Homemade White Gravy

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.

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. 

Let’s get started!

White Country Gravy Ingredients

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.

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. 

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 it’s becoming too thick, then add a little milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. 

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

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.

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 you’re short on time. 

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

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

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Southern White Gravy? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

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