Peppered Gravy (2024)

This classic peppered gravy recipe is the perfect sauce when you are craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal, just like grandma used to make.

I love this simple recipe because it is so easy to make, using only five simple ingredients that I suspect you already have on hand! So throw away those gravy packets because the flavor of this homemade gravy is so versatile you'll look for ways to use it on just about anything.

What is it?

Peppered gravy is a classic white gravy that uses a milk base to create a creamy texture, rather than a stock base like brown gravy. With an assertive peppercorn flavor, it is very similar to sawmill gravy, which is a sausage gravy seasoned with black pepper. The main difference is that peppered gravy doesn't include ground sausage, making it a great choice to slather over meats like pork chops.

You will occasionally hear it called black pepper gravy, or white pepper gravy. The only difference is whether you use black pepper or white pepper in the recipe. Similarly, this can be called a country gravy, which typically uses the same ingredients. However, I find peppered gravy is typically a little more assertive in its use of ground pepper.

Peppered gravy is the perfect gravy to pair with mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, hash browns, or some good ol' fried chicken.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Butter - In true southern style, you can substitute bacon grease or meat drippings.
• All-purposeflour
• Milk - Whole milk and 2% milk would be my top choices, but you can use any type of milk.
• Salt - I recommend table salt.
• Ground pepper - Since ground pepper is the primary flavor in this gravy I strongly recommend using fresh ground pepper. This recipe works with black pepper or white pepper. White pepper will give it a creamy white look, while black pepper will showcase black speckles throughout the gravy.

Customize this recipe by adding fresh herbs and seasonings for extra flavor. Fresh thyme or a bay leaf would each be a perfect addition, or add some crushed red pepper flakes to craft a flavorful gravy with a kick.

How to make it

Make this peppered gravy recipe by first creating a roux by melting your butter in a saucepan or large skillet over medium-low heat (you can use medium heat, you just have to watch it more closely so the flour doesn't burn), then whisk flour into the melted butter. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Add the milk to your roux a little at a time to ensure it blends smoothly. You will want to whisk continuously while adding the milk to ensure lumps don't form. Once all of the milk has been added the salt and pepper can be added to the gravy as well.

Simmer the gravy for a few minutes. It will thicken as it simmers. Once it has reached your desired consistency it can be served immediately in a gravy boat or small bowl.

Homemade Gravy FAQs

More Delicious Gravy Recipes