy from scratch.

The Basics of Biscuit Gravy

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s cover the basics of biscuit gravy. The sauce is typically made by combining the following ingredients:

• Bacon or Sausage Drippings: The drippings from cooking bacon or sausage are the foundation of biscuit gravy. It’s essential to use bacon or sausage drippings from cooking, as they have a rich, savory flavor that can’t be replicated with regular oil or butter.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps thicken the sauce and adds a richness to the flavor.
• Milk: Milk adds creaminess and helps to emulsify the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the sauce and bring out the flavors.

The Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for biscuit gravy from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons buckwheat flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth, pale roux.
3. Gradually add milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Add baking soda: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. The baking soda helps to stabilize the sauce and add a tangy flavor.
5. Season to taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, but keep in mind that the sauce should be balanced and not too salty or bland.

Tips and Variations

• Use the right type of flour: Buckwheat flour is a great choice for biscuit gravy, as it has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the bacon or sausage drippings.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper: If you like a little heat in your biscuit gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This will add a subtle kick to the flavor.
• Use different types of bacon or sausage: You can use different types of bacon or sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, to change up the flavor of the biscuit gravy.
• Make it ahead of time: Biscuit gravy can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat the sauce before serving.

Comparison Chart:

	Buckwheat Flour	All-Purpose Flour	White Flour
Nutty flavor	Yes	No	No
Rich, savory flavor	Yes	No	No
Thicker consistency	Yes	No	No
Tangy flavor	Yes	No	No

Conclusion

Biscuit gravy is a simple and delicious sauce that is often overlooked, but it’s a staple of Southern cuisine. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make biscuit gravy from scratch and enjoy it as a side dish or breakfast staple. Whether you use bacon or sausage drippings, all-purpose flour, or a combination of both, biscuit gravy is sure to become a favorite.