How to Make Chocolate Gravy Like a Southerner
Updated: Apr. 22, 2024
Learn how to make chocolate gravy from scratch! This simple one-pot sauce is the perfect addition to weekend brunch.
If this is the first you’re hearing about chocolate gravy, prepare to be amazed. It’s a smooth, rich sauce loved by many as a super simple breakfast treat. This sauce isn’t typical savory gravy. I do, however, recommend serving it smothered on top of fresh biscuits.
Ready to learn how to make chocolate gravy? This step-by-step recipe guide will walk you through tips and tricks for whisking together the best Southern-style chocolate gravy!
What Is Chocolate Gravy?
Chocolate gravy is a cross between warm chocolate pudding and chocolate sauce. You can make it as thin or thick as you please. The recipe made its way to the Appalachians and the Ozarks thanks to influences from Spanish colonists. It’s a comfort food classic that is now seen on diner menus throughout the South.
Browse these other surprising regional foods you’ve never heard of.
How to Make Chocolate Gravy
This old-fashioned Southern comfort food comes together with a handful of basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Warm biscuits
Editor’s Tip: If you’re dairy-free or plant-based, replace whole milk with plain unsweetened non-dairy milk.
Directions
Step 1: Whisk dry ingredients together
Sugar, cocoa powder and flour are the main components of this tasty sauce, and they need to be thoroughly mixed before anything else can happen.
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour and salt.
Step 2: Add the milk
Pour in the milk and whisk until the lumps are gone. Just like with a savory gravy, nobody likes lumps!
Step 3: Let simmer and thicken
Because milk is involved, you can’t fire up the burner and walk away—it’s easy (and messy) for milk mixtures to boil over. Set the burner to medium heat and stir constantly for seven to ten minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a gravy-like consistency.
If you like yours thinner, that’s fine. Just stop a little sooner.
Step 4: Finish the gravy
Butter gives the gravy extra richness and vanilla helps balance out that strong chocolate flavor. The butter also gives the gravy a luscious silky smooth texture.
After removing the pot from the heat, stir butter and vanilla into the mixture until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Pour the chocolate gravy over biscuits
Pour the finished gravy over hot biscuits or pound cake (or both—chocolate for breakfast and dessert). It also works on pancakes, ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit.
Tips for Making Southern Chocolate Gravy
Can I make chocolate gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Simply follow the recipe and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If reheating the entire batch, warm over low heat in a saucepan.
How do I store chocolate gravy?
Store leftover chocolate gravy in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Warm desired portion in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, or until heated through.
What do I serve with chocolate gravy?
Chocolate gravy served with biscuits is the Southern way; however, you can enjoy this sweet sauce with ice cream, pancakes, waffles or just about anything else you can dream up.
Southern Breakfasts That'll Fill You Up
Biscuits and Sausage GravyThis biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing WafflesAdding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
True Belgian WafflesIt was during a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are fantastic with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Roasted Vegetable and Chevre QuicheRoasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Easy Cheesy Loaded GritsA tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Spring Onion Pimiento Cheese GritsGrits were a breakfast staple when I was growing up. Even today, we still have them about three times a week. The trick with grits is the more you whisk, the creamier they'll be. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Blueberry Streusel Coffee CakeThis blueberry coffee cake smells wonderful as it bakes and tastes even better. The moist cake filled with juicy berries and crunchy pecans is a family favorite. It never lasts long at our house. —Lori Snedden, Sherman, Texas
Brunch Puff with Sausage GravyWhen company stays overnight, I make this puff with sausage gravy as a hearty breakfast treat. It’s meaty, cheesy and delightful with a fresh fruit salad. —Danielle Cochran, Grayling, Michigan
Vanilla French ToastWe discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast CasseroleI made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon GritsIn the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble BakeI got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles I'd see at our monthly moms' meetings, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, I think I have a winner. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Reuben Brunch BakeI created this when I wanted something different for a graduation brunch for two of our sons. When I realized I had most of the ingredients on hand for the Reuben dip I usually make, I decided to use them in a brunch casserole instead! Everyone asked for the recipe. —Janelle Reed, Merriam, Kansas
Chocolate French ToastTry this yummy treat for a special breakfast or brunch. The layer of chocolate hidden inside makes a wonderful flavor combination that appeals to kids of all ages. You might even be tempted to serve this chocolate sandwich for dessert!
—Pat Habiger
Spearville, Kansas
Southwestern Hash with EggsBefore I retired, this all-in-one skillet dish was constantly requested at office brunches. I'd leave out the eggs, double or triple the recipe and wrap servings of the zippy pork mixture in warm corn tortillas. —Barbara Beasley, Beaumont, Texas
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread PuddingI had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Cheesy Zucchini QuicheA few years ago, I found this zucchini quiche recipe that's quick to prepare and freezes well, too. Just put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and pop it into the oven when you wake up! —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts
Savory Sausage French ToastI first made French toast with sausage to use up leftovers. Now I make it because it’s a heavenly way to start the day.—Suzanne Earl, Spring, TX
S'mores Stuffed French ToastI had a craving for something sweet one morning, but all I had around the house was a handful of ingredients. I had to get creative, and this was the delicious outcome. Now I make it all the time. —Diana Palmer, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Overnight Blueberry French ToastBlueberry french toast is a year-round treat. Show off your crop of fresh berries in the summer or use frozen berries to warm up on a chilly morning. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia
Originally Published: October 19, 2021
