Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few things are as universally loved as homemade gravy. For our family, this Country Gravy Mix is a true kitchen staple. It’s one of those recipes that, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. My husband, lovingly known as happysanta in our home, has taken a particular shine to it. Whether it’s for mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even rice, he uses it almost daily. But honestly, who am I to complain? I get to enjoy the benefits of his kitchen skills, with hearty and delicious meals served up regularly.

This homemade Country Gravy Mix has become a family favorite because it’s not only simple and quick to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of recipe you can keep on hand for months, ready to create a warm, creamy sauce whenever the craving strikes. The blend of spices is just right, and you can customize it to your liking. Over time, we’ve made it part of our meal rotation, and it’s not hard to see why!

Why You’ll Love Country Gravy Mix

Versatile & Easy: Whether it’s for mashed potatoes, biscuits, rice, or even grilled meats, this gravy mix works for all of them. It’s so simple to use, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought gravy mix.
Long Shelf Life: With a shelf life of up to six months, you can make a big batch and keep it handy for those days when you need to whip up a delicious meal in a pinch.
Customizable: Want it creamier? Use milk. Want to make sausage gravy? Add some browned sausage. This recipe is the perfect base for experimentation.
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of common pantry ingredients, you can make a large batch of gravy mix that will last for months.
Family Tradition: This gravy mix has become a family tradition in our home, making each meal just a little bit extra special. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy meal for two.

Ingredients

For the Gravy Mix:

2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Dry Milk Powder
1/4 Cup Cornstarch
1 Tablespoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning

For the Gravy:

2 Tablespoons Fat (butter, shortening, sausage fat, or bacon grease)
3 Tablespoons Gravy Mix
1 Cup Water or Milk (milk for a creamier gravy)
Optional: Cooked Sausage (for sausage gravy)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Mix

In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry milk powder, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and poultry seasoning.
Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well incorporated.
Store the mixture in an airtight container, like a mason jar, for up to six months.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of fat (such as butter, sausage fat, or bacon grease) over medium-low heat.
Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of the gravy mix to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux (a thick paste).
Slowly pour in 1 cup of water or milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue to cook the gravy on medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
(Optional) For sausage gravy, brown some sausage in the pan before making the roux, and add the sausage to the gravy as it thickens.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Approximately 12 (for the gravy mix, depending on how much you use per serving)
Calories per Serving:
- Gravy Mix: About 40-50 calories per tablespoon of mix (without fat or milk)
- Gravy with Milk: Approximately 120-150 calories per serving (when made with milk)
- Gravy with Sausage: The calorie count will vary depending on the sausage used, but adding sausage can add another 150-200 calories per serving.

Preparation Time

Gravy Mix Preparation: 5 minutes
Making Gravy: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (once the gravy mix is prepared)

How to Serve

This Country Gravy Mix is incredibly versatile and can be paired with so many dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve it:

Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing. Pour over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Biscuits: Top warm, flaky biscuits with a generous serving of gravy for a traditional breakfast or dinner.
Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for an easy, savory meal.
Chicken Fried Steak: Smother chicken fried steak with this homemade gravy for a classic Southern dinner.
Roasted Meat: Drizzle over roast chicken, pork chops, or beef for a flavorful sauce.
Biscuits and Gravy: For a delicious breakfast, serve this gravy with homemade biscuits.
Sausage Gravy: Add browned sausage to the gravy for an extra hearty option.

Additional Tips

Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier gravy, always use milk instead of water.
Custom Spice Blend: Adjust the spices in the gravy mix to your liking—add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
Sausage Gravy: Brown your favorite sausage in the pan before adding the gravy mix for a hearty and delicious sausage gravy.
Storing Gravy Mix: Store your gravy mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. It’s a pantry essential!
Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add more milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer or add more gravy mix.

FAQ Section

Can I use this gravy mix for different types of gravies?
Yes, you can! This mix works well as a base for many types of gravies—just add sausage, bacon, or herbs for variety.
Can I use skim milk instead of dry milk powder?
Yes, you can substitute skim milk or any milk of your choice when making the gravy, but the dry milk powder helps the gravy last longer.
What type of fat should I use for the gravy?
You can use butter, shortening, bacon grease, or sausage fat, depending on your preference. Each one will give the gravy a slightly different flavor.
How long can I store the gravy mix?
The mix lasts for about six months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Can I make this gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, but cornstarch helps thicken the gravy. If you omit it, your gravy may be thinner, but it’s still perfectly delicious.
How can I make the gravy spicier?
Add more black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a little heat.
Can I use this mix for vegetarian gravies?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of meat-based fats, and the gravy will be just as tasty.
How do I make gluten-free gravy?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the gravy gluten-free.
Can I use this gravy mix for sauces for other dishes?
Yes! You can adjust the amount of water or milk to make a creamy sauce for casseroles, pasta, or even over roasted vegetables.
How much gravy mix do I need for one serving?
For each serving of gravy, use about 3 tablespoons of the mix and adjust the liquid for consistency.

Conclusion

This Country Gravy Mix has become a beloved family recipe for good reason—it’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile. Whether it’s drizzled over mashed potatoes, poured over biscuits, or used to make sausage gravy, it adds rich flavor to any meal. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this gravy mix and have it on hand whenever you need it. So, break out the biscuits, the mashed potatoes, or whatever your heart desires, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade country gravy. Happy cooking!