Creamy & Savory: The Ultimate Turkey Sausage Gravy Recipe
Turkey sausage gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a hearty dinner. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to help you create a delicious and satisfying gravy every time. Using turkey sausage adds a leaner protein option without sacrificing any of the classic sausage gravy flavor. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to customize the spice level and thickness to suit your taste. Let’s dive into creating the ultimate turkey sausage gravy!
Why Turkey Sausage Gravy?
Traditional sausage gravy often features pork sausage, which can be quite high in fat. Turkey sausage offers a healthier alternative, containing less fat and fewer calories while still delivering a fantastic savory taste. By choosing turkey sausage, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of sausage gravy without the guilt. Moreover, turkey sausage pairs beautifully with various seasonings, making it easy to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect turkey sausage gravy:
* **1 pound ground turkey sausage:** Choose your favorite brand and flavor of turkey sausage. Options range from mild to spicy, depending on your preference. You can also use turkey sausage links with the casings removed.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** The flour acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
* **3 cups milk:** Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but you can also use 2% milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk or non-dairy milk might result in a slightly less creamy gravy.
* **2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil):** Butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy. Olive oil can be used as a substitute for a slightly healthier option.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Adjust the amount of salt to your liking. Remember that the sausage already contains salt, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a robust flavor to the gravy.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the gravy.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder:** Onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavor.
* **Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional):** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished gravy.
Equipment Needed
* **Large skillet or Dutch oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven provides ample space for browning the sausage and making the gravy.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** A wooden spoon or spatula is essential for stirring the gravy and ensuring that the flour is fully incorporated.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the desired consistency and flavor.
* **Whisk:** A whisk helps to smooth out any lumps that may form in the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and creamy turkey sausage gravy:
**Step 1: Brown the Turkey Sausage**
* Place the large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the ground turkey sausage to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
* Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink spots left.
* As the sausage cooks, it will release some fat. If there is an excessive amount of fat in the skillet, you can drain some of it off, leaving about 2 tablespoons. This step is optional and depends on the fat content of your sausage.
**Step 2: Make the Roux**
* Add the butter (or olive oil) to the skillet with the cooked sausage.
* Melt the butter and then sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage.
* Cook the flour and sausage mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This process creates a roux, which is the base for the gravy. The roux should be golden brown and have a slightly nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the flour.
**Step 3: Gradually Add the Milk**
* Slowly pour in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, while whisking continuously.
* Whisk vigorously to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
* Continue adding the milk, whisking constantly, until all the milk has been added.
**Step 4: Season and Simmer**
* Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the gravy.
* Stir well to combine all the seasonings.
* Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
* Continue to simmer the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
* If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it is too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
* Remove the gravy from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve the turkey sausage gravy immediately over biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or grits.
* Enjoy your delicious and comforting turkey sausage gravy!
Tips for the Perfect Turkey Sausage Gravy
* **Use high-quality turkey sausage:** The flavor of the sausage is crucial to the overall taste of the gravy. Choose a brand and flavor that you enjoy.
* **Don’t burn the roux:** Be careful not to burn the flour when making the roux. Burnt flour will give the gravy a bitter taste.
* **Whisk continuously:** Whisking continuously while adding the milk is essential for preventing lumps from forming.
* **Adjust the seasonings:** Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices.
* **Control the thickness:** Simmering the gravy for a longer period will thicken it. If it becomes too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
* **Use warm milk:** Using warm milk can help the gravy come together more quickly and prevent lumps from forming.
* **Add a touch of cream:** For an extra-rich and creamy gravy, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Turkey sausage gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier gravy.
Variations and Additions
Here are a few variations and additions you can try to customize your turkey sausage gravy:
* **Mushroom Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the sausage and cook until softened. This adds an earthy flavor and texture to the gravy.
* **Sage Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Add a teaspoon of dried sage or a tablespoon of fresh sage to the gravy for a savory and aromatic flavor.
* **Cheddar Cheese Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy and flavorful gravy. This is especially delicious served over biscuits or grits.
* **Jalapeño Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Add diced jalapeños to the skillet along with the sausage for a spicy kick. This is a great option for those who like a little heat.
* **Spinach Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Add fresh spinach to the gravy at the end and cook until wilted. This adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color.
* **Cream Cheese Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy and tangy gravy.
* **Caramelized Onion Turkey Sausage Gravy:** Caramelize onions in the skillet before adding the sausage for a sweet and savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey sausage gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Biscuits and Gravy:** This is the classic way to serve turkey sausage gravy. Warm, flaky biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy are a match made in heaven.
* **Toast and Gravy:** If you don’t have biscuits on hand, toast is a great alternative. Serve the gravy over toasted bread for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch.
* **Mashed Potatoes and Gravy:** Turkey sausage gravy is a delicious topping for mashed potatoes. It adds a savory and comforting flavor to this classic side dish.
* **Grits and Gravy:** Serve the gravy over creamy grits for a Southern-inspired breakfast or brunch.
* **Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy:** Top chicken fried steak with turkey sausage gravy for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Eggs and Gravy:** Serve scrambled or fried eggs with a side of turkey sausage gravy for a complete breakfast.
* **Poutine:** Use turkey sausage gravy as the gravy component in a poutine dish, along with french fries and cheese curds.
Nutritional Information (approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 20-25g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerating:** Allow the turkey sausage gravy to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the gravy gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little milk to thin it out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal due to potential texture changes, you can freeze turkey sausage gravy. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture might be slightly grainy after thawing, but the flavor will still be good.
Conclusion
Turkey sausage gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can create a creamy, flavorful gravy that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Whether you serve it over biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or grits, turkey sausage gravy is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the ultimate turkey sausage gravy experience! Experiment with the variations to discover your perfect flavor combination. Happy cooking!