One of the best and easiest breakfast recipes to make in your slow cooker is this 4 ingredient Sausage Gravy, made with only sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper.

To make Sausage Gravy in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply brown the sausage, mix in flour to coat, slowly add milk until thick, and season with salt and pepper.

I often rely on this recipe for lazy Sunday mornings. It’s easy to make and always turns out delicious, making it a family favorite.

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Can I Use Any Type of Sausage for This Gravy?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage to make this gravy. However, the flavor will vary depending on whether you use mild, spicy, or Italian sausage. For example, using spicy sausage will give the gravy a kick.

Can I Prepare This Gravy Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month. This makes it convenient for quick breakfast options or part of a meal prep.

Slow Cooker Sausage Gravy Ingredients

• 1 lb of medium sausage
• 3 tbsp of flour
• 2.5 cups of milk
• Salt and pepper, adjusted to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Sausage Gravy

1. Warm-Up: Begin by setting your slow cooker to the HIGH or FRY setting if it has browning capabilities, or use a skillet if your slow cooker does not have this feature.
2. Cook Sausage: Place the sausage in the slow cooker or skillet, browning it thoroughly until it’s fully cooked.
3. Coat with Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage, stirring until the sausage is well-coated. This step should take about 3 to 5 minutes; ensure the flour is cooked off to avoid a raw taste.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Keep mixing until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency.
5. Season: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer If Needed: If you used a skillet, now is the time to transfer your sausage gravy to the slow cooker.
7. Keep Warm: Set your slow cooker to the WARM setting to keep the gravy hot. You can maintain this for up to 4 hours. If you notice the gravy thickening too much, simply stir in a bit more milk to thin it.

Recipe Tips

• Sausage Selection: Choose a sausage with a higher fat content to ensure your gravy is rich and flavorful, which makes for a better texture and taste.
• Flour Technique: To avoid lumps in your gravy, sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage and stir well before adding the milk.
• Milk Addition: Add the milk slowly and stir constantly to prevent the gravy from becoming too thick too quickly, achieving a smooth consistency.
• Seasoning Tips: Taste your gravy before adding salt and pepper; some sausages are spicier and saltier than others, which can influence the seasoning needs.
• Warm Setting Management: If keeping the gravy warm for an extended period, check periodically and stir to prevent skin from forming on the top, maintaining a smooth texture.

Recipe Variations

• Dairy Swap: Use half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier, thicker gravy, which enhances the richness without altering the traditional flavor profile much.
• Meat Varieties: Experiment with different types of sausage, like spicy or Italian, to add a unique twist to your gravy, tailoring it to your taste preferences.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in a teaspoon of finely chopped sage or thyme for a herby note, which complements the savory flavors of the sausage beautifully.
• Heat Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to give the gravy a slight kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth to adjust the consistency if needed, catering to vegetarian preferences without compromising on taste.

What Can I Do if My Gravy Is Too Thick?

If your gravy turns out too thick, slowly stir in additional milk until you reach the desired consistency. Start with a small amount, such as a tablespoon, and add more as needed to avoid making it too thin.

What To Serve With Sausage Gravy

Enjoy your hearty Sausage Gravy by serving it with fluffy buttermilk biscuits, crisp hash browns, soft scrambled eggs, golden-brown fried apples, and fresh fruit salad. Or you can opt for a simple slice of toasted sourdough bread.

How To Store Leftover Sausage Gravy

In The Fridge: Store your leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. I suggest labeling it with the date, so you know when you stored it.

In The Freezer: Sausage gravy can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to one month. I find using freezer bags allows you to lay it flat for more efficient storage.

How To Reheat Leftover Sausage Gravy

Reheat your leftover Sausage Gravy over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Full English Breakfast
• Slow Cooker Kedgeree
• Slow Cooker Overnight Porridge