Savory Sidekicks for Biscuits: Crispy golden perfection.

The Little Skillet That Could

Let me tell you about my favorite skillet. It is old and a little scratched. But it makes the best food.

I made this tomato gravy in it just yesterday. The smell filled my whole kitchen. It reminds me of my grandma’s house. I still smile thinking about her.

Why We Make Gravy

This recipe is not fancy. It is about using what you have. That is a good lesson for life.

You can use bacon grease or simple oil. It turns simple things into a warm meal. This matters because it makes everyone feel cared for. Food is a way to show love.

Let’s Get Cooking

Warm your fat in the skillet. Whisk in the flour. Keep stirring until it smells toasty. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Then slowly add the broth. It will bubble and thicken. Now add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it cook until it is warm and thick. Stir it often so it feels your love.

A Fun Little Secret

Fun fact: That flour and fat mix is called a roux. Chefs use a fancy word for it. But we just call it the good start.

Getting that good start right is the secret. It makes your gravy smooth, not lumpy. This matters because the little steps are what make big flavors.

Your Turn to Share

I love to pour this gravy over a warm biscuit. It is pure comfort. What is your favorite food to eat on a rainy day?

Do you have a family recipe that uses simple things? I would love to hear about it. Tell me, do you call this tomato gravy or something else? It has so many names.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
fat (vegetable oil, shortening, bacon grease, or rendered sausage fat)	3 tablespoons
all-purpose flour	3 tablespoons
chicken broth/stock	1 1/3 cups
diced tomatoes, undrained	1 (14.5-ounce) can
salt	1/2 teaspoon
black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

My Favorite Biscuit Buddy

This recipe is my old friend. I call it Savory Sidekicks for Biscuits. It turns simple ingredients into a cozy, golden blanket for your biscuits. My grandpa taught me this on a rainy afternoon. I still laugh at that. I was covered in flour.

You start by making a simple roux. That’s just a fancy word for cooked flour and fat. It makes the gravy thick and rich. I love using bacon grease for this. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It adds so much flavor.

Step 1: Warm your fat in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk the flour right into the warm fat. Keep stirring until it smells a little nutty. The color should be a light, golden brown. (My hard-learned tip: don’t walk away! It can burn in a blink.)

Step 2: Now, slowly pour in your chicken broth. Whisk it the whole time. This keeps it from getting lumpy. You will see it become smooth and lovely. It reminds me of a magic potion changing in the pan.

Step 3: Stir in the whole can of tomatoes, juice and all. Add your salt and pepper. Let it bubble away for about five minutes. Stir it very often. It will get thick and wonderful. Do you like your gravy smooth or with tomato chunks? Share below!

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side, Breakfast

Three Tasty Twists

This recipe loves to play dress-up. You can change it so easily. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make it new again. Each one feels like a different meal.

• The Spicy Kick: Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes with the salt. It gives it a little warmth that makes you smile.
• The Garden Patch: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Stir in a handful of fresh corn at the end. So good!
• The Creamy Dream: Swap half the broth for a splash of heavy cream. It makes it extra rich and silky. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Creation

Of course, you must pour it over warm, split biscuits. That is the classic way. But it is also wonderful on a big bowl of creamy grits. Or try it over a baked potato for a simple supper. It turns anything into comfort food.

For a drink, a glass of sweet iced tea is perfect. It cuts through the richness. If you are feeling fancy, a light lager beer works nicely too. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Savory Sidekicks Perfect

This gravy is best served fresh and hot. But you can save it for later. Let it cool down completely first. Then put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days.

You can also freeze it for a month. I use a freezer bag for this. Lay the bag flat in the freezer. This makes it thaw much faster later. I learned this after my first big batch. My fridge was full for a week!

Reheat it slowly in a pot on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water. Stir it often until it is warm. This keeps the texture just right. Batch cooking saves you time on busy nights. It means a warm meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Gravy Troubles

Sometimes the gravy can get too thick. Do not worry. Just whisk in a little more broth. Add it one spoonful at a time. This will thin it out perfectly.

If your gravy tastes a bit bland, add more salt. Pepper helps a lot, too. I remember when I forgot the salt once. My grandson just smiled and said it was fine. Getting the seasoning right matters. It makes the whole dish come alive with flavor.

If the flour does not mix in smoothly, you might see lumps. A small whisk is your best friend here. Keep stirring as you add the broth. This builds your cooking confidence. You learn that small fixes make a big difference. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Gravy Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works just the same.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. Make it the day before. Gently reheat it when you are ready.

Q: What can I use instead of chicken broth? A: Vegetable broth is a great swap. It will still be very tasty.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can. Use a bigger pot so it fits. *Fun fact: This is called scaling a recipe!*

Q: Any extra tips? A: A pinch of garlic powder is a nice touch. It adds a little extra flavor. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe. It is a cozy, simple dish for any day. It always reminds me of family breakfasts. I would love to see your creation.

Share a picture of your biscuits and gravy. Show me how yours turned out. Your kitchen stories make me so happy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Chloe Hartwell.