If you have a passion for bold flavors and comforting dishes, the Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This rich and smoky gravy combines spicy andouille sausage with the classic holy trinity of Cajun cooking—onion, celery, and bell pepper—creating a sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and irresistibly hearty. Whether spooned over flaky biscuits or drizzled atop mashed potatoes, this gravy brings Southern soul and deep, savory warmth to any meal with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is simple, yet each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving the perfect texture. From the spicy sausage to the aromatic vegetables and well-balanced spices, every element enhances the dish beautifully.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat to gently brown the sausage and sauté the veggies without overpowering the beefy sausage flavors.
- Andouille sausage (12 ounces, sliced or diced): The star of the show, providing smoky spice and delicious richness to the gravy.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth, essential for that Cajun “holy trinity” base.
- Celery stalk (1, finely chopped): Offers freshness and subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Green bell pepper (1/2, finely chopped): Brings a mild peppery flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that awakens the entire gravy.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Creates the roux for thickening the gravy with a nutty, cooked flavor.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Forms the liquid base, deepening the sauce’s savoriness while keeping it smooth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the smoky profile without adding heat.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the other spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a gentle kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches and smooths the gravy’s texture for a luscious finish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Provides a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal brightness when garnishing.
How to Make Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Andouille Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced or diced andouille sausage, letting it brown beautifully for about five minutes. This step not only cooks the sausage through but also releases those irresistible caramelized drippings that will flavor the gravy base. After browning, remove the sausage but keep the drippings in the pan—they are pure gold.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add finely chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the same skillet. These vegetables create what every Cajun enthusiast calls the “holy trinity” and are the flavor foundation for your gravy. Sauté gently until the veggies soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about four minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for thirty seconds more, careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for about two minutes while stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins building the thick, velvety base you want in your gravy. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until the sauce is smooth and ready to season.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to deepen the flavors by adding smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if you like an extra layer of heat. Stir them into the sauce, then let the gravy simmer gently for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a perfect pourable consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Sausage and Butter
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir it into the gravy. Then add the unsalted butter, stirring until it melts completely, enriching the sauce with a silky finish. Taste your creation and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. At this point, your Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is ready to dazzle your taste buds!
How to Serve Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
While completely optional, sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the finished gravy adds a vibrant green contrast and fresh herbal note that lightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. It’s a quick way to make the dish stunning and inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines best over fluffy buttermilk biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, or even crispy fried chicken. The velvety texture and bold flavors complement these classic Southern staples beautifully, making every bite indulgent and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the gravy over roasted vegetables or use it as a luscious sauce for scrambled eggs at brunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle it atop baked grits or use it as a dip alongside savory hush puppies. The Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe is versatile enough to elevate countless dishes with its smoky, spicy charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the gravy cool to room temperature then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving even more delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This recipe freezes beautifully and will last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gravy on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of andouille?
You absolutely can, though andouille is preferred for its distinctive smoky, spicy kick. If you use a milder sausage, consider adding extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne to keep that signature Cajun flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour or cornstarch carefully to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How spicy is the Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe?
The heat is moderate by default, thanks to the andouille sausage and a hint of cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust spiciness up or down by adding more or less cayenne or skipping it altogether.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe relies heavily on sausage and chicken broth, so it would need substantial modifications for vegan or vegetarian diets. Consider using plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth as substitutes.
What dishes pair best with this Cajun gravy?
Besides biscuits and mashed potatoes, this gravy complements fried chicken, grits, roasted vegetables, and even scrambled eggs beautifully, turning simple meals into flavorful comfort food feasts.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the warmth and depth of home-cooked comfort like the Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Cajun hospitality to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this gravy is sure to become a cherished classic. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the bowl!
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Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Andouille Sausage Cajun Gravy is a rich and flavorful Southern sauce featuring smoky and spicy Cajun spices combined with savory andouille sausage. Perfect for serving over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken, this gravy delivers a hearty, comforting dish with a balance of bold flavors and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces andouille sausage (sliced or diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Gravy Base
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste and to develop a light brown color.
- Add Liquid and Spices: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the roux mixture until smooth and free of lumps. Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Sausage and Butter: Return the browned andouille sausage to the skillet and stir in the unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the gravy’s texture and taste.
- Season and Garnish: Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to a full teaspoon or add a splash of hot sauce.
- This cajun gravy pairs beautifully with warm biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, or crispy fried chicken.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
