How do you make bacon gravy? If you’re looking to elevate your home cooking with a rich, savory sauce, bacon gravy is the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. This delectable gravy is a staple in Southern cuisine and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes, from fried chicken to mashed potatoes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a mouthwatering bacon gravy that will impress your family and friends.
Bacon gravy is a flavorful blend of rendered bacon fat, flour, and savory seasonings. The key to a successful bacon gravy lies in the quality of the bacon and the careful balance of flavors. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of chicken or beef broth
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the bacon to render and become crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
2. Pour off most of the rendered bacon fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. This will be used to make the roux.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 cup of the broth until well combined. This mixture will be used to create a roux, which is the base for the gravy.
4. Pour the flour and broth mixture into the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes a light golden color, about 5-7 minutes. This is your roux.
5. Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of broth to the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the cooked bacon back into the gravy, along with the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Continue to simmer the gravy for another 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to develop further.
8. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more broth.
9. Once the gravy reaches your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to serve. Pour it over your favorite dish and enjoy the rich, savory taste of homemade bacon gravy.
Remember, the key to a perfect bacon gravy is patience and attention to detail. Take your time to cook the bacon and the roux, and don’t rush the process. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create a delicious bacon gravy that will make any meal special. Happy cooking!
