Bill's Sausage Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings

The key to making a delicious sausage gravy lies in the quality and combination of ingredients, specifically meat, seasonings, and other additives.

Meat

For Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, you’ll need:

8-10 breakfast sausage links
The use of good quality sausage is crucial as it will add a rich and savory flavor to the gravy.
Look for sausages that are made from high-quality pork or a combination of pork, veal, and beef for added depth.

Sausage varieties like breakfast sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or smoked sausage work well in this recipe. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired flavor profile.

Seasonings

The seasoning blend is a crucial component of Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe:

1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
This adds a touch of heat, but feel free to omit it or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
This helps thicken the gravy and add body.
1 teaspoon paprika
This adds a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the sausage nicely.
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps bring the gravy together.

These seasonings work together harmoniously to create a rich, savory flavor profile that’s both familiar and comforting. The black pepper adds depth, while the cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat. The all-purpose flour helps thicken the gravy, while the paprika contributes its smoky, earthy notes.

By combining these ingredients in just the right proportions, you’ll end up with a delicious and satisfying sausage gravy that’s sure to become a staple in your household!

1 pound of premium pork sausage

Premium pork sausage is a crucial ingredient in making Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe.

The recipe calls for 1 pound of high-quality pork sausage, which should be chosen based on its flavor profile and texture.

Here are some key characteristics to look for when selecting the right pork sausage:

A blend of pork and spices that provides a rich, savory flavor
A coarse or slightly chunky texture that will hold its shape during cooking
No added fillers or by-products that can compromise the quality of the sausage

Some popular types of pork sausage that would work well in this recipe include:

Country-style sausage: a classic choice with a hearty, slightly sweet flavor
Andouille sausage: a spicy, smoked option with a deep, complex flavor profile
Porcini or Italian sausage: an aromatic, herby choice with a delicate balance of spices

When selecting your pork sausage, be sure to choose a product from a reputable manufacturer that meets your quality standards.

Avoid sausages with added preservatives or artificial flavorings, as these can negatively impact the taste and texture of the final dish.

2 tablespoons of black pepper

The key to making Bill’s Sausage Gravy is selecting the right ingredients, which includes two tablespoons of black pepper. Black pepper is a staple spice in many recipes and plays a crucial role in balancing out flavors.

Black pepper adds depth and warmth to the dish without overpowering it with its distinct flavor. Its pungency complements the savory taste of sausage, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the overall experience of tasting Bill’s Sausage Gravy.

In terms of quality, choose black peppercorns from reputable sources to ensure they are fresh and have not lost their potency over time. This will guarantee that your dish receives the full impact of its flavor.

When using two tablespoons of black pepper in a recipe like Bill’s Sausage Gravy, it’s worth noting that the amount used is significant but not overwhelming. The balance between savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors relies on precise measurements, including the two tablespoons of black pepper.

Keep in mind that you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences; however, for Bill’s Sausage Gravy recipe, sticking to the recommended two tablespoons of black pepper is ideal for capturing the authentic flavor profile.

When grinding or crushing black peppercorns for use in cooking, consider using a fine grater or a peppermill. This will yield a consistent texture and help distribute the flavors evenly throughout your dish.

Black pepper also has preservative properties that allow it to keep its flavor intact even when exposed to heat, making it an excellent addition to sautéed dishes like Bill’s Sausage Gravy.

1 teaspoon of salt

In the realm of culinary delights, one crucial aspect stands out as a vital component that can make or break the flavor profile of a dish – and that is the judicious selection of ingredients. When it comes to crafting a savory masterpiece such as Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, one key player takes center stage: salt.

Salt serves not only as a flavor enhancer but also as a crucial component in the preservation process, which was essential before the advent of modern refrigeration. The importance of salt cannot be overstated, for it is this very element that awakens the flavors within ingredients and brings them together in perfect harmony.

Now, let us delve into the specifics regarding the quantity of salt required for Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe – 1 teaspoon. It may seem like a modest amount, but trust in its potency. This measured dose of salt is more than adequate to elevate the rich flavors of sausage and gravy without overpowering them.

When adding the salt, it’s worth noting that the coarser or finer crystals you use can impact the final texture of your dish. A pinch of flaky sea salt, for instance, will provide a delicate crunch, while granulated salt might be better suited for dishes where a more uniform flavor is desired.

Adding this teaspoon of salt to Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe requires a thoughtful approach – it’s about finding the right balance that complements all the other ingredients. This measured dose allows the complex flavors of the sausage, onions, and bell peppers to shine through without becoming overwhelmed by the seasoning.

The choice between using table salt or another type of salt also presents an interesting dilemma for those crafting this recipe. Some swear by the finer texture and milder flavor offered by sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Meanwhile others stick with good old-fashioned, trusty table salt for its reliability and straightforward flavor profile.

Whatever your preference in terms of salt type, it’s worth acknowledging the crucial role that seasoning plays in bringing a dish together – and indeed, apart from the other ingredients. Even this small amount of salt goes a long way in elevating the overall impact of Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, making it an indispensable addition to your collection.

1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

In this recipe for Bill’s Sausage Gravy, one key ingredient stands out as a crucial component for those who like a bit of heat in their dish.

The optional Cayenne Pepper is listed at 1/4 teaspoon, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness. This potent spice originates from the Capsicum annuum pepper plant, a member of the nightshade family.

While some may choose to omit this ingredient or use a different type of hot pepper, cayenne pepper adds an undeniable depth to Bill’s Sausage Gravy for those who dare to add it.

Cayenne Pepper serves as a flavor enhancer and heat intensifier in the dish, with its characteristic pungency complementing the rich flavors of the sausage and gravy.
This ingredient adds a touch of complexity to an already savory recipe, making it ideal for those seeking a bit more excitement on their plate.

Remember that the amount used is optional, so feel free to experiment with different quantities or substitute it with another type of hot pepper if desired. The key takeaway here is that cayenne pepper adds an exciting dimension to Bill’s Sausage Gravy, but its presence isn’t necessary for a delicious dish.

When working with Cayenne Pepper, be sure to handle it carefully as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. If you do choose to use it, make sure to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Pan Preparation and Cooking

Searing the Sausage

The key to making a flavorful sausage gravy lies in the preparation and cooking of the sausage itself, which will form the foundation of this beloved dish.

Here’s how to properly prepare and cook your sausages for Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe:

Select a high-quality sausage that is suitable for pan-frying. You can use either fresh or smoked sausage, but keep in mind that the cooking method may vary slightly depending on your choice.
Rinse the sausages under cold running water to remove any impurities and excess blood.
Pat the sausages dry with a paper towel, paying extra attention to the seams where the casings are joined. This will help create a crisper exterior during searing.

Searing the Sausage:

Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it reaches a scorching temperature, almost smoking hot. You want to achieve a sizzling hot surface that will create those beautiful Maillard browning.
Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil, to the preheated pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Place the prepared sausages in the hot pan and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown color. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning, depending on your stovetop’s performance.

Removing Excess Fat:

Once the sausages have been seared to your liking, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate or tray. This will help absorb excess grease and prevent it from accumulating in the gravy.

The resulting sausages should be cooked through but still slightly juicy and bursting with flavor. They’re now ready to be sliced, diced, and incorporated into Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe for a rich, savory, and utterly satisfying experience.

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks

To prepare and cook delicious sausage for Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, follow these steps carefully.
The first step in cooking sausage is to select a suitable type. For this recipe, you’ll want to use breakfast sausage or country-style sausage, which has a coarser texture and more flavor than other types of sausage.
Next, slice the sausage into coins or small pieces, depending on your preference. This will help it cook evenly and quickly.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent the sausage from sticking. You can use either butter, vegetable oil, or coconut oil, whichever you prefer.
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until it starts to brown. Use a spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks, ensuring that all of the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the pan.
Continue cooking the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of browning. Some people prefer their sausage to be lightly browned, while others like it to be more caramelized.
As you cook the sausage, use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from forming clumps in the pan.
Finally, once the sausage is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. You’ll be using this cooked sausage to make Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe later on.
Remember to always handle raw sausage safely and cook it to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.

Use the University of Kentucky’s recommended internal temperature of 160°F for cooked sausage

To prepare pan-ready sausages that can be used in Bill’s Sausage Gravy recipe, start by selecting high-quality sausages that are suitable for cooking and breaking down into gravy. Typically, these would be pork or a combination of meats such as pork and veal.

Select a deep frying pan that is large enough to hold the number of sausages you wish to cook. If using a non-stick pan, apply a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. For cast iron pans, you can use it without any additional fat since it naturally seasons well.

Next, place the sausages into the preheated pan, leaving enough space for even browning and cooking. Cook over medium heat until they start to sear, then reduce the heat slightly as they continue to cook through. You should see a nice golden-brown color on the sausages.

Once the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F according to the University of Kentucky’s recommended guidelines for cooked sausage, it is ready for breaking down into gravy. This can be done by slicing the cooked sausage into smaller pieces and then breaking them apart with a spoon or spatula until they are almost fully incorporated.

As you cook the sausages, constantly turn and rotate them to ensure even cooking on all sides. Be patient as this process takes some time but results in incredibly rich and flavorful gravy when combined with the right liquid ingredients and spices.

The key is not to overcook the sausages until they become dry or tough. It’s better to err on the side of undercooking slightly than risk turning them into a rubbery texture that can make the final dish unpalatable. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and type of sausage you use, so keep an eye on their internal temperature carefully.

Creating the Gravy

The process of preparing and cooking a delicious sausage gravy involves several steps, from cooking the sausage to creating the rich and savory gravy that accompanies it.

Here are the steps to make Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Cooking the sausage is an essential step in preparing a mouth-watering sausage gravy. You will need:

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
1 pound of breakfast sausage, preferably homemade or store-bought from a reputable butcher
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Create the Roux

To create the roux, which is the thickening agent of your gravy, you will need:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter or oil

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, then cook for 1-2 minutes or until it has lightly browned and smells nutty.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

To make the gravy, you will need:

The cooked sausage from Step 1
The roux from Step 2
2 cups of milk or heavy cream
Seasonings to taste (such as salt, pepper, and dried thyme)

Pour the milk or heavy cream into a large saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add in the cooked sausage and stir until combined. Then add the roux and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Season and Serve

The final step is to season your gravy with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can serve it immediately over biscuits or rice, or let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

And that’s it! With these steps, you should be able to create a delicious sausage gravy that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside

To prepare and cook sausages for Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, start by slicing a pound of fresh sausage into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Next, place a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the sliced sausages into the pan in a single layer to prevent overcrowding.
Cook the sausages for 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. If you need to cook them in batches, make sure to remove the first batch from the pan before adding more sausage slices.
After cooking the sausages for the desired time, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked sausages from the pan and place them on a plate or tray. Set the cooked sausage aside for now.

Reduce heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of allpurpose flour to the pan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps

As we near the end of preparing our sausage gravy, it’s essential to properly season and thicken the mixture. This is where the addition of flour comes into play. Reducing the heat to low, we create a comfortable environment for the flour to absorb without forming clumps or lumps.

To add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, gently sprinkle it over the sausage gravy while continuously whisking the liquid. This helps prevent any sudden, uneven mixing that could lead to lump formation. It’s crucial at this stage to maintain a smooth consistency.

The whisk acts as an essential tool in this process, enabling us to efficiently and thoroughly blend the flour into the mixture without disrupting its texture. As we continue to whisk, the starches within the flour begin to break down and bond with the liquid components of our sausage gravy, thickening it gradually.

A key aspect of this step is controlling the heat level. Low heat allows for a gentle absorption process, minimizing any risk of scorching or burning the mixture while also preventing the formation of lumps due to sudden temperature fluctuations. By maintaining a low temperature and whisking constantly, we can ensure that our sausage gravy remains smooth and even.

Throughout this process, it’s essential to observe the texture and consistency of our sauce, making adjustments as necessary to maintain the desired thickness and appearance. The addition of flour will continue to thicken the mixture over time; therefore, monitoring its progress is crucial in preventing it from becoming too thick or clumpy.

By following this careful preparation and cooking process, we’re able to create a rich, smooth sausage gravy that perfectly complements Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe. This attention to detail ensures our final product meets the highest culinary standards while delivering an unforgettable flavor experience for all who taste it.

Tasting and Serving

Seasoning and Thickening

Tasting and serving are essential aspects of cooking, particularly when preparing a dish like Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe. Tasting as you go allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking, ensuring that the flavors meld together harmoniously. This process involves sampling small portions of the gravy and evaluating its taste, texture, and aroma.

Serving is the final step in presenting a dish to others. For Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, this may involve ladling the warm gravy over cooked sausage or biscuits. The temperature and consistency of the gravy are crucial factors to consider when serving. Ideally, it should be served hot, but not scalding, and have a smooth, velvety texture.

Seasoning is a critical component in enhancing the flavor of Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe. Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or oregano are commonly used to add depth and complexity to the dish. When seasoning, it’s essential to consider the delicate balance between flavors and avoid over-salting.

Thickening is a technique often employed in sauces and gravies to achieve the desired consistency. In the case of Bill’s Sausage Gravy Recipe, cornstarch or all-purpose flour may be used as thickening agents. When adding these ingredients, it’s vital to mix them with a small amount of liquid before incorporating them into the gravy to prevent lumps from forming.

Add 1 cup of milk or heavy cream to the pan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps

To create a rich and creamy Sausage Gravy, it’s essential to add the finishing touches correctly, starting with adding 1 cup of milk or heavy cream to the pan.

Stirring constantly is crucial in this step, as adding the dairy can cause lumps to form if not done carefully. The heat needs to be adjusted to prevent scorching or burning the gravy, while ensuring that the cream is incorporated smoothly.

The goal is to create a uniform and silky texture, coating the back of a spoon. If desired, add a pinch of salt or black pepper to enhance the flavor profile of the Sausage Gravy.

Once the milk has been fully incorporated and the gravy has thickened to your liking, taste the seasoning and adjust accordingly. You can also add additional sauerkraut, if using.

The final step is to serve the Sausage Gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or warm biscuits, garnished with chopped scallions or chives for added visual appeal and freshness.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, as recommended by the USDA’s food safety guidelines

Tasting the sausage gravy regularly while cooking will ensure that it reaches the perfect consistency and flavor. To check for doneness, use a spoon to scoop up some of the gravy and let it cool slightly. If the gravy coats the back of the spoon and has reached your desired thickness, then it’s ready.

Serving the sausage gravy hot is crucial to bring out its rich flavors and textures. Serve it over cooked biscuits, eggs, or grits for a hearty breakfast dish. You can also serve it alongside sausages, steaks, or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.

Author
Recent Posts

Percival Langley

Gourmet Expert at myfab5.com

Percival Langley, the creative force behind this site, holds the unique and delectable title of Gourmet Expert. With a passion for elevating the culinary experiences of our furry companions, Percival shares delightful and nutritious recipes that go beyond the ordinary. His site is a go-to resource for pet owners seeking to pamper their pets with gourmet treats and meals. Percival's expertise in crafting delicious and health-conscious pet cuisine is evident in the tasteful and innovative content he curates. For those who believe in treating their pets to a culinary adventure, Percival Langley's site is a flavorful journey into the world of gourmet pet delights.

Latest posts by Percival Langley (see all)