Southern-Style Tomato Gravy
Southern-Style Tomato Gravy is a creamy, savory comfort food with rich tomato flavor and silky texture.It combines butter, flour, tomatoes, milk, and seasonings into a smooth gravy.Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.Delicious over biscuits, grits, mashed potatoes, rice, or fried chicken.Easy enough for beginners yet flavorful enough for special occasions.A timeless Southern recipe loved by families for generations.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add diced tomatoes and stir well.
- Mix in tomato paste if using.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Add sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot over warm biscuits, rice, grits, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Fresh summer tomatoes provide the best flavor.
- Canned tomatoes work perfectly year-round.
- Heavy cream creates an extra-rich texture.
- Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Bacon drippings add authentic Southern flavor.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.