If you have a hankering for something rich, creamy, and downright comforting, this Sour Cream Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a luscious sauce that elevates simple dishes with its perfect blend of tangy sour cream and savory goodness. Coming together in just minutes, this gravy uses familiar ingredients to create a silky, flavorful topping that turns everyday meals into memorable feasts. Whether you’re spooning it over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted meats, this gravy brings a warmth and depth that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful Sour Cream Gravy Recipe is made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a special role, from creating the base to adding richness and that signature tangy twist.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or ¼ cup of pan drippings: This fat serves as the perfect foundation, giving the gravy a rich, silky texture and depth of flavor.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Flour thickens the gravy, turning it into a smooth, luscious sauce you can spoon effortlessly.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds umami and a hearty backbone to the gravy’s flavor profile.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings creaminess and smoothness, balancing out the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A subtle punch of tang and complexity that helps bring all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Injects a mild sharpness and depth that enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
- ⅓ cup sour cream: The star ingredient that adds a lovely tang and silky finish, making this gravy truly special.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to customize the gravy to your liking.
How to Make Sour Cream Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Build the Roux
Start by melting your butter or heating up that flavorful pan drippings in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, whisk in the all-purpose flour, combining them into a roux. This step is crucial because it creates that thick, velvety base for your gravy. Keep whisking for a minute or two until the mixture is golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Slowly Add the Broth and Cream
Next, slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Follow that with the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. The Worcestershire and mustard add layers of flavor that keep this gravy from being one-dimensional. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken — this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see it go from runny to luxuriously smooth.
Step 3: Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the sour cream. This final step gives the gravy its signature tang and creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. That’s it—your easy, delicious Sour Cream Gravy Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sour Cream Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation shine, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the gravy for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top also adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This gravy was made for comfort food classics. Pour it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered biscuits, roasted vegetables, or even pan-seared meats like chicken or pork chops. It also pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs or a hearty breakfast skillet for an unexpected but delicious twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning this gravy over a layered casserole or use it as a sauce for fluffy dumplings or noodles. For a rustic touch, serve it in a gravy boat alongside a crusty loaf of bread—this encourages everyone to dip and savor every drop. Experimenting with textures and dishes is part of the fun when it comes to this versatile sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily save any leftover sour cream gravy by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture well for up to one week, making it perfect to enjoy again later or for meal prep.
Freezing
While this gravy freezes well, the sour cream can sometimes cause slight changes in texture after thawing. To freeze, place the gravy in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Sour Cream Gravy Recipe gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. This helps bring back that freshly made creaminess and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this gravy vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and skip the pan drippings. The gravy will still be creamy and flavorful with the same techniques.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can give a similar tangy richness. Add them at the end like sour cream to maintain texture.
Is this gravy suitable for gluten-free diets?
This recipe relies on all-purpose flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry instead, adjusting quantities as needed.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How thick should my gravy be?
The perfect sour cream gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, loosen it with a little broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a creamy, tangy sauce that tastes like it was made with love, and this Sour Cream Gravy Recipe does just that. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable, making it a must-have in your culinary toolkit. Give this recipe a try today and savor every luscious spoonful that turns your meals into cozy celebrations.
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Sour Cream Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy and savory sour cream gravy is a quick and easy way to transform pan drippings into a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, meats, or roasted vegetables, this gravy combines a smooth roux with beef broth, heavy cream, and a hint of Worcestershire and Dijon mustard, finished off with tangy sour cream for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or ¼ cup of pan drippings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Roux: Heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter or ¼ cup pan drippings in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the skillet and whisk continuously. This forms the roux, which is the base to thicken the gravy.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Continue whisking to combine these ingredients smoothly and prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Allow the sauce to cook until it starts to thicken, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning or sticking.
- Finish with Sour Cream and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Whisk in ⅓ cup of sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and tangy texture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheating: Reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency without curdling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
