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Home ยป Recipes ยป Soul Food Classics

Modified: Jan 6, 2025 ยท Published: Aug 26, 2024 by LaKita ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

Homemade White Gravy

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Close up side view of chicken tenders topped with gravy in white bowl.
Overhead view of fried chicken tenders and gravy in white bowl with fork in it.
Close up side view of white gravy in a jar on marble surface.
Overhead view of finished white gravy in a jar on marble surface.
Two photos of finished gravy on pin with text overlay.
Close up side view of white bowl with chicken topped with gravy in it on pin with text overlay.
Close up side view of white gravy in a glass jar on marble surface on pin with text overlay.
Close up side view of chicken tenders topped with gravy in white bowl.

Try making this Homemade White Gravy, which is the perfect addition to so many Southern dishes. It's a simple gravy recipe that only requires five basic ingredients for a thick, creamy, and delicious gravy the whole family is sure to love.

This southern gravy can be paired with so many other recipes including some Homemade Biscuits or Cheddar Biscuits. It can also be used as a dip for Chicken Alfredo Biscuit Pizza.

Close up side view of glass jar with white gravy in it.

A staple classic southern or soul food recipe is gravy!

It can be made in many different ways and is called so many different names. The good news is that no matter what you call it, it can be made in minutes with just a few basic ingredients.

It's such a delicious recipe that is thick and creamy and forms the perfect gravy blanket over things like fried chicken, pork chops, french fries, and hot buttery biscuits. For me personally, it's a comfort food that reminds me of home. The key to making the best white gravy is to watch it and make adjustments to the roux as needed.

But no worries, I'm here to break it down and make the process simple and easy. 

Letโ€™s get started!

White Country Gravy Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make gravy in separate containers.
  1. Fat - If you are pairing this white pepper gravy with meat, then you can cook the meat first and reserve the leftover fat in the pan to use as the base of the recipe. You may also cook some bacon beforehand and use the bacon fat to make this gravy recipe. Melted butter may also be used instead. 
  2. All-Purpose Flour - Plain all-purpose flour is needed to make the gravy thick and helps to create the simple roux.
  3. Milk - For this recipe, be sure to use whole milk or 2% milk. The milk helps to make the gravy creamy and pairs with the flour to make the roux smooth. Try not to use any other milk alternative other than the two that are suggested.  
  4. Salt - Brings out the flavors of the gravy and prevents the white gravy recipe from tasting flat or having that flour taste. It may be adjusted to fit your preference.
  5. Ground Black Pepper - Try using freshly ground black pepper to add spice to the gravy. This gravy is also sometimes referred to as black pepper gravy or white pepper gravy.

See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make White Gravy

Begin this country-style gravy recipe by cooking the meat and reserving the meat drippings (pan drippings) or melt butter in a cast iron skillet (or large skillet) over medium-high heat.

Overhead view of bacon grease in glass measuring cup on marble surface.

While the fat is hot or the butter has completely melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the fat. 

Whisk together to create a blonde-colored roux. Add more flour if the roux looks overly fatty and add more fat if it becomes too clumpy. Continue whisking and cooking the flour mixture until it becomes deep golden brown in color. 

Overhead view of cast iron skillet with roux ingredients in it.

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Add in the salt and ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy is thick and smooth, about 5 to 10 minutes. If you notice that itโ€™s becoming too thick, then add a little milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. 

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Close up side view of cast iron skillet with gravy in it with a whisk.

Carefully remove the gravy from the heat and serve warm with chicken tenders, country fried steak, or some hot biscuits. Enjoy!

Close up side view of finished white gravy in glass jar.

Homemade White Gravy Recipe Variations

  • Make sausage gravy by cooking some pork sausage or breakfast sausage first, then use the reserved grease to make the gravy.
  • Cook some ground beef and use the grease to make the gravy, add the cooked beef before serving over biscuits.
  • Fry some bacon first and leave the bacon grease in the pan to make the gravy. Chop the bacon and add it to the gravy before serving.
  • To make brown gravy, add in a few dashes of Kitchen Bouquet. This will make the white color of the gravy brown.
  • Add a bit of heat by adding in some cayenne pepper along with the salt and ground black pepper.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, constantly whisk the gravy and adjust the ingredients as necessary. Add more milk and fat as needed.
  • A small whisk helps to give the gravy a creamy texture, but you may also use a wooden spoon.
  • If not beginning with meat, then use salted or unsalted butter instead.
  • If the gravy is too thick, then add a little milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Avoid overcooking the gravy, once it has thickened, remove it from the heat. This prevents it from scorching and becoming overly thick.
Close up side view of white bowl with fried chicken tenders topped with gravy on it.

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover homemade country gravy, be sure to store it in an airtight container or jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating. When ready to serve reheat it in a small saucepan over the stovetop on medium heat until warm. You may add a splash of milk to thin it out a bit if it's too thick. It may also be reheated in the microwave if youโ€™re short on time.ย 

Freezing. I do not recommend freezing this easy white gravy recipe, it is best enjoyed shortly after it's made.

Overhead view of white bowl with fried chicken tenders topped with gravy and a fork in it.

Want More Easy Recipes? Try These:

  • Cast Iron Chicken Breast
  • Chicken Nuggets and Fries
  • Baked Potato Wedges Recipe
  • Southern Fried Chicken
  • Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
  • Cheddar Herb Biscuits
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Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Southern White Gravy? Please share them in the comments below!

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Overhead view of finished white gravy in a jar on marble surface.

Homemade White Gravy

LaKita Anderson
Try making Homemade White Gravy, which is the perfect addition to many Southern dishes. Just five ingredients for a thick and creamy gravy.
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 179 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • ยผ cup fat
  • โ…“ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 to 4 cups whole milk
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin this country-style gravy recipe by cooking the meat and reserving the meat drippings (pan drippings) or melt ยผ cup butter in a cast iron skillet (or large skillet) over medium-high heat.
  • While the fat is hot or the butter has completely melted, sprinkle the โ…“ cup all-purpose flour evenly over the fat.
  • Whisk together to create a blonde colored roux. Add more flour if the roux looks overly fatty and add more fat if it becomes too clumpy. Continue whisking and cooking the flour mixture until it becomes deep golden brown in color.ย 
  • Slowly pour in the 3 cups whole milk while whisking constantly. Add in the ยฝ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Continue whisking until the gravy is thick and smooth, about 5 to 10 minutes. If you notice that itโ€™s becoming too thick, then add in a little of the 1 cup of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.ย 
  • Carefully remove the gravy from the heat and serve warm with chicken tenders, country fried steak, or some hot biscuits. Enjoy!
  • If you have any leftover gravy, be sure to store it in an airtight container or jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • For best results, constantly whisk the gravy and adjust the ingredients as necessary. Add more milk and fat as needed.
  • A small whisk helps to give the gravy a creamy texture, but you may also use a wooden spoon.
  • If not beginning with meat, then use salted or unsalted butter instead.
  • Make sausage gravy by cooking some pork sausage or breakfast sausage first, then use the reserved grease to make the gravy.
  • Cook some ground beef and use the grease to make the gravy, add the cooked beef before serving over biscuits.
  • Fry some bacon first and leave the bacon grease in the pan to make the gravy. Chop the bacon and add it to the gravy before serving.
  • To make brown gravy, add in a few dashes ofย Kitchen Bouquet. This will make the white color of the gravy brown.
  • Add a bit of heat by adding in some cayenne pepper along with the salt and ground black pepper.
Calories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 201mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 201IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 153mgIron: 0.4mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword easy white country gravy, homemade white gravy
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 01/20/2023. Updated 08/26/2024.

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Comments

    5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Alex says

    February 05, 2023 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for some biscuits yesterday. Yum! I was already too intimidated to make gravy but this was easy!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 05, 2023 at 5:26 pm

      Thank You Alex, glad to hear you didn't find this gravy recipe too intimidating ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Erin says

    February 05, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    5 stars
    This was so quick and easy! This will be my new go-to gravy recipe. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 05, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      Thank you so much Erin!! Happy to hear the gravy was a success and you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. Danielle says

    February 04, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    5 stars
    Served this Gravy with some biscuits and everyone was raving about it. I used bacon fat (and some butter) and the smell was heavenly. Love this recipe for Gravy

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 05, 2023 at 5:24 pm

      Thank you Danielle, glad to hear you and your family enjoyed the gravy recipe!

      Reply
  4. Liz says

    February 04, 2023 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    My husband LOVED this! I couldn't believe how creamy it was and it wasn't hard to make!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 08, 2023 at 11:10 am

      Thank you Liz! I'm happy to hear the gravy is husband approved ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  5. Silvia says

    February 04, 2023 at 11:17 am

    5 stars
    I didnโ€™t have meat drippings but we were craving gravy so I followed your recommendation and used butter instead. It was easy, fast and flavorful.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 08, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Silvia, butter works just as well ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Ann says

    February 03, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    This was a very easy gravy to make! Made it with chicken fried steak, and was delicious! Thanks for the recipe share!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 08, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Ann, I love pairing it with chicken fried steak as well ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. Jessica says

    February 03, 2023 at 10:36 am

    So excited to try this over the weekend! Biscuits and gravy are my husband's fave, and this recipe looks easy-peasy. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 03, 2023 at 12:17 pm

      Thank you Jessica, hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  8. Kathryn says

    February 01, 2023 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    This is such an easy and delicious gravy! Made it over the weekend with biscuits and it was such a hit, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 02, 2023 at 5:47 pm

      Thank you so much Kathryn! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the gravy and with biscuits sounds perfect!

      Reply
  9. Gloria says

    January 30, 2023 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    I love a good gravy recipe. Canned and powered mixes are not tasty at all. This is versatile and can be used on potatoes, rice and more.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      January 30, 2023 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you Gloria! I agree, so versatile and just as easy to make as the powdered gravy ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me โ†’

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