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When your day starts with biscuits and gravy, you know it's going to be a good one! Not only is it what Ree Drummond calls "a very important cowboy staple," but it's also just downright delicious when you're craving something comforting. Of course, biscuits aren't the only way to enjoy a thick and luscious gravy—you can also serve it over chicken fried steak or mashed potatoes. Then, there's the gravy that's served over your Thanksgiving turkey—the holiday wouldn't be the same without it! But wait, what's the difference between sausage gravy and turkey gravy? The answer is simple!
Gravy is just a sauce that's made from the drippings leftover after cooking meat. Add a thickener, like flour or cornstarch, and some additional spices and you'll be ladling it over the entire plate! "It only takes a little practice to learn to make perfect gravy, and once you've mastered the skill, doors of opportunity will open for you left and right," Ree says. It's true! Once you know how to make gravy, you’ll be able to whip up all different types of gravy, too. Whether it's a white gravy you might find on a Southern comfort food menu or a pan gravy for your favorite pork chops or meatloaf, the possibilities for gravy are practically endless. So, grab that ladle and read on for all the different types of gravy.
Sawmill Gravy
This is the creamy, white gravy that many people refer to as country gravy or sausage gravy—and it's a Drummond family favorite! In fact, the Drummonds serve this gravy with biscuits, chicken fried steak, or even fried quail for many holiday occasions. So, where does the name Sawmill come from? Some people say that the term was originally coined as a result of early sawmill workers taking a liking to this type of gravy made with cornmeal which gave it a gritty texture almost like sawdust. These days, it's typically made with flour and milk—and in the case of sausage gravy, it has plenty of savory sausage.
Get the Country Gravy recipe.
Brown Gravy
This stock-based gravy, sometimes called pan gravy, can be made using the drippings from different kinds of meat. On Thanksgiving, it's all about the turkey gravy, but you can also make brown gravy with the cooking liquid from chicken or roast beef. A simple roux (made with flour and butter) helps to thicken up this savory gravy.
Get Ree's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy recipe.
Mushroom Gravy
Even vegetarians can enjoy a comforting gravy thanks to this variation made with mushrooms and herbs. The earthy umami flavor of white button or baby bella mushrooms helps to create a gravy that everyone at the table can eat. Serve the mushroom gravy up as you would any other sauce—over chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, or on a meatless Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Red-Eye Gravy
Another Southern favorite—this gravy goes by many names including bird-eye gravy, cedar gravy, bottom sop, and red ham gravy. The best part is that you only need two ingredients to make it: pan-fried country ham and black coffee. That’s right! The addition of bitter coffee helps to balance out the saltiness and fat from the cooked ham.
Tomato Gravy
This classic Southern gravy is a great way to use up a bounty of tomatoes! It's generally considered a thick gravy made up of canned or stewed tomatoes, a roux, and additional mix-ins like bacon or a touch of heavy cream. You can serve it up over biscuits, cornbread, rice, or even scrambled eggs.
Chocolate Gravy
It might sound unusual, but an old-fashioned recipe for chocolate gravy is just the thing you need when you're craving something sweet. It was originally a Southern Appalachian dish made with cocoa powder, milk, flour, butter, and sugar. A heaping spoonful served warm over biscuits is just about the sweetest way to start your day.
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