Making Creamy, Delicious Sausage Gravy Without Milk

Sausage gravy is a staple of Southern cuisine, commonly served over biscuits, toast, or mashed potatoes The rich, savory gravy often contains milk or cream to add a creamy texture and bind the ingredients together But what if you want to cut the dairy or need a milk-free option? Don’t worry – you can absolutely make smooth, delicious sausage gravy without milk.

With a few simple ingredient swaps and cooking techniques, you can recreate that classic sausage gravy taste dairy-free. Read on for tips, recipe ideas, and FAQs about making sausage gravy minus the milk or cream.

Can You Make Sausage Gravy Without Milk?

The good news is that yes, you can prepare sausage gravy without any milk or cream. The milk adds body and a creamy consistency to the gravy, but there are a few easy substitutes that mimic a similar texture.

Some good options include:

• Unsweetened non-dairy milk – Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk work well and provide creaminess without the dairy.

• Chicken or vegetable broth – The stock adds savory flavor and moisture,

• Water – For a very simple milk substitute, water thins out the gravy nicely.

• Cashew cream – Blended soaked cashews create a luscious creamy element.

• Pureed vegetables – White potatoes or cauliflower puree contributes thickness.

• Roux – A flour-fat roux helps bind the gravy and make it rich.

You can use just one or a combination of these milk substitutes when making sausage gravy. The ingredients below will ensure you achieve a smooth, luscious texture and authentic flavor.

Tips for Making Thick, Creamy Sausage Gravy Without Milk

Making your favorite rich and creamy sausage gravy is still possible without dairy – you just need to follow a few helpful tips:

• Use a fat like oil or sausage drippings to build the gravy base before adding your milk swap. The extra fat helps mimic the creamy mouthfeel.

• Cook a roux – Blending equal parts oil/drippings and flour creates a thickening paste when cooked to a light tan color.

• Simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes to allow it to thicken fully once your milk substitute is added.

• Add a little cornstarch slurry at the end for extra thickness and sheen if needed.

• Finish with butter or cream cheese to enrich the gravy with a creamy fatty element if dairy is not a restriction.

• Season well with ample black pepper and herbs like sage. This adds lots of flavor if less dairy fat is present.

Follow those tips and you’ll be enjoying thick, hearty sausage gravy over your favorite breakfast dishes or as a savory dinner gravy even with no milk added!

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Gravy Without Milk

Here is a simple step-by-step method to ensure your homemade dairy-free sausage gravy turns out smooth, thick and full of flavor:

1. Cook the sausage – Fry pork breakfast sausage (removed from casings) until browned and crumbly. Set aside.

2. Make a roux – Add oil to the rendered sausage fat, then whisk in an equal amount of flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly until lightly browned.

3. Whisk in liquid – Gradually pour in chicken broth and your milk substitute such as almond milk while whisking vigorously.

4. Simmer the gravy – Let the gravy simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flour taste to cook out.

5. Season generously – Add plenty of black pepper and herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

6. Finish with a swirl of cream cheese or butter – For extra richness if dairy is not restricted.

7. Serve hot – Spoon your creamy, meaty sausage gravy over biscuits, eggs, potatoes, or anything that could use a savory, satisfying topping!

Sausage Gravy Without Milk Recipe

To make about 2 cups of hearty Southern-style sausage gravy with no milk required, here is a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork breakfast sausage

• 3 Tbsp oil or drippings

• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth

• 1⁄2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tsp sage

• 1⁄2 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook and crumble sausage, reserving 3 Tbsp drippings.

2. Add oil and flour to drippings, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

3. Gradually whisk in broth and almond milk until smooth.

4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

5. Season with sage, thyme, and generous pepper.

6. Taste and add salt as needed.

7. Serve warm over biscuits, toast, eggs, potatoes or anything!

Add some chopped cooked sausage back into the gravy or swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese or butter before serving for even more richness. Enjoy your creamy, savory sausage gravy – no milk required!

Alternative Ingredients to Use in Sausage Gravy Without Milk

Part of the fun of cooking is customizing recipes to your own preferences and dietary needs. Here are some alternative ingredients to try using when making sausage gravy without milk:

• For the sausage – substitute ground turkey, chicken, vegetarian sausage, or leave out meat entirely.

• For the fat/oil – use bacon drippings, butter, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.

• For the dairy swap – soy milk, cashew cream, mashed cauliflower, pureed white beans, potato puree, etc.

• For the seasonings – pepper, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce.

• For finishing – swirl in cream cheese, sour cream, full fat coconut milk, heavy cream (if dairy allowed).

Get creative with the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or tastes – the possibilities are endless for amazing sausage gravy even without milk!

Serving Suggestions for Milk-Free Sausage Gravy

Once you’ve mastered how to make thick, creamy sausage gravy without milk or cream, what are the best ways to serve it up? Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Poured over freshly baked biscuits or buttermilk biscuits

• Served with fluffy scrambled eggs and bacon

• Spooned over a hot baked potato for a meal

• Ladled over fried chicken for an indulgent dinner

• Inside a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese

• Over a bowl of mashed cauliflower “potatoes”

• Stirred into cooked pasta, rice or grits

• Topping for a bread bowl full of cooked greens

• Dolloped on top of mac and cheese or chili

Get creative with how you serve up your rich and savory homemade sausage gravy – it makes the perfect topper for just about anything!

Common Questions about Making Sausage Gravy Without Milk

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about preparing smooth, creamy sausage gravy minus the dairy:

What’s the best milk substitute for sausage gravy?

Unsweetened almond or soy milk, chicken broth, and cashew cream work well. You can also use a mix like half broth and half almond milk.

Is it okay to use water instead of milk in gravy?

Yes, you can use water to thin out the gravy. It won’t add richness but provides moisture to bring the ingredients together smoothly.

What if my dairy-free gravy is too thin?

Simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid. Or make a slurry with cornstarch/water and whisk in at the end to thicken.

Can I use coconut milk or cream in sausage gravy?

Yes, the high fat content of coconut milk or cream makes a good dairy substitute. Just opt for unsweetened varieties.

What about heavy cream instead of milk in gravy?

Heavy cream will make an ultra rich and delicious gravy! Use half cream and half broth if it’s too heavy.

How long does sausage gravy last in the fridge?

Properly stored sausage gravy will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for 2-3 months.

Enjoy the Creamy, Savory Taste of Sausage Gravy Without Dairy

With just a few simple ingredient swaps like broth, non-dairy milk, or pureed veggies, you can create a smooth, creamy sausage gravy everyone will love without a drop of milk required. Using cooking techniques like simmering the gravy sufficiently and enriching it with fat ensures