How to Make Delicious Bacon Gravy Without Milk

If you want, you can also pour it over mashed potatoes. I was surprised by how good it was the first time I tried it.

You can fry sausage bits and mix them in to make sausage gravy for biscuits and gravy.

You don’t need milk to make this dairy-free country gravy. You can use any dairy-free milk you like.

I will sometimes use mostly water and add oat milk because it gives the gravy color that water can’t.

Bacon gravy is a savory, rich, and comforting southern classic that goes great with biscuits, mashed potatoes, eggs, chicken fried steak, and more. Traditionally made with bacon drippings, flour, and milk, bacon gravy may seem off limits to those avoiding dairy. However, with a simple ingredient swap, you can easily make dairy-free bacon gravy that’s just as delicious as the original.

Why Go Dairy-Free?

There are many reasons one may want or need to avoid dairy products:

Milk allergies or sensitivities
Vegan or vegetarian diets
Paleo or Whole30 diets
Digestive issues with dairy
Wanting to reduce saturated fat or cholesterol intake

Regardless of the reason, with a couple easy substitutions, anyone can still enjoy a warm bowl of creamy, savory bacon gravy.

The Secret to Creamy, Smooth Dairy-Free Bacon Gravy

The key to making smooth dairy-free gravy is to use an unsweetened milk alternative that has a creamy, rich consistency. My top choices are

Unsweetened almond milk: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Unsweetened coconut milk: Imparts a very subtle coconut flavor and makes the gravy rich and velvety.
Oat milk: Has a neutral flavor profile and mimics the consistency of dairy milk.
Soy milk: Also has a neutral flavor and creamy consistency.

For best results, go with an unsweetened variety or one specifically made for cooking and baking. The consistency of the milk alternative used can really make or break the final texture of the gravy.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Bacon Gravy Without Milk

Making this easy dairy-free bacon gravy only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup bacon drippings (or butter, oil, or lard)
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
3-4 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
1 tsp black pepper
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
Chopped cooked bacon (for serving; optional)

Steps

Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. Reserve 1⁄4 cup of the drippings.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon drippings.
Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the non-dairy milk of choice until incorporated and smooth.
Allow the gravy to simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Stir in chopped cooked bacon if desired.
Serve warm over biscuits, eggs, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, etc. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, use part bacon drippings and part butter or oil when making the roux.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Gravy Without Milk

What can I use instead of bacon drippings?

If you don’t have bacon drippings, you can substitute butter, vegetable oil, olive oil, or lard.

What is the best milk substitute to use?

For rich, creamy gravy, I recommend unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Avoid sweetened varieties.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour to thicken the gravy.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Absolutely! Allow it to fully cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You sure can. Allow it to fully cool, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How can I adjust the thickness?

If it’s too thick, whisk in more non-dairy milk. If it’s too thin, make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water and whisk it in.

Unique Recipe Variations

Once you master the classic bacon gravy recipe, try one of these fun variations:

Maple Bacon Gravy: Use maple syrup instead of plain dairy-free milk.
Jalapeno Bacon Gravy: Add minced jalapenos for a kick.
Chicken Bacon Gravy: Use chicken broth and poultry seasoning.
Chorizo Bacon Gravy: Add crumbled chorizo sausage.
Sausage Bacon Gravy: Cook and crumble sausage into the gravy.

The possibilities are endless! Adjust herbs, spices, meat additions, and more to customize it.

Tips for Serving Bacon Gravy

Bacon gravy is extremely versatile and can be served with just about anything, but here are some of my favorite pairings:

Buttery biscuits or gluten-free biscuits
Fluffy scrambled eggs
Crispy fried chicken
Southern-style chicken fried steak
Soft cheesy grits or polenta
Flaky baked biscuits
Crispy breakfast potatoes
Tender roasted chicken
Rich creamy mashed potatoes

Drizzle it over anything that could use a hit of savory, smoky, creamy flavor! Leftovers also make an amazing sandwich sauce.

Make Weekday Breakfasts Easier

Having a batch of this dairy-free bacon gravy in the fridge makes weekday breakfasts a breeze. Simply reheat a portion and serve it over eggs, potatoes, or biscuits for a fast, filling meal before work or school. Meal prep it on Sunday to set your week up for success.

Satisfy Your Southern Comfort Food Cravings

This easy recipe is sure to satisfy any cravings for classic Southern comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, fluffy egg breakfasts drowned in gravy, and more. The rich, meaty flavor of the bacon paired with the creamy, peppery gravy is an unbeatable flavor combination.

Enjoy the Creamy Flavor Without the Guilt

Since this recipe skips the milk and butter, you can dig into a warm bowl of gravy guilt-free. It has a fraction of the calories, fat, and cholesterol compared to traditional milk-based bacon gravy. Sneak in extra veggies by serving it over mashed cauliflower or butternut squash.

So if you love bacon gravy but avoid dairy, don’t deprive yourself any longer! With this easy tweak, you can keep enjoying this comforting southern staple anytime.

how to make bacon gravy without milk

What Kind of Oil to Use

Neutral oils like vegetable oil, safflower oil, and sunflower seed oil work well here.

Other oils, like olive and coconut, can be used, but they might give your dish a flavor you don’t want.

You can also use Schmaltz or other rendered animal fats instead of oil. They might give the food a nice savory taste.

WHY USE FLOUR TO THICKEN GRAVY

I use flour to thicken gravy because it gives the gravy that classic opaque, slightly pale look.

A lot of people don’t like using flour because the gravy can taste like flour if it’s not cooked long enough. Also, if not made properly, it can become clumpy.

If you turn it into a roux first, it’s easy to make a smooth, creamy gravy.

Another benefit some people see with gravy made with flour is that it keeps better in the fridge. This means it can be made ahead of time or use up leftovers.