Sawmill Gravy(Hard Time Meal)
Sawmill Gravy offers a hearty, rustic flavor with rich bacon or ham grease, perfect for breakfast or comforting meals, suited for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour and bacon or ham grease together and let it brown.
- Thin the mixture with water.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir and cook until fairly thick.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using smoked bacon grease instead of regular. You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a different texture, but the cooking time may vary. Ensure the grease is hot enough before adding the flour to achieve a nice brown color, which enhances the taste. Keep stirring to prevent lumps and burning.
Serving Suggestions
Sawmill gravy is a perfect topping for biscuits, such as those in Bite Size Bacon Biscuits, or over a hearty breakfast of eggs and hash browns. It also complements savory dishes like Hamburger Sausage Casserole. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Herbed Potato Salad or Brush's Broccoli Salad for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sawmill Gravy(Hard Time Meal) contains roughly 146 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).
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 without bacon grease?
Yes, you can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for bacon grease. While the flavor will differ slightly, it will still create a delicious gravy. If you want to maintain some of the savory notes, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast.
How can I make this gravy vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of sawmill gravy, use vegetable oil or butter instead of bacon grease, and opt for a vegetable broth instead of water for thinning. You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to mimic the savory depth of traditional gravy.
What dishes can I serve with sawmill gravy?
Sawmill gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try it over biscuits for a classic breakfast, or serve it with fried chicken and mashed potatoes. It also makes a great addition to a Southern-style meal, complementing pork recipes or hearty casseroles.
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).