Sausage gravy is a popular breakfast food that is often served over biscuits, toast, potatoes or other foods. It has a delicious creamy, savory flavor from the combination of sausage, milk, and seasonings. When making sausage gravy, there are usually leftovers. So can you save leftover sausage gravy? The short answer is yes, you can safely store leftover sausage gravy in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
Can you refrigerate leftover sausage gravy?
Refrigerating leftover sausage gravy is one of the easiest ways to save it. Simply transfer the extra gravy into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. When stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover sausage gravy will keep for 3-4 days.
Here are some tips for refrigerating sausage gravy:
- Let the gravy cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
- Pour the gravy into an airtight container, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Plastic containers or glass jars with tight fitting lids work well.
- Promptly refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave the gravy out too long.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality and safety. Gravy may start to separate or have flavor changes past that time.
When ready to use the leftover gravy, give it a good stir or reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot and bubbly. The refrigeration process can cause some separation, but it will smooth out again upon reheating.
Can you freeze sausage gravy?
Freezing is another excellent way to preserve leftover sausage gravy for longer term storage. Frozen properly, sausage gravy can keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Follow these tips for freezing sausage gravy:
- Chill the gravy in the fridge first. Let it cool completely before freezing for best results.
- Portion the gravy into airtight freezer containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Freezer bags also work well.
- Remove as much air from the containers as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers with the contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen gravy overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave just until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk or cream if the gravy seems too thick after thawing.
How to tell if leftover sausage gravy is bad?
Like any leftover, sausage gravy has a limited shelf life. Follow proper refrigeration and freezing guidelines to maximize freshness and safety. Here are signs that sausage gravy has gone bad and needs to be discarded:
- Mold or fuzzy growths appear
- Gravy has an unpleasant or sour odor
- Texture becomes very thick and gelatinous
- Liquid separates and appears curdled
- Changes color dramatically, like graying or bright yellow
As long as none of the above signs appear, leftover sausage gravy stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer should be safe to eat. However, it’s always best to rely on sight and smell and use common sense. If in doubt, throw it out.
Storing and reheating tips
Follow these tips for storing and reheating leftover sausage gravy:
| Storage Method | Temperature | Shelf Life | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 40°F or below | 3-4 days | Gently reheat on stovetop or microwave until hot. Stir before serving if separated. |
| Freezer | 0°F or below | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge. Reheat to simmering on stovetop or microwave. Stir in milk or cream if too thick. |
Creative ways to use up leftover sausage gravy
Don’t let leftover sausage gravy go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to creatively use up extra sausage gravy:
- Spread over an omelet or breakfast sandwich
- Fill inside crepes or pancakes
- Toss with pasta or rice
- Top a baked potato
- Stir into mac and cheese
- Use as a dip for chicken tenders or fries
- Make sausage gravy pizza with biscuit crust
- Fill inside wontons or potstickers
- Mix into stuffing or dressing
- Make gravy nachos or potato skins
With endless possibilities, you’ll look forward to having leftovers of this flavorful and versatile sausage gravy!
Sausage Gravy Recipe
Here is a delicious recipe to make a big batch of sausage gravy for biscuits and leftovers:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in milk and half and half. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Add black pepper, sage, onion powder and garlic powder. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring often, until gravy thickens. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve warm over biscuits, toast, potatoes or rice. Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze 2-3 months.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
Gravy can be made 1-2 days ahead. Let cool completely then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. If too thick, stir in additional milk or cream to reach desired consistency.
Conclusion
With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can easily save leftover sausage gravy to enjoy later. Store gravy in airtight containers and use within 3-4 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat leftovers gently before serving. Be on the lookout for signs of spoilage. And get creative with how to use up extra gravy in meals, appetizers or other recipes. With its creamy, savory flavor, leftover sausage gravy is too delicious to waste!
