Country Gravy Mix is your ticket to effortless comfort food, capturing the classic flavors of creamy, from-scratch Southern gravy in one speedy, shelf-stable blend. With this easy pantry staple, you’ll always be just minutes away from drizzling rich, peppery gravy over hot biscuits, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or any homestyle favorite. Forget scrambling at the last minute—having this mix on hand means creamy, homemade goodness is always within reach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few everyday staples is all it takes to create your very own Country Gravy Mix. Each ingredient, while humble on its own, brings something special—creaminess, body, a savory backbone, or that irresistible hint of spice—that makes homemade gravy truly sing.
- Nonfat dry milk powder: Infuses the mix with rich creaminess and classic gravy flavor, without needing fresh milk on hand.
- All-purpose flour: Works as the essential thickener, giving your gravy just the right spoon-coating texture.
- Beef or chicken bouillon granules: Packs a punch of umami and savory depth, letting you tailor the flavor to your craving—beefy or chicken-style.
- Black pepper: Delivers the signature peppery backbone classic country gravy is known for.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild, mouthwatering sweetness and depth without any chopping.
- Garlic powder: Brings in subtle warmth and a kiss of savoriness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the richness with just enough salinity.
- Dried thyme (optional): Infuses a gentle herby note and aromatic complexity, boosting the country feel.
- Paprika (optional): Gives a hint of color and smokiness, elevating the mix with an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Country Gravy Mix
Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. Accurate measuring makes sure every batch of Country Gravy Mix turns out full of balanced flavor. This is also a great time to decide whether you want the classic comfort of chicken or the bolder bite of beef bouillon granules.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, combine the nonfat dry milk powder, flour, bouillon granules, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and, if using, dried thyme and paprika. Whisk everything together for about a minute, making sure the powders are evenly combined and no streaks remain. This ensures your mix will dissolve smoothly without lumps when you go to make your gravy.
Step 3: Store for Whenever Cravings Strike
Spoon your finished Country Gravy Mix into an airtight jar or container. Label it with the date, then stash it in a cool, dry cupboard. This way, you’ll always have robust, homemade flavor ready to go, and the mix stays fresh for up to three months. Doubling or tripling the recipe is easy, so you’ll never run out when the need for comfort food hits!
Step 4: Prepare the Perfect Country Gravy
To transform your Country Gravy Mix into luscious gravy, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or pan drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup of your mix, letting it cook for about one minute to bring out even deeper flavors. Gradually pour in 2 cups of water or milk, whisking constantly. Keep stirring as it comes up to a simmer; in about 5–7 minutes, it will thicken into creamy perfection. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—now it’s ready for pouring, topping, and dunking!
How to Serve Country Gravy Mix
Garnishes
For that irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle your hot gravy with an extra grind of black pepper, a dusting of fresh parsley, or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you want to echo the flavors in your mix. These simple garnishes add gorgeous color and a fresh pop that makes your dish sing.
Side Dishes
Country Gravy Mix comes alive over buttery biscuits, crispy chicken strips, mashed potatoes, or a pile of roasted veggies. For Sunday brunch, serve your piping hot gravy with fluffy scrambled eggs and sausage patties alongside. You can even use it to top open-faced sandwiches or smother a tray of breakfast casseroles—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving your gravy in a rustic gravy boat, letting guests spoon it over their own plates. Pour some over fresh, homemade fries for a comfort-food twist. Or use it as a base for quick skillet pot pies—just add cooked chicken and veggies, top with biscuits, and bake until bubbly. Your Country Gravy Mix is versatile enough for both everyday meals and showstopper occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Gravy made from this mix can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring—this helps maintain its creamy consistency. Give it a quick stir before reheating to keep the texture silky-smooth.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch or want to prep ahead, you can also freeze prepared gravy. Pour completely cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving a little space for expansion. Store flat for easy thawing; it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your gravy slowly in a saucepan over low-to-medium heat, whisking often until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened up a bit too much, simply whisk in a splash of milk or water to restore that perfect, pourable creaminess. Microwaving works in a pinch! Just do it in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the texture nice and smooth.
FAQs
How long does homemade Country Gravy Mix keep?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, your Country Gravy Mix will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 months. If you make a double or triple batch, just keep it tightly sealed and scoop out what you need when you’re ready to make gravy.
Can I make this mix vegetarian?
Absolutely! To keep your Country Gravy Mix vegetarian, simply use vegetable bouillon granules instead of beef or chicken. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still enjoy that savory, creamy gravy goodness.
Does this mix work with gluten-free flour?
Yes—it’s easy to swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The gravy will still thicken nicely, though the flavor might be slightly different depending on your flour blend of choice.
What can I do if my gravy comes out too thick or too thin?
If your prepared gravy is too thick, just whisk in a splash of extra milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For thin gravy, cook it for a few more minutes or add an extra tablespoon of Country Gravy Mix to the pot, stirring and heating until it thickens up.
Can I use milk alternatives or non-dairy options?
Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat, when whisking up the gravy. The result will be slightly different in richness but still absolutely delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If homemade comfort is what you crave, keeping a Mason jar of Country Gravy Mix in your pantry is a real game changer. With just a few everyday ingredients and five minutes, you’ll always be just a whisk away from the classic, creamy, peppery gravy we all dream about. Give this recipe a try—I promise, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!
Print
Country Gravy Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (mix), 10–12 minutes (prepared)
- Yield: About 1 3/4 cups dry mix (makes approx. 7–8 cups of gravy)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make your own convenient and flavorful country gravy mix at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for topping biscuits, chicken-fried steak, or mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
Dry Mix:
- 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons beef or chicken bouillon granules (depending on flavor preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together dry milk powder, flour, bouillon granules, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, and paprika until evenly combined. Store the mix in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
- To Prepare Gravy: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or pan drippings over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the gravy mix and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of water or milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
- You can double or triple the recipe to keep a larger batch on hand.
- For a richer gravy, use whole milk or a splash of cream instead of water.
- Great over biscuits, chicken-fried steak, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup mix
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
