Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy That’ll Soak Right Into Every Biscuit Bite 🍅🥄 Recipe
This Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy is a comforting, rich sauce made with fire-roasted diced tomatoes, butter, and onions, perfect for soaking into warm biscuits. Creamy yet tangy, with an optional hint of heat from hot sauce, it’s a soulful addition to traditional Southern breakfasts or any meal needing a cozy tomato touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (serves 4)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Gravy Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce, a few dashes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the roux: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously until the mixture turns golden and develops a nutty aroma, forming a smooth roux base for the gravy.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped yellow onion to the roux. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and tender, infusing the roux with their sweetness.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices and stir well to combine with the roux and onions. Then add the chicken or vegetable stock. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate cream or milk (optional): If using, slowly stir in the heavy cream or whole milk to add richness and smooth texture to the gravy. Continue to simmer gently for 3-4 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
- Season and finish: Season the gravy with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if desired to introduce a subtle heat. Adjust seasoning carefully and simmer another minute before removing from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the warm tomato gravy generously over freshly baked biscuits and enjoy immediately for a classic Southern comfort food experience.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth but regular canned diced tomatoes also work well.
- The cream or milk is optional; omitting it yields a tangier, more tomato-forward gravy.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of stock or by simmering longer to reduce.
- Serve with warm biscuits for an authentic Southern breakfast or brunch.
