Name: Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1 cup whole milk, warmed; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang (Optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced, for garlic mashed potatoes (Optional); 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (pork sausage is traditional); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon dried sage (optional, but adds a classic flavor); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy: Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? I think not! This classic dish, a staple in American households for generations, is the ultimate in creamy, savory indulgence. Forget fancy appetizers and complicated entrees; sometimes, all you need is a generous helping of fluffy mashed potatoes smothered in rich, peppery country gravy to warm you from the inside out.

The history of mashed potatoes is as humble as the dish itself, tracing back to the introduction of potatoes to Europe in the 16th century. Over time, they became a cornerstone of peasant cuisine, providing sustenance and warmth. Country gravy, with its creamy base and savory sausage or bacon drippings, evolved alongside, perfectly complementing the potatoes' mild flavor. It's a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

But why do people adore Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy so much? It's more than just the taste, although the combination of creamy, buttery potatoes and the savory, peppery gravy is undeniably delicious. It's the texture, the warmth, and the feeling of being wrapped in a culinary hug. It's also incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer your potatoes smooth or slightly chunky, your gravy thick or thin, this dish is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover potatoes and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So, let's get cooking and create a batch of this timeless comfort food!

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup whole milk, warmed
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang
Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced, for garlic mashed potatoes

For the Country Gravy:

1/2 lb breakfast sausage (pork sausage is traditional)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried sage (optional, but adds a classic flavor)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water – make sure the water level is at least an inch above the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without much resistance.
Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the water, as excess water will make your mashed potatoes watery. I like to give the colander a good shake to remove any lingering water.
Return to the Pot and Dry: Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot. Place the pot back on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to dry out the potatoes even further, resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.
Mash the Potatoes: Remove the pot from the heat. Now it's time to mash! You can use a potato masher, a ricer, or even an electric mixer. If using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth, but don't overwork them. If using a ricer, press the potatoes through the ricer for incredibly smooth and fluffy results. If using an electric mixer, be very careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium speed, just until the potatoes are smooth.
Add the Dairy and Seasonings: Add the warmed milk, softened butter, and softened cream cheese to the mashed potatoes. If you're using garlic, add the minced garlic now as well. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Season to Taste: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. If you're using sour cream or Greek yogurt, add it now and stir it in gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
Keep Warm: If you're not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting or in a covered bowl set over a pot of simmering water. This will prevent them from drying out.

Making the Country Gravy:

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook it over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Be sure to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. As the sausage cooks, it will release its fat.
Leave Sausage Fat in the Pan: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the sausage fat in the pan – this is what will give your gravy its delicious flavor! If there is more than 1/4 cup of fat, you can drain off the excess, but be sure to leave at least 1/4 cup.
Make a Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage fat in the skillet. Whisk constantly for about 2-3 minutes, until the flour is cooked and the mixture is a light golden brown color. This process is called making a roux, and it's essential for thickening the gravy. Be careful not to burn the flour, as this will give the gravy a bitter taste.
Slowly Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure each addition of milk is fully incorporated before adding more. This step is crucial for a smooth and creamy gravy.
Simmer and Thicken: Once all the milk has been added, bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat. Continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Season the Gravy: Stir in the cooked sausage, salt, pepper, dried sage (if using), garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or sage to enhance the flavor.
Keep Warm: If you're not serving the gravy immediately, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting or in a covered saucepan over very low heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.

Serving:

Assemble and Serve: To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl. Ladle a generous amount of country gravy over the mashed potatoes.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade mashed potatoes and country gravy! This is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This isn't just any mashed potato recipe; it's a creamy, dreamy, comforting cloud of potato goodness smothered in a rich, savory country gravy that will transport you straight to Grandma's kitchen. Honestly, if you're looking for the ultimate comfort food experience, this Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy is an absolute must-try. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and forget all your worries. But why is this recipe so special? It's the combination of simple ingredients, carefully chosen and prepared, that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. The fluffy, perfectly textured mashed potatoes, achieved through the right balance of butter, milk, and a little bit of elbow grease, are the perfect canvas for the star of the show: the country gravy. This isn't your average gravy; it's a thick, flavorful concoction made with rendered sausage fat, flour, milk, and a generous dose of black pepper. The sausage adds a depth of flavor that you just can't get any other way, and the black pepper gives it a little kick that keeps you coming back for more. Now, let's talk serving suggestions. Of course, this Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy is amazing on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with so many other dishes. Think crispy fried chicken, juicy roasted turkey, or even a simple grilled pork chop. It's also a fantastic side dish for holiday meals, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a truly unforgettable dish. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of milk for the gravy. You can also add different herbs and spices to the gravy, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, to customize the flavor to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You could even stir in some shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of richness and flavor. Get creative and make it your own! I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can't wait for you to try it. It's a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, and one that you'll be making for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I'm so excited to hear about your experience with this recipe! Please, please, please, once you've made this incredible Mashed Potatoes Country Gravy, come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how much your family loved it. Sharing your experiences helps other readers and inspires them to try the recipe as well. I can't wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!