Bacon is irresistible on its own, but did you know you can take that savory goodness to the next level by turning it into a rich, creamy gravy? Bacon gravy is a versatile comfort food that can elevate any recipe from hearty breakfasts to cozy dinners and everything in between.
Discover step-by-step instructions to make delicious bacon gravy at home, including key tips and helpful hints for perfect gravy every time!
Why bacon gravy deserves a spot in your recipe rotation
As a staple in Southern comfort food, bacon gravy is a delicious twist on traditional white gravy — with the rich flavor and savory goodness of bacon.
Whether you're topping fluffy biscuits, smothering mashed potatoes or dipping crispy fried chicken, bacon gravy adds a comforting touch to every family meal. It's an easy and affordable dish to whip up — using basic pantry ingredients like flour, milk and bacon — so it's perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Plus, you can easily adjust the flavor, thickness or ingredients to match your loved ones' tastes or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add some hot sauce. Prefer a thicker gravy? Simply add more flour. Whatever your preference, bacon gravy is a customizable and satisfying addition to your cooking repertoire!
How to make bacon gravy in 6 simple steps
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 1 pack Hatfield® Maple Brown Sugar Bacon.
- 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings, reserved from cooking bacon.
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups whole milk (more for a thinner consistency).
- ½ tsp. salt, adjusted to taste.
- ½ tsp. black pepper, adjusted to taste.
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, cayenne pepper or dried sage, adjusted to taste.
Step-by-step instructions to prepare country gravy with crumbled bacon
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and cook your bacon slices until crispy. Then, remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the leftover bacon grease in the skillet to use for the gravy.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare the roux. Add the all-purpose flour to the bacon grease in the skillet, and whisk the mixture constantly for one to two minutes — or until it forms a golden-brown paste.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for three to five minutes, stirring frequently, until the milk and flour mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Season with salt and black pepper. If desired, add garlic powder, cayenne pepper or dried sage for extra flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Step 5: Chop or crumble the cooked bacon into small bits, and stir the bacon pieces into the homemade gravy for added texture and a burst of maple-brown sugar flavor. For a thinner consistency, whisk in additional milk one tablespoon at a time.
- Step 6: Finally, serve the creamy bacon gravy over warm biscuits, mashed potatoes and butter or as a savory dip, and enjoy!
If you're ready to dig in, you can head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Tips and tricks for bacon gravy perfection
Mastering bacon gravy is all about the details, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting your technique. Consider the following tips to create a gravy that's rich, smooth and bursting with flavor.
- Choose thick-cut bacon: Wondering which type of bacon works best? You'll want to go for a thick-cut option. The extra thickness provides more fat for a rich roux and larger, satisfying bacon pieces to stir into the gravy, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Save the leftover bacon grease: Don't toss those bacon drippings — they're liquid gold! This is the secret ingredient for a deeply flavorful roux and irresistibly savory gravy.
- Whisk continuously: Keep the bacon grease and flour mixture moving. Whisking constantly helps you achieve a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Adjust the consistency: Prefer a thicker gravy? Start with less milk than the recipe calls for. For a thinner gravy, add milk gradually until it's just right.
- Season thoughtfully: Since bacon is naturally salty, start light with seasoning. Taste as you go and add flavors like black pepper, smoked paprika or garlic powder to elevate the dish.
- Get creative with add-ins: To switch things up, stir in crumbled sausage, shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless — experiment to find your favorite gravy combination!
Answering bacon gravy FAQs
Still have questions? Check out these FAQs to enjoy the ultimate bacon gravy experience:
Can I make bacon gravy ahead of time?
Yes, bacon gravy is a great option to make ahead of time! Simply cook it as usual, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, warm up on low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk for a silky texture.
What dishes pair best with bacon gravy?
Bacon gravy is classically paired with warm biscuits, mashed potatoes and fried chicken. It's also a delicious topping for waffles, hash browns or even scrambled eggs. For something creative, you might use it as a dip for breadsticks or vegetable sticks!
What type of milk works best for bacon gravy?
Whole milk is your go-to for rich, creamy bacon gravy. But, if you're looking for a lighter option, try 2% milk. Need a dairy-free swap? Unsweetened almond or oat milk works well — just make sure it's plain for the best flavor match.
How can I make bacon gravy spicier or more flavorful?
Turn up the heat with a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. For more depth, stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika or dried sage. Don't be shy — experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the homemade gravy to your taste.
What's the best way to prevent my gravy from separating or clumping?
The secret to smooth, lump-free gravy is whisking continuously and gradually adding in milk. Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid scorching, and if lumps form, whisk vigorously or strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth finish.
Bring flavor to the table with bacon gravy and Hatfield® pork
Bacon gravy is an easy-to-make, game-changing addition that takes your favorite meals to a whole new level. Whether it's smothered on warm biscuits or drizzled over mashed potatoes, this rich and flavorful gravy transforms everyday main dishes into comfort food classics.
Pair your creations with Hatfield® pork for a mealtime that's delicious, safe and stress-free. With high-quality, pre-seasoned pork products, dinner becomes effortless and every dish is packed with flavor your family will love.
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today.
