Ethel'S Cream Gravy

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Ethel's Cream Gravy is a rich, smooth sauce with a velvety texture, perfect for breakfast dishes or hearty favorites, suited for comforting family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. butter or shortening
  • 4 oz. cornstarch or flour
  • 2 qts. milk and stock
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan.
  2. Add flour and stir together to make a thick paste.
  3. Cook until smooth.
  4. Add milk and stock, stirring constantly until the desired thickness is reached.
  5. Bring to a boil.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute cornstarch for flour. Ensure to whisk continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps. For added depth, you can infuse the milk with herbs or sautéed onions before adding. This cream gravy pairs beautifully with dishes like Holeless Doughnuts for a hearty breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

Ethel's Cream Gravy is perfect served over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. For a complete meal, pair it with Grandmama Harris' Broccoli Casserole and a fresh salad. This versatile gravy can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables for an indulgent twist.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the gravy to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ethel'S Cream Gravy contains roughly 341 calories, with 4g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

341 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 7g 9% DV
Carbs 64.9g 24% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 24.1g 48% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 653.9mg 28% DV
Potassium 273.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 6.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 103.6mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 54.6mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 4% DV
Calcium 213.8mg 16% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it gently and add a bit of milk to adjust the consistency. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings.

What can I use instead of milk?

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Both will provide a creamy texture, although the flavor may be slightly different. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement the alternative milk.

How do I make this gravy thicker?

To achieve a thicker gravy, simply cook it a bit longer after adding the milk and stock. If it’s still not thick enough, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the gravy while stirring.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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