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Southern-Style Pork Gravy with Flour and drippings

Southern-Style Pork Gravy with Flour and Drippings

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or sauté pan Perfect for retaining and evenly distributing heat. If you’ve just fried pork chops or cooked a pork roast, use the same pan without washing—it holds all the flavor.
  • Whisk A balloon whisk helps break up any lumps in your flour and ensures a smooth gravy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons Accuracy helps when you're building consistent flavor.
  • Gravy boat or small pitcher (optional) For serving, but any small bowl or ramekin will work.

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons pork drippings or substitute with butter or bacon grease
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups pork broth can substitute with chicken or beef broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Optional: A splash of heavy cream or whole milk for a cream gravy recipe variation

Optional: Crumbled cooked bacon, for an extra-savory bacon gravy touch

Instructions
 

Step 1: Collect Your Drippings

  1. If you’re making pork roast gravy from drippings, begin right after roasting or pan-frying. Remove the pork, and leave about 3 tablespoons of fat in the pan. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these are liquid gold for flavor. If you’re making pork gravy without drippings, melt butter or use bacon grease.

Step 2: Make a Roux

  1. Heat your fat over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a warm golden-brown color. This is your roux, the backbone of any good southern gravy. It adds flavor and gives your gravy the right texture—not too runny, not too thick.

Step 3: Add Broth Slowly

  1. Gradually pour in your pork broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. If using bouillon or a concentrated stock paste, dissolve it in warm water before adding. The gravy will thicken as it simmers.

Step 4: Season It Right

  1. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste before salting, especially if your broth is already seasoned. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Optional Finishes

  1. For a cream gravy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk in the last minute of cooking. Want a bacon gravy? Stir in crumbled bacon just before serving.