Homemade Southern Milk Gravy W/Bacon (Bacon Gravy)

Homemade Milk Gravy - Bacon Gravy to serve over hot buttermilk biscuits. Bacon Gravy is a simple milk gravy made with bacon grease. 

Last night we had breakfast for dinner (brinner).  I know this may sound strange to some, but growing up my mom used to make breakfast for dinner all the time, especially if we were short on groceries. If we didn't have enough food, I never knew because as kids we loved it! Now that I'm married and have my own family they love brinner as much as I did. 

We love sausage gravy but milk gravy made with bacon (bacon gravy) is just as delicious as sausage gravy. I learned how to make bacon gravy years ago from my husbands grandmother. Goodness that was about 25 years ago. Me maw really knew how to cook and I'm thankful she took the time to teach me a few things. 

I loved to watch her cook, she never measured anything but I caught on very quickly. I was so proud of myself the first time I made bacon gravy. I have since remarried and Me maw  has passed one, but her bacon gravy holds a special place in my heart.

I still cherish the times I spent in the kitchen with her cooking and learning the wisdom she was willing to share. It's something I will never forget. This gravy recipe is really simple to make and takes a bit of practice to get it just right, especially for first timers. But no worries you will get it. 

To start you need bacon grease. Either from frying up some bacon or using reserved bacon grease. Every great southerner has a jar of reserved of bacon grease in the fridge. I know I do! It's wonderful to use as a seasoning in so many dishes.  

To start you need to make a roux by heating about 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon grease in medium size skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and continue stirring until the flour absorbs all of the fat and starts to turn brown in color. 

The longer you cook the flour the more flavor the gravy will have. At this point add a bit of salt and pepper. Start out with the smaller amount of pepper and add more later if desired. Add the water and milk together in a large measuring cup mix. 

Slowly start adding and stirring the liquid mixture into the flour a little at a time stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. Continue adding the milk mixture, whisking and stirring at the same time until all the liquid is added to the gravy. 

Let the mixture come to a boil, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer on low for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Taste the gravy and see if you need to add any additional salt and pepper before serving.

Serve gravy over biscuits or toast. My family prefers biscuits, and yes as you can see in the picture I do cheat and use Pillsbury Grands Biscuits. Funny thing is I can make homemade gravy but I stink at making homemade biscuits. Maybe one day I will learn how to make a good biscuit until then this will work. 

Update --> I'm happy to report that since posting this recipe, I can finally bake Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits. That is quite a accomplishment for me. I can also make quick Skillet Buttermilk Biscuits. Both of these biscuits are delicious served with bacon gravy. 

Homemade Milk Gravy (Bacon Gravy)

6 - slices of thick cut bacon (more if you want to eat some with your meal)  
2 - tablespoons reserved bacon grease
1/3 - cup flour
salt and pepper, to taste
1  1/2 cups milk
1  1/2 cups water

To start you need to make a roux by heating about 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon grease in medium size skillet over medium-high heat. 

Stir in the flour and continue stirring until the flour absorbs all of the fat and starts to turn brown in color. 

The longer you cook the flour the more flavor the gravy will have. At this point add a bit of salt and pepper. 

Start out with the smaller amount of pepper and add more later if desired. Add the water and milk together in a large measuring cup mix. 

Slowly start adding and stirring the liquid mixture into the flour a little at a time stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. 

Continue adding the milk mixture, whisking and stirring at the same time until all the liquid is added to the gravy. 

Let the mixture come to a boil, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer on low for about 5 minutes or until thickened. 

Taste the gravy and see if you need to add any additional salt and pepper before serving. 

Serve gravy over hot buttermilk biscuits or toast. 

servings: 4-6