If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, bold, and downright delicious way to upgrade your breakfast or dinner, this Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine rich, savory sausage pieces sizzling in a velvety, spiced gravy, with just the right kick from Cajun seasoning and a smoky hint of paprika. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and packs a punch of Southern comfort with every bite. Whether ladled over fluffy biscuits or creamy grits, this gravy is sure to become your new go-to flavor bomb for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe starts with simple, accessible ingredients that each play a starring role in layering flavor and texture. From the spicy, smoky sausage to the buttery, creamy base, every element combines to create a harmonious and irresistible dish.
- 8 oz andouille sausage, diced: This smoky, spicy sausage is the heart of the dish and provides that classic Cajun flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful foundation.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Makes the gravy creamy and smooth, balancing the spices perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the gravy.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and texture once softened in butter.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses the gravy with aromatic warmth and a slight bite.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Brings that essential Cajun spice profile, adjust to your heat preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and adds beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Key for balancing all the flavors and seasoning perfectly.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the diced andouille sausage until it’s browned and crispy. This step is crucial because it renders the flavorful fat from the sausage, which will enrich your gravy. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside. Don’t toss the flavorful bits left in the pan—they’re the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add the butter to the skillet along with the sausage fat and let it melt. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. The sweetness of the onions balances the savory sausage perfectly. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Make the roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux. This step thickens the gravy and gives it that silky texture you want.
Step 4: Add liquids and spices
Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking to keep the gravy lump-free. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, which bring bold flavors and a lovely reddish hue. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Combine and season
Return the crispy andouille sausage to the skillet and stir everything together to combine those robust flavors. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Now, your Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is ready to cozy up your plate!
How to Serve Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a delightful splash of vibrant green but also brightens the rich gravy with a subtle herbal note. This little garnish goes a long way in lifting the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines best over warm, flaky biscuits or creamy grits—both perfect canvases to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with mashed potatoes or over scrambled eggs for a spicy Southern breakfast twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this gravy spooned generously over a slice of toasted sourdough for a rustic, comforting vibe. Or use it as a rich sauce over roasted vegetables or even a baked potato. For a playful twist, drizzle it over a breakfast casserole to bring your dish to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day if stored properly. Transfer your gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the gravy too, which is great for those busy days. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing due to the milk content.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftover gravy, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and bring back that comforting creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives a signature smoky Cajun flavor, you can swap in kielbasa or chorizo if you want a different but still flavorful twist.
Is this gravy spicy?
The Cajun seasoning gives this gravy a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust it by using more or less seasoning or adding hot sauce if you like things extra spicy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, try substituting the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
What can I serve this gravy with besides biscuits or grits?
It’s wonderful over eggs, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even spooned on a breakfast casserole for a Southern-inspired twist.
How thick should the gravy be?
The ideal consistency is creamy and somewhat thick but still pourable. It should coat the back of a spoon without being gloopy or runny.
Final Thoughts
This Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, brimming with bold flavors and creamy goodness that will instantly transport you to Southern comfort food heaven. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a satisfying meal, I promise this gravy will become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and watch how it transforms even the simplest dishes into memorable, soulful bites!
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Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy is a rich and flavorful Southern-inspired sauce made with crispy andouille sausage, a buttery roux, and a blend of Cajun spices. Perfect for serving over biscuits, grits, or any classic Southern dish, this creamy gravy brings a delicious spicy kick that elevates your meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Base
- 8 oz andouille sausage, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced andouille sausage until browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add butter to the skillet with the rendered sausage fat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Season the Gravy: Add the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Sausage: Return the browned sausage to the pan, stir to combine evenly, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun gravy hot over freshly baked biscuits, creamy grits, or your favorite Southern dish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier gravy, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Use low-fat milk as a substitute for whole milk for a lighter version, though the gravy may be less creamy.
- This gravy can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook the roux a little longer before adding liquids or reduce the liquids slightly.
- Andouille sausage adds a distinctive smoky flavor; you can substitute with kielbasa or smoked sausage if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern Cajun
