Cracker Barrel Gravy
Cracker Barrel’s classic gravy is a Southern comfort food staple that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients, including butter, flour, milk, and seasoning, this homemade gravy mimics the comforting flavors you know and love from Cracker Barrel’s famous dishes. Perfect for pairing with biscuits, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or any other comfort food, this gravy is sure to become a household favorite.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Skillet or Saucepan (for making the gravy)
- 1 whisk (for mixing ingredients)
- 1 Measuring Cup (for measuring milk and broth, if using)
- 1 Spoon or Ladle (for stirring and serving)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup 60 g Butter
- 1/4 cup 30 g All-purpose flour
- 2 cups 480 ml Whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon 3 g Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon 1 g Black pepper (to taste)
Optional:
- 1/2 cup 120 ml Chicken broth (for added richness)
- 1/4 cup 30 g Crumbled bacon or sausage (for added flavor)
Instructions
Melt Butter and Make Roux:
- In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is light golden brown. This is your roux.
Add Milk:
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk (or 2% milk), whisking constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free.
Season and Simmer:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to taste. Continue whisking and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens.
Adjust Consistency:
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.If it's too thin, simmer a bit longer to thicken it up.
Add Optional Ingredients:
- For extra flavor, stir in crumbled bacon or sausage if desired. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor for those who prefer a meatier gravy.
Serve:
- Once the gravy has thickened and is well-seasoned, remove from heat and serve immediately. Pour generously over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken.
Notes
- Adjust Consistency: For thicker gravy, let it simmer longer; for thinner gravy, simply add more milk or broth.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk to return the gravy to its creamy texture.
- Freezing: This gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stove, adding milk as needed.
- Meat Variations: For a meaty gravy, feel free to add cooked sausage or bacon crumbles. These add extra flavor and make the gravy heartier.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture may slightly change.