There’s something magical about comfort food that speaks straight to the soul, and these Southern Sausage Patties with Pepper Gravy do exactly that. Juicy, seasoned-to-perfection sausage patties, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and smothered in rich, creamy pepper gravy that clings to every bite. It’s nostalgic, filling, and made with pantry staples exactly the kind of meal that makes the morning (or evening!) feel like a hug from home.

Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a dinner-for-breakfast moment (we’ve all been there), this recipe fits the mood. The pepper gravy alone is worth learning I mean, you’ll want to pour it on biscuits, potatoes, chicken… anything. Let’s walk through what makes this recipe such a keeper.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Sausage Patties with Pepper Gravy

Classic Southern flavor: Savory, herby, slightly spicy sausage paired with a creamy, peppery gravy.

Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here just everyday staples.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Comforting and satisfying: Warms you from the inside out.

What Do They Taste Like?

Each bite of these patties hits all the savory notes well-seasoned pork with hints of sage, garlic, and paprika. When seared, they develop a caramelized crust that locks in moisture. The pepper gravy? Velvety, buttery, and bursting with cracked black pepper flavor. Combined, you get bold, down-home comfort with every bite.

Benefits of This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes or less
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Budget-conscious and meal-prep friendly

Gravy can be doubled and used in other meals

Ingredients

For the Sausage Patties

1 lb ground pork (not lean you want some fat)

1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)
1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, adds a beautiful depth)

For the Pepper Gravy

2 tbsp pork drippings or unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk (or more, depending on thickness)

1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (add more to taste)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl

Cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups/spoons

Spatula

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Ground turkey or chicken: Use instead of pork for a lighter version. Add a bit of olive oil to keep patties moist.
Milk alternatives: Oat milk or whole-fat almond milk can work in the gravy if you’re dairy-free.

Fresh herbs: Add parsley, thyme, or rosemary to brighten the flavor.
Spice it up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to either the patties or gravy.

How to Make Southern Sausage Patties with Pepper Gravy

Step 1: Mix the sausage

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), sage, and maple syrup. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon — just until everything’s evenly distributed. Don’t overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape the patties

Form the sausage mixture into 6 to 8 equal patties (about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick). Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat (cast iron works beautifully). Place the patties in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F). Remove and set on a plate. Leave about 2 tbsp of drippings in the pan.

Step 4: Make the pepper gravy

Reduce the heat to medium-low. To the drippings, add 2 tbsp flour and whisk constantly to form a roux — cook it for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, whisking continuously, until the gravy thickens to your liking (about 3–5 minutes). Add salt and lots of freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Spoon the hot gravy generously over the sausage patties. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

What to Serve with These Sausage Patties

These patties are a breakfast plate’s best friend. Pair them with:

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits
Creamy mashed potatoes or grits
Scrambled eggs or fried eggs

Roasted or pan-fried breakfast potatoes
Steamed green beans or collard greens (for a dinner twist)

Tips for Success

Don’t overwork the meat — it’ll make the patties tough.

Let patties rest for 3–5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
Use freshly ground black pepper in the gravy — it makes all the difference.
If the gravy gets too thick, whisk in a splash more milk.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sausage patties (uncooked or cooked) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm patties in a skillet and gravy in the microwave or saucepan with a splash of milk to loosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

Can I bake the sausage patties?
Yes — bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get as crisp as pan-fried but still taste great.

What if I don’t have pork drippings?
Use unsalted butter or a tablespoon of bacon grease for the gravy base.

Can I double the gravy?
Absolutely. Just keep the flour-to-fat-to-milk ratio the same and double everything.

Conclusion

These Southern Sausage Patties with Pepper Gravy are rich, savory, and ridiculously satisfying everything you want in a comforting meal. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish brings warm Southern flavor to the table in under 30 minutes.