Bacon Gravy – A Messy Bite

Why bacon gravy is a Southern classic

If you know anything about Southern cooking, you know that ditching bacon fat is a sin. (Bless your heart! 🙏) Not only does the gravy use up the drippings from the pan for lean cooking, but the bacon fat gives this white gravy a great flavor.

recipe ingredients

1. bacon The drippings add a salty, smoky flavor and a nice crunch on the finish. 😋
2. butter – No Southern recipe is complete without butter, but feel free to replace butter with extra bacon fat.
3. flour This thickens this gravy to give it that perfect texture that we all know.
4. milk This gravy is so creamy and white!
5. chicken soup It adds more flavor to the meat and prevents the gravy from becoming too thick.
6. seasoning – All you need is garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, and S&P. I want to make the most of the flavor of bacon. 🥓

How to make bacon gravy

• bacon – Add the bacon to the hot skillet or pot and cook until slightly crispy. (Photos 1-2)
• melt the butter – Remove the bacon, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Add butter.
• make a roux – Once the butter has melted, add the flour and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes, until it smells toasty and is lightly golden. (Photo 3)
• make gravy – Slowly add milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until no lumps remain after each addition. It may stiffen at first, but that’s okay. Add milk and continue whisking until smooth and creamy. Next, add the chicken broth and mix. (Photos 4-5)
• season – Add garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine. (Photo 6)
• cook – Bring to a boil while whisking, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring, until desired consistency is reached (3-5 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. (Photo 7)
• serve – Add diced bacon and mix. Serve warm over biscuits, chicken fried steak, or fried chicken. (Photo 8)

Recipe variations

1. Turn up the heat! If you like spicy food, add cayenne. Before making the roux, add some red pepper flakes or sauté some chopped jalapenos in bacon grease for some heat and texture. ❤️‍🔥
2. Add sweet notes. Adding a tablespoon of maple syrup creates a sweet aroma that complements the salty and savory flavors.
3. Gluten free? Substituting half the amount of cornstarch for the flour will make it thicker. 💥
4. How to make gravy using bacon fat? If you’re out of bacon, bacon grease gravy is easy and economical. All you need is about 4 tablespoons. Instead of frying the bacon further, omit the butter and make the recipe as directed.

tips and tricks

1. Is the gravy too thick? Add milk or broth little by little until desired consistency is reached.
2. Excess bacon fat can be used to cook eggs, french fries.
3. Add any additional seasonings at the end. It is best to adjust the seasoning after the gravy has had time to simmer. The flavor is concentrated, so if you add seasoning too early, you may end up overdoing it. 😬

Preparation instructions

Make this gravy without the bacon a day or two in advance, let it cool, then store it separately from the bacon in the fridge.

When ready to serve, heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Adjust the thickness while stirring with chicken broth or milk.

How to consume and store

Serve this decadent gravy hot by pouring it over fluffy biscuits. If you have any leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.

What goes with bacon gravy

If you’re serving bacon gravy for breakfast, drizzle with homemade bacon gravy southern buttermilk biscuits or classic butter biscuit. However, if you want to use it for a hearty midday meal, consume it in moderation. Southern fried chicken, fried pork chopsor chicken fried steak Along with that!

Try more bacon-filled recipes

1. Bacon wrapped chicken thigh
2. green beans and bacon
3. bacon broccoli salad
4. southern baked beans and bacon
5. bacon mac and cheese

by Imma