Sausage Gravy! This sausage gravy, which is also called sawmill gravy, is so easy to make! You only need a few simple ingredients to make this hearty, comforting recipe in just minutes.
This may be the best sausage gravy recipe you’ll ever find! The dish is simple, but there are a few things that make it one of my all-time favorites.
Using a flavorful sausage as the base for this recipe will give you the best flavor. I personally love just a classic Regular or Mild Pork Sausage. This recipe is a winner because it only calls for a few ingredients, but we want to make sure we get the most flavor out of them.
Sausage gravy is a beloved breakfast food, especially in the Southern United States. It’s often enjoyed ladled over freshly baked biscuits or used to smother everything from hashbrowns to chicken fried steak. But to enjoy it safely, it’s important to understand proper storage guidelines for leftover gravy. So how long can sausage gravy sit out before it goes bad?
An Overview of Sausage Gravy
Sausage gravy begins with loose pork sausage browned in a pan. The rendered fat is used to make a simple roux by whisking in flour. Milk and seasonings are added to create a thick, creamy gravy. Finally, the cooked sausage is mixed back in and the gravy is ready to serve. Variations can include using different types of sausage, adding spices like black pepper or cayenne, or using part bacon drippings in the roux.
This rich, meaty gravy can be served warm or reheated as a topping for a variety of foods. Its high-fat content means it has a relatively short shelf life compared to other sauces. Proper storage is required to keep it safe to eat.
How Long Can Sausage Gravy Be Left Out?
According to the USDA, cooked foods should not be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours If the temperature is above 90°F, leftovers should be refrigerated after just 1 hour
This 2 hour window applies to sausage gravy as well. After sitting out for more than 2 hours, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels. At this point, the gravy must be discarded and should not be tasted or reheated.
So in most kitchens, sausage gravy should be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving it out overnight or for many hours during the day can allow dangerous pathogens to grow.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Sausage Gravy?
Consuming sausage gravy that has sat out too long can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms generally occur within 1-3 days and include:
- Nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
Cases due to dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization, or even death in vulnerable groups.
The effects can be more serious in high risk individuals like pregnant women, children, elderly, or immunocompromised persons. Do not take risks by tasting sausage gravy that may be spoiled.
Extending the Shelf Life of Sausage Gravy
To safely prolong the shelf life of leftover sausage gravy:
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Refrigerate promptly – Store gravy in a sealed container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
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Divide into smaller portions – Smaller amounts chill faster, slowing bacteria growth.
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Use shallow containers – This allows for quicker cooling in the fridge.
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Ensure proper temperatures – Keep fridge below 40°F and use chilled ingredients when cooking.
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Practice food safety – Wash hands, prevent cross-contamination, and cook thoroughly.
Following these guidelines can extend refrigerated sausage gravy to 3-4 days. But toss if you see any mold, smell spoilage, or if the time limit has been exceeded.
Freezing Sausage Gravy
For long term storage, sausage gravy can be frozen for 2-3 months. Here are some freezing tips:
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Cool gravy completely before freezing.
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Use airtight freezer containers or bags, removing excess air.
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Label bags with date and contents.
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Fill bags 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
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Seal tightly and freeze immediately.
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Place bags flat in freezer to quick-freeze.
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Once frozen, bags can be stacked or stood up.
Thaw frozen sausage gravy overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Do not refreeze thawed gravy.
Signs Your Sausage Gravy Has Spoiled
Watch for these red flags that indicate sausage gravy has gone bad:
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Change in texture – Gravy is watery, slimy, or has an odd chunky appearance
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Mold growth – Fuzzy spots or dry powdery mold covering the surface
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Strange colors – Unnatural blue, green, yellow discoloration
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Sour smell – Foul, unpleasant odors unlike fresh gravy
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Off tastes – Bitter, sour, or salty flavors when tasting
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Disgusting look – Gravy appears curdled, separated, dried out
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t take risks with foodborne illness.
Storing Sausage Gravy Properly
Here are some top food safety tips for storing sausage gravy:
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Prepare or cook gravy using clean equipment and fresh ingredients.
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Divide into small, shallow airtight containers for quick chilling.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours – 1 hour if temperature is above 90°F.
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Label containers with date and contents.
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Use oldest gravy first and check expiration dates.
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Store gravy in the back of the fridge furthest from the door.
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Heat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F until steaming hot.
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When reheating, boil gravy before serving ifolder than 3-4 days.
Following proper storage guidelines will keep your leftover sausage gravy fresh and delicious while preventing the growth of dangerous bacteria.
Who is Most at Risk from Spoiled Sausage Gravy?
Certain groups have a higher risk of getting severely sick from consuming spoiled sausage gravy. These populations should take extra care and be especially diligent with food safety practices:
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Children under age 5
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Pregnant women and their unborn babies
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Older adults over 65 years old
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Those with compromised immune systems
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Individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure
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People taking medications that reduce stomach acid
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Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment
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Anyone with a current illness causing vomiting or diarrhea
If you belong to a high risk group, do not eat sausage gravy that has been left out for longer than 1 hour. Only consume gravy that has been stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer. When reheating, ensure it reaches 165°F internally before eating. Avoid taking risks with your health and wellbeing.
Enjoy Sausage Gravy Safely
Sausage gravy is a delicious breakfast treat that can be enjoyed safely by following these storage guidelines:
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Refrigerate within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F
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Freeze for long-term storage of 2-3 months
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Check for signs of spoilage before eating
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Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot
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Discard gravy that is past recommended storage times
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Take extra care if you are in a high risk group
With proper handling, leftover sausage gravy can be safely enjoyed for several days after cooking. Implementing good food safety practices will keep you and your family free of foodborne illnesses so you can keep savoring this Southern favorite.
How long can I store Sausage Gravy in the refrigerator?
This sausage gravy will store in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Freeze the gravy in a container or freezer bags that won’t let air in. It will stay good in the freezer for one to two months.
How to Make Sausage Gravy:
- Brown the pork sausage in a large skillet. Do not pour out any grease from the pan. Keep it there. We will use this to add flavor to the gravy.
- Add flour to the sausage. Stir this around until you can’t see the flour. Then allow this mixture to cook for about 3-4 minutes. It’s important to make sure the flour is cooked and not raw, or the gravy recipe will taste like flour.
- You can use any milk you like. Add the milk and stir. Add in the seasonings. If you want more salt and pepper, you can always add it at the end after tasting the gravy.
- Allow the gravy to simmer. As the gravy simmers it will thicken. You can add more milk to the gravy if you think it is too thick. I think it’s great as long as the gravy is used right away. But as it sits it will thicken slightly. Stirring in some warm milk fixes that.
5-Star Sausage Gravy with Ree Drummond | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network
FAQ
How long can gravy sit out before it goes bad?
Can you leave sausage gravy out overnight?
How long does it take for sausage gravy to go bad?
How long can cooked sausage sit out on the counter?
How long can sausage sit out?
Just like fresh or cooked sausage, sausage-based dishes can only sit out for 2 hours. Whether you made gravy, pizza, pasta, or a casserole does not matter. Do not let your sausage-based dishes sit out for 2 hours. Sausage comes from the Latin word salsus, which translates to salted.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Can sausage be left at room temperature?
Fresh or cooked sausages cannot be left at room temperature indefinitely. They can only be kept at room temperature for 2 hours. After 2 hours in the temperature danger zone, the sausage will be unsafe to eat. If the room’s temperature is above 90°F, it will become unsafe to eat in 1 hour.
Is it safe to eat leftover sausage?
Sausages that have been sitting out on the counter all night might look and smell fine, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to eat. However, if you’ve had a batch of sausage in the fridge for a long time and you aren’t sure whether it’s still good, there may be telltale signs of spoilage. Your first step is to sniff it.