Keto sausage gravy delivers the hearty, peppery comfort of the Southern classic with none of the flour. Browned breakfast sausage, heavy cream, and water come together in one skillet, thickened with just half a teaspoon of xanthan gum. Ladle it over keto biscuits or scrambled eggs.
There’s nothing quite like a plate of fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, savory sausage gravy. It’s the ultimate Southern comfort food, a dish I used to crave constantly. When I switched to a low-carb lifestyle, I was determined to recreate that nostalgic breakfast without the carbs. This recipe is the delicious result! It delivers all the hearty, peppery flavor and velvety texture of the classic, but it’s completely keto-friendly. Perfect for ladling over my Keto Drop Biscuits or even a simple plate of scrambled eggs, this gravy proves you don’t have to give up your favorites to stay on track.
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 454 g (16 oz) bulk breakfast sausage
• 1 cup / 240 ml heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup / 180 ml (6.1 fl oz) water
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• Keto Drop Biscuits, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, using a spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles, until it is completely browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Do not drain the grease.
2. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the sausage, then pour in the heavy cream and water. Whisk everything together immediately to prevent the xanthan gum from clumping.
3. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes as the gravy simmers and thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out.
4. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately over warm biscuits or scrambled eggs.
Nutritional Information
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: ½ cup
• Calories: 405
• Fat: 39g
• Protein: 13g
• Net Carbs: 2g (0.07 oz)
• is an estimate and may vary based on used.
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Keto Gravy
• To prevent clumps, sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sausage and fat before adding the liquids. Whisk vigorously as soon as the cream and water are added.
• The gravy will thicken significantly as it cools. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or cream to restore its original consistency.
• For a spicy kick, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper.
• Feel free to use any bulk sausage you prefer, such as spicy, mild, or even Italian sausage, for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
Q: How do I prevent my keto gravy from getting lumpy
A: To prevent lumps, sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the cooked sausage and its grease before adding any liquid. As soon as you pour in the heavy cream and water, whisk everything together immediately and vigorously until smooth.
Q: Can I make this sausage gravy ahead of time
A: Yes, you can. Store the cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that it will thicken significantly as it cools. When you reheat it, simply stir in a splash of water or cream to restore its original consistency.
Q: What can I serve with keto sausage gravy
A: This gravy is perfect for serving over keto-friendly biscuits. It’s also delicious ladled over a simple plate of scrambled eggs, chaffles, or any other low-carb breakfast base.
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage
A: Absolutely. Feel free to use any bulk sausage you prefer. Spicy, mild, or even Italian sausage can be used to create a different and delicious flavor profile for your gravy.
Pro Tips
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the cooked sausage and its fat before adding any liquid, then whisk vigorously the moment the cream and water go in — this is how you avoid lumps.
- Don't drain the sausage grease: the rendered fat is part of the gravy's body and flavor.
- If the gravy gets too thick as it simmers, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time; it also thickens significantly as it cools, so loosen reheated gravy with a splash of water or cream.
- For a spicy kick, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne along with the salt and pepper.
- Any bulk sausage works — spicy, mild, or Italian — depending on the flavor profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my keto gravy from getting lumpy?
Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the cooked sausage and grease before adding liquid, then whisk immediately and vigorously as soon as the cream and water are in.
Can I make this sausage gravy ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir in a splash of water or cream when reheating, since it thickens as it cools.
What can I serve with keto sausage gravy?
Keto drop biscuits are the classic pairing; it's also excellent ladled over scrambled eggs, chaffles, or any low-carb breakfast base.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely — spicy, mild, or Italian bulk sausage each gives the gravy a different, delicious flavor profile.
Recipe card below.
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Keto Sausage Gravy
Ingredients
Method
- Place a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, using a spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles, until it is completely browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Do not drain the grease.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the sausage, then pour in the heavy cream and water.
- Whisk everything together immediately to prevent the xanthan gum from clumping.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes as the gravy simmers and thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over warm biscuits or scrambled eggs.
