Southern-style Creamy Bacon Gravy
This rich and creamy Southern-style gravy is a delightful accompaniment to any breakfast spread, especially when served over freshly baked biscuits. Inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel version, this homemade gravy is infused with the smoky flavor of crispy maple bacon and finished with a touch of sautéed onions. Whether you're making breakfast for a crowd or just indulging yourself, this gravy will elevate your meal to comfort food perfection.
6
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
maple bacon
5 slices (chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
onion
1/4 cup (diced)
flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
2 1/2-3 1/2 cups (whole or 2% (adjust for thickness))
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the chopped maple bacon over medium-high heat until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain, reserving the drippings in the pan.
2
Reduce heat to medium, and add the butter and diced onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions until they become soft and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Lower the heat to low and sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to create a roux, cooking until it turns golden and smells nutty.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring as you raise the heat back up to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon, allowing it to heat through before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
14g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-style Creamy Bacon Gravy?
This is a rich and creamy Southern-style gravy infused with the smoky flavor of crispy maple bacon and sautéed onions, inspired by the Cracker Barrel version.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of bacon gravy?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 slices of maple bacon, which provides a unique smoky and sweet flavor profile.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The maple bacon should be chopped and cooked in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes browned and crispy.
Should I discard the bacon grease?
No, you should reserve the drippings in the pan as they are used to sauté the onions and form the base of the gravy.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
How much onion is needed for the gravy?
You will need 1/4 cup of diced onion.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and lightly browned.
What kind of flour is used to thicken the gravy?
4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to create the roux.
How do I make the roux?
Lower the heat to low and sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until golden and nutty.
What type of milk works best for this gravy?
You can use whole or 2% milk, ranging from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups depending on your preferred thickness.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Gradually whisk in the milk while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
How do I thicken the gravy to my desired consistency?
Raise the heat back to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking and stirring until it thickens.
What seasonings are added to the gravy?
Season the gravy with 1/2 teaspoon of salt (to taste) and 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
When do I add the bacon back into the mixture?
The crumbled bacon is folded in at the very end to allow it to heat through just before serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this gravy?
Each serving contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 6 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no significant fiber content in this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include gravy, southern, bacon, breakfast, comfort food, sauce, and biscuits and gravy.
Can I adjust the thickness of the gravy?
Yes, you can adjust the thickness by varying the amount of milk between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 cups.
What is the best way to serve this gravy?
It is best served over freshly baked biscuits as part of a classic Southern breakfast.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 7 ingredients: maple bacon, butter, onion, flour, milk, black pepper, and salt.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to cook the chopped maple bacon in a large skillet until crispy and then drain it, reserving the drippings.
Do I need to use freshly ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
How long does it take to cook the roux?
The roux should be cooked for about 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and develop a nutty aroma.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is designed to serve 6 and is a great addition to any breakfast spread or large meal.
What makes this gravy Southern-style?
The use of bacon drippings, a flour-based roux, and plenty of milk and black pepper gives it the traditional Southern creamy profile.