Southern Brown Gravy Recipe

If you are craving the ultimate comfort taste that hugs your soul, this Southern Brown Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with that deep, beefy flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the South. What’s wonderful is how simple ingredients come together to create this luxurious sauce that elevates everything from mashed potatoes to fried chicken. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of this gravy, it quickly becomes a family staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Southern Brown Gravy Recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its silky texture and bold flavor. From butter that adds richness to beef broth that forms the hearty base, every component brings something essential to the table.

• 32 ounces beef broth (or beef stock): Forms the flavorful foundation of the gravy; unsalted broth lets you control the salt level perfectly.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious, creamy richness and helps create the perfect roux.
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that signature smooth, coat-the-spoon consistency.
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Brings just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat to the gravy.
• Coarse kosher salt: Used to adjust seasoning after tasting, enhancing all the savory flavors.

How to Make Southern Brown Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Melt the butter

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, creating the buttery base that will carry all the flavors of your Southern Brown Gravy Recipe. This step is essential for that rich mouthfeel.

Step 2: Create the roux

Once your butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth. This mixture, called a roux, is what thickens your gravy and gives it that silky texture. Cook the roux for about 3 minutes, whisking occasionally, to cook out the raw flour taste and develop a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 3: Slowly add the beef broth

Pour in the beef broth gradually, about one cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth gravy. This step allows the sauce to thicken perfectly as the broth absorbs into the roux, turning it into a luscious, rich gravy.

Step 4: Season your gravy

After all the broth has been incorporated, stir in the coarse ground black pepper. Taste the gravy before adding salt because the amount you need depends on whether your broth or butter is salted. Add kosher salt gradually until the flavor hits just right.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Your Southern Brown Gravy Recipe is ready to serve! Pour it generously over your favorite dishes and savor every comforting bite. This gravy brings so much depth and warmth with minimal effort.

How to Serve Southern Brown Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

While Southern Brown Gravy is delicious on its own, a small sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top adds a vibrant touch and an extra hint of freshness that brightens your plate.

Side Dishes

This gravy shines alongside classic Southern comfort foods. Pour it over creamy mashed potatoes, crispy fried chicken, meatloaf, or even buttery biscuits for that perfect blend of savory flavors that bring a true taste of the South to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the gravy in a charming gravy boat on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sides. Or drizzle it over roasted vegetables or poutine for an exciting twist. It’s so versatile that you can get creative and make it part of anything that could use a rich, flavorful boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Brown Gravy keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its rich flavor and smooth texture for those days when you want an easy comfort meal fix.

Freezing

You can freeze this gravy for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some headspace as the gravy will expand slightly. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it gets too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching and keep that silky consistency intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

While chicken broth will work, using beef broth or stock is key to achieving the deep, savory flavor signature to the Southern Brown Gravy Recipe. You might lose some of that richness if you swap to chicken broth.

What’s the secret to lump-free gravy?

Whisking constantly while slowly adding the broth is the trick here. This prevents the flour from clumping and ensures your gravy stays smooth and velvety.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to keep your gravy thick without gluten. Just be sure to cook the flour alternative long enough to avoid any raw taste.

How thick should Southern Brown Gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a bit more broth; if too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer.

Is this gravy suitable for vegetarian diets?

This recipe relies on beef broth for its depth of flavor, so it’s not vegetarian. However, a mushroom broth or vegetable stock could be substituted for a vegetarian-friendly version, but the taste will be quite different.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to comforting, soul-satisfying sauces, this Southern Brown Gravy Recipe truly stands out. It’s quick to make, uses simple pantry staples, and instantly makes any meal feel like a special occasion. I highly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its rich, savory goodness gracing your table.

Southern Brown Gravy Recipe

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A classic Southern Brown Gravy recipe made from scratch using beef broth, butter, and flour to create a rich, smooth, and flavorful gravy perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, or meatloaf. This quick and easy gravy comes together in just 10 minutes, delivering authentic Southern comfort with every spoonful.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings
• Category: Sauce/Gravy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 32 ounces beef broth (or beef stock), preferably unsalted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, or more to taste
• Coarse kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat to warm it up, creating the base for cooking your roux.
2. Melt the butter: Add the unsalted butter to the hot skillet and allow it to melt completely, preparing it for combining with flour.
3. Create the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Cook the roux: Let the flour and butter mixture cook for about 3 minutes, whisking occasionally to maintain smoothness and develop a nutty aroma without browning.
5. Add beef broth gradually: Slowly pour in the beef broth about 1 cup at a time while whisking constantly. This gradual addition helps the mixture thicken evenly and prevents lumps.
6. Season the gravy: Once all broth is incorporated, stir in the coarse ground black pepper. Taste the gravy before adding salt as amounts depend on whether the broth or butter is salted.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Add kosher salt to taste, adjust pepper if needed, and once perfectly seasoned, serve hot in a gravy boat over your favorite Southern dishes.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or a good-quality low-sodium beef stock.
• Whisk continuously when adding flour and broth to prevent lumps.
• Adjust salt carefully depending on the salt content of broth and butter used.
• This gravy pairs perfectly with biscuits, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or meatloaf.
• If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more beef broth or water.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.