Easy Jimmy Dean Sausage Gravy Recipe in 20 Minutes

If you're searching for a quick and delicious Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe, you've found the right guide. This authentic Southern-style sausage gravy uses Jimmy Dean's classic pork sausage to create a rich, creamy gravy in just 20 minutes. The complete recipe requires 1 pound Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Simply brown the sausage, create a roux with flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. This foolproof method yields a smooth, flavorful gravy perfect for biscuits, breakfast potatoes, or country fried steak.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Jimmy Dean Sausage Gravy

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy sausage gravy to start your day. When you use Jimmy Dean sausage as your base, you're already halfway to Southern breakfast perfection. This guide provides everything you need to create restaurant-quality sausage gravy using Jimmy Dean's consistently flavorful pork sausage.

Why Jimmy Dean Sausage Works Best for Gravy

Jimmy Dean sausage has become a staple for homemade gravy thanks to its balanced seasoning and consistent fat content. The pork sausage renders just enough fat to create a flavorful roux while providing meaty texture throughout the gravy. Unlike some brands that can be overly spicy or greasy, Jimmy Dean's Original variety offers the perfect foundation for traditional Southern gravy.

Complete Ingredient List

Here's everything you'll need for the best Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe:

1 pound Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage (not the hot variety unless you prefer spice)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (do not substitute with skim for best texture)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for extra depth

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these simple steps for flawless Jimmy Dean sausage gravy every time:

Brown the sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the Jimmy Dean sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until fully browned. Do not drain the fat - this is essential for flavor and texture.
Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and fat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
Add milk gradually: Slowly pour in the cold milk while whisking continuously. Start with small amounts to prevent lumps.
Thicken the gravy: Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve immediately: For best results, serve hot over split biscuits, toast, or breakfast potatoes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gravy Every Time

Even experienced cooks can encounter issues with sausage gravy. These professional tips ensure success with your Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe:

Temperature control: Keep heat at medium or medium-low. High heat causes scorching and lumps.
Milk temperature: Using cold milk with hot roux creates the ideal texture. Never add warm milk to hot roux.
Whisking technique: Constant whisking during milk incorporation prevents lumps. Switch to a spoon for stirring once thickened.
Thickness adjustment: Too thick? Add more milk, 2 tablespoons at a time. Too thin? Cook longer or make a slurry (1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp cold milk).
Fat management: If excess fat appears after cooking, carefully spoon it off the surface before serving.

Popular Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe, experiment with these delicious variations:

Variation	Key Changes	Best Served With
Spicy Cajun Style	Add 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp thyme	Biscuits and fried chicken
Creamier Version	Replace 1/2 cup milk with heavy cream	Eggs Benedict
Maple Breakfast Gravy	Add 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, reduce salt by 1/4 tsp	Pancakes or waffles
Vegetable-Enhanced	Add 1/4 cup finely diced mushrooms and onions	Breakfast casseroles

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Traditional Southern sausage gravy shines when served over split buttermilk biscuits, but don't limit yourself. This versatile Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe also complements:

Fried chicken (chicken fried steak)
Breakfast potatoes or hash browns
Scrambled eggs
Country-style fried pork chops
As a base for breakfast casseroles

Storage instructions: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Do not freeze, as dairy-based gravies separate when frozen and thawed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with this easy Jimmy Dean sausage gravy recipe, problems can occur. Here's how to fix them:

Lumpy gravy: Immediately remove from heat and whisk vigorously. For stubborn lumps, use an immersion blender on low speed.
Too salty: Add a peeled potato chunk and simmer for 10 minutes (the potato absorbs excess salt), then remove.
Too thin: Make a slurry (1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp cold milk), whisk into gravy, and cook 2-3 minutes longer.
Burnt flavor: Unfortunately, burnt gravy can't be salvaged. Start over, using lower heat next time.
Greasy appearance: Skim excess fat from surface or add 1-2 ice cubes while stirring (the cold helps solidify fat for easier removal).

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Many online recipes for Jimmy Dean sausage gravy skip crucial details that make the difference between good and great gravy. This version emphasizes proper roux development, gradual milk incorporation, and seasoning balance - the three pillars of perfect sausage gravy. Unlike shortcuts that use gravy mixes or pre-made sauces, this authentic method showcases the quality of Jimmy Dean sausage while creating a genuinely homemade taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Jimmy Dean hot sausage for gravy?

Yes, you can use Jimmy Dean Hot sausage for a spicier gravy. However, you may want to reduce added black pepper and consider balancing the heat with a touch of sweetness (1/4 tsp sugar) if serving to those who prefer milder flavors.

How do I prevent lumps in my sausage gravy?

To prevent lumps when making Jimmy Dean sausage gravy, ensure your roux is hot before adding cold milk, pour milk in gradually while whisking constantly, and maintain medium-low heat. If lumps form, immediately remove from heat and whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender on low speed.

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Jimmy Dean sausage gravy ahead of time. Prepare it fully, then cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove with 2-3 tablespoons of milk to restore the proper consistency, as gravy thickens when chilled.

What's the best milk to use for sausage gravy?

Whole milk produces the creamiest, richest Jimmy Dean sausage gravy with the best mouthfeel. Lower-fat milks can be used but will yield a thinner gravy with less luxurious texture. For special occasions, substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream for an extra-decadent version.

Why shouldn't I drain the sausage fat?

The rendered fat from Jimmy Dean sausage contains essential flavor compounds and provides the necessary fat content to create a proper roux. Draining it would result in bland, thin gravy that lacks authentic Southern flavor and texture. The fat-to-flour ratio is crucial for the gravy's structure and taste.