Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the perfect homemade Bacon Gravy, a true staple of Southern comfort food! This incredibly easy recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients and the flavorful drippings from your morning bacon into a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious gravy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this bacon grease gravy is surprisingly simple to make and promises to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or even dinner to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready to experience the unmatched taste of a classic country gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Homemade Bacon Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic
There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, savory gravy, and when that gravy is made with the irresistible flavor of bacon, it’s a truly special treat. Our easy bacon gravy recipe is designed to be the perfect companion for fluffy biscuits, creating the iconic “biscuits and gravy” experience that warms the soul. Far from being complicated, this recipe utilizes the rich, smoky bacon fat (often discarded!) to form the base of an amazing gravy that comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
This bacon grease gravy offers a delightful twist on traditional sausage gravy, bringing a distinctive smoky depth that stands out. For years, I’ve been refining various country gravy recipes to perfect my husband’s favorite breakfast – and this bacon rendition is a proven winner. Growing up in Alabama, he developed a deep appreciation for Southern cuisine, and I’ve spent over 15 years perfecting the art of cooking his cherished meals. Serving this gravy is guaranteed to bring a smile to any Southern food enthusiast’s face!
While legendary with biscuits, don’t limit your imagination! This versatile bacon fat gravy can transform many dishes. Imagine it drizzled generously over crispy waffles for an epic breakfast, or adding a savory touch to freshly baked cornbread or simple toast. Beyond breakfast, it’s fantastic over chicken fried steak, chicken cutlets, smothered pork chops, or even as a decadent topping for French fries to create a homemade poutine-inspired dish. The possibilities are endless for savoring this rich and flavorful gravy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Gravy
Creating this epic bacon gravy requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The magic truly happens when these simple components combine to create a symphony of flavor. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make this incredible dish. Specific measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Bacon Grease / Bacon Fat: This is the star of the show, providing the foundational flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create the roux, which thickens the gravy.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon pieces for garnish or mixing into the gravy.
Optional Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a wonderful spicy kick, while garlic powder or onion powder can add extra savory depth.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Tips for Best Results
Bacon Grease: The quality of your bacon grease directly impacts the flavor of your gravy. If you don’t regularly save bacon drippings, this recipe is a great excuse to cook up some fresh bacon. To get approximately ¼ cup of grease, the amount of bacon needed will vary based on its fat content. Lately, many brands feature fattier cuts, so it might not take as much as you think. Thick-cut bacon generally yields the most drippings, offering a robust flavor. For an extra layer of taste, consider using peppered bacon for a truly unique, homemade peppered gravy experience. Different bacon varieties, such as applewood smoked or maple-cured, will subtly impart their unique characteristics to the gravy, making each batch a little different and exciting.
Flour: This recipe relies on standard all-purpose flour to create the roux and thicken the gravy. For those needing a gluten-free option, while we haven’t personally tested alternative flours with this exact recipe, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose blend (containing xanthan gum) is often a suitable substitute for thickening in similar gravy recipes. Start with slightly less and adjust as needed, as gluten-free flours can absorb liquids differently.
Milk: For the creamiest and richest bacon gravy, whole milk is highly recommended. Its fat content contributes significantly to the gravy’s luxurious texture and flavor. However, you can use 2% milk or even skim milk if preferred, though the gravy may be slightly thinner and less rich. For plant-based alternatives, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be used, but be aware they might alter the flavor profile and final consistency. Always choose plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid unwanted sweetness.
Biscuits: This gravy is practically made for biscuits! Whether you opt for homemade buttermilk biscuits fresh from the oven or the convenience of store-bought refrigerator biscuits in a can, both make an excellent canvas for this savory bacon gravy. The choice simply depends on how much time and effort you want to dedicate to your meal prep.
Equipment You’ll Need
Making delicious bacon gravy doesn’t require an arsenal of specialized kitchen tools. With just a few basic items, you’ll be whisking up a creamy, flavorful gravy in no time.
- Cast Iron Pan / Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan, like a cast iron skillet, is ideal for even heat distribution, which is crucial for a perfectly cooked roux. Any large skillet will work well.
- Whisk: An essential tool for smoothly incorporating ingredients and preventing lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth gravy.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for scraping the bottom of the pan and stirring.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
How to Make Perfect Bacon Grease Gravy: Step-by-Step Instructions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can prepare this gravy immediately after cooking bacon, using the fresh drippings, or you can use bacon grease you’ve saved and stored in your refrigerator. If you’re using fresh bacon grease, remember to remove the cooked bacon from the skillet before you begin making the gravy. This ensures you have just the right amount of fat for your roux and prevents the bacon from overcooking.
Step 1: Create the Roux
Begin by heating the bacon grease in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, gradually add the flour to the hot grease, whisking constantly. Continue to cook this mixture, known as a roux, for several minutes. The goal is for the flour and bacon grease mixture to turn a light, golden brown. Keep whisking diligently to prevent the flour from burning, which can give your gravy an unpleasant taste. This step is critical for developing a rich, nutty flavor base for your gravy.
Step 2: Incorporate the Milk and Thicken
Once your roux has reached the desired color, begin adding the milk, one cup at a time. It is crucial to whisk continuously as you pour in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Maintain the medium heat and continue whisking until the bacon fat gravy is smooth and begins to thicken to your desired consistency. This process should take a few minutes as the milk heats and the flour thickens it. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add a little more milk. For a thicker gravy, cook it a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
After the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust as needed. This is also the perfect time to add any optional seasonings like a pinch of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. The goal is a perfectly balanced, savory flavor that complements the richness of the bacon. Your homemade bacon gravy is now ready to serve!
Optional Finishing Touch: For an even richer bacon experience, stir in some crumbled, cooked bacon pieces into the gravy right before serving, or sprinkle them over the top of your biscuits and gravy for added texture and flavor.
Preparation and Storage Tips
Proper preparation and storage ensure your bacon gravy stays delicious and fresh.
Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for making right after you cook bacon, allowing you to use the fresh drippings. If you want to have bacon drippings on hand for future use, simply cook extra bacon and carefully strain the drippings into a heatproof container. Store the cooled bacon drippings in the refrigerator for several weeks. Remember to remove any cooked bacon bits before starting this gravy recipe if you’re using fresh grease, as too many bits can make your gravy overly fatty or chunky.
Storage: Any leftover bacon gravy should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing: While it might seem convenient, freezing dairy-based gravies, including this bacon gravy, is generally not recommended. As highlighted by Southern Living, the texture changes significantly upon thawing due to the milk separating, resulting in a grainy or watery consistency. For best results, it’s best to enjoy this gravy fresh or from the refrigerator.
How to Reheat: To reheat leftover bacon gravy, you can use either the stove or the microwave. On the stove, gently warm it over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency. In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Again, add a little liquid if needed to thin it out.
Delicious Recipe Variations
This bacon gravy recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Substitutions for Bacon Grease: If you don’t typically keep bacon grease in your fridge, you can easily make this recipe by cooking fresh bacon. The amount of bacon you’ll need to cook to yield about ¼ cup of grease will depend on its fat content. Nowadays, many grocery store bacon varieties are quite fatty, so it doesn’t take much to collect sufficient drippings. Opting for thick-cut bacon is a reliable way to get ample grease for a robustly flavored gravy.
Vegetarian + Vegan Option: To transform this comforting dish into a vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal, simply substitute traditional bacon with your favorite plant-based bacon alternative and use a plant-based milk (such as unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk). For bacon grease substitutes, Greedy Girl Gourmet offers a helpful guide with various vegan options, including smoked olive oil or vegetable shortening with a touch of liquid smoke.
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (preferably one that contains xanthan gum for better thickening). Ensure that any bacon used is also certified gluten-free, as some processed meats may contain hidden gluten ingredients.
Adjusting Serving Size: The base recipe yields approximately six servings. It’s incredibly easy to scale this recipe up or down. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally to make fewer servings for a smaller meal or more portions for a larger gathering or meal prepping.
Make it Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, easily make this bacon gravy spicy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of spicy Cajun seasoning during the seasoning step. Start with a small amount and taste, then add more until you reach your desired level of spice.
Sugar-Free: If you’re mindful of sugar intake, opt for plant-based milks, which often contain less sugar than cow’s milk. Always check the label for unsweetened varieties. Additionally, be aware that some bacon brands cure their bacon with sugar. Look for sugar-free or low-sugar bacon options if this is a significant dietary concern.
Expert Tips for the Best Bacon Gravy
- Serving Versatility: This bacon gravy tastes absolutely incredible over creamy mashed potatoes, hearty biscuits, or even country potatoes. Serve it in a beautiful gravy dish and let your guests generously pour it over whatever dish brings them joy!
- Flour Alternatives: As mentioned, this recipe specifically calls for all-purpose flour to create the roux and achieve its classic texture. We have not tested this recipe with alternative flours. Using other flours (like cornstarch or different gluten-free blends) may yield a different consistency and flavor.
- Biscuit Pairing: We adore this bacon grease gravy over both flaky homemade biscuits and the convenient store-bought refrigerator biscuits. Both options provide a delicious base, so choose what best fits your schedule and cooking preference.
- Enhance with Flavored Bacon: If you’re a fan of peppered gravy, try making this recipe using peppered bacon. The pre-seasoned bacon will infuse the gravy with an extra layer of peppery goodness. Experiment with other flavored bacons as well; smoked or maple-flavored varieties can add unique and delicious dimensions to your homemade gravy.
- Preventing Lumps: The key to a smooth gravy is consistent whisking. When adding flour to the grease, whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. When adding milk, pour it in gradually, a little at a time, while vigorously whisking. This helps to break up any potential lumps before they can form.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can continue to simmer it gently for a few more minutes, stirring, to allow it to thicken further, or make a very small slurry of flour and water and whisk it in gradually.
What to Serve With Bacon Gravy
This glorious bacon gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Its rich, savory flavor makes it an ideal accompaniment for breakfast, brunch, or even as a unique addition to dinner. Consider serving it in a elegant gravy boat, allowing your guests the freedom to drizzle this creamy goodness over their favorite foods.
Delicious Sides to Pair with Bacon Gravy:
- Kale & Apple Potato Salad
- Crock Pot Parmesan Potatoes
- Crockpot Creamed Corn
- Easy Macaroni Salad
- Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Broccoli Slaw
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
- Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Main Dishes That Shine with Bacon Gravy:
- Bacon Pot Pie
- Crock Pot Cheese Grits
- Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
- Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Crock Pot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Camp Stew
- John Wayne Casserole
- Crockpot Turkey
- Sausage Biscuit & Gravy Casserole
Sweet Endings After a Savory Meal:
- 2 Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups
- Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Crock Pot Peach Crumble
Refreshing Drinks:
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Lemonade
- Copycat McDonald’s Sweet Tea
- CopyCat Sonic Cherry Limeade
When to Serve This Delightful Gravy
This easy bacon gravy is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family meals to special gatherings.
- Breakfast: The ultimate breakfast accompaniment, especially with biscuits.
- Biscuits and Gravy Night: A fun and comforting dinner theme.
- Brunch: Elevates any brunch spread with its rich flavor.
- Potlucks: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels well.
- Family Gatherings: A warm, homemade dish that brings everyone to the table.
- Holiday Meals: A delicious alternative or addition to traditional holiday gravies.
More Great Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you love starting your day with a fantastic meal, be sure to check out these other popular breakfast recipes:
Air Fryer Sausage Links
Air Fryer Toaster Strudel
Eggs in a Basket
Cinnamon Toast
French Toast Casserole
Air Fryer Bacon
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Bacon Gravy Recipe Card
Bacon Gravy
How to make Bacon Gravy perfect for topping biscuits, spreading over mashed potatoes, or country potatoes.
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Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 149 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ¼ Cup bacon grease
- ¼ Cup All Purpose Flour
- 3 Cups Milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whisk together bacon grease and flour in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until mixture starts to brown. Whisk so it doesn’t burn.
- Add in milk 1 cup at a time continually whisking until gravy is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add in bacon crumbles if desired.
Kitchen Tools
- 10 inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Whisk
Nutrition
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