Chorizo Gravy

Tags / Categories: Spicy, Savory, Chorizo, Mexican-Inspired, Breakfast, Brunch, Sauce, Comfort Food, Meat-Based, Southwest Cuisine

Imagine a warm, savory gravy that’s packed with bold chorizo flavor, perfect for drizzling over your favorite breakfast plates or bold southwestern dishes. This chorizo gravy recipe brings together the spicy, smoky goodness of chorizo with a creamy, comforting sauce base — making every bite a little celebration.

Crafting Chorizo Gravy: The Heart of the Recipe

First things first — the magic starts with chorizo. Whether you’re using Mexican-style fresh chorizo or the cured Spanish variety, this ingredient is the flavor powerhouse here. As it sizzles in your pan, it releases those fragrant spices and fat that build the foundation of the gravy.

Start by crumbling about 6 ounces of chorizo into a skillet over medium heat. Don’t rush it; let that chorizo brown, getting crispy bits that add texture and deepen the flavor. While it cooks, finely dice half a small onion and one clove of garlic (feel free to add more if you’re a garlic fan — I never say no!). Toss them in with the chorizo once it’s just about browned, stirring gently. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now.

Once everything is soft and fragrant, sprinkle in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This step is the unsung hero that thickens your gravy — just stir it around for about a minute so the raw flour taste cooks off. Then, slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of whole milk or cream, whisking constantly to keep the sauce silky smooth. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk.

Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Optionally, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can boost the smoky, spicy profile even more. Let it simmer gently until your gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon — usually around 5 to 7 minutes.

Serving, Storing, and Tinkering With Your Chorizo Gravy

Now comes the fun part — putting that chorizo gravy to good use. It’s an incredible topper for creamy scrambled eggs, crispy fried potatoes, or even as a sauce for biscuits (trust me, biscuits and chorizo gravy are a match made in breakfast heaven). You can even drizzle it over grilled vegetables or roasted meats to add a spicy, indulgent kick.

If you want to make it ahead, cool the gravy completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also freeze chorizo gravy in portions — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just a heads-up: the texture might slightly change, but the flavor stays rock-solid delicious.

Feeling adventurous? Swap whole milk for coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use plant-based sausage to keep things vegetarian. For a twist, try adding diced jalapeños when cooking the onions for a fresh heat pop, or stir in some shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) for a creamy, cheesy finish. Your gravy, your rules!

Origin & History: A Taste of Tradition

While gravy is a classic comfort element in various cuisines, chorizo gravy is a vibrant spin rooted in the American Southwest and Mexican traditions. Chorizo itself comes in many forms — Spanish chorizo is cured and smoky, while Mexican chorizo is fresh and spicier. This gravy style blends the Mexican fresh chorizo with classic Southern gravy techniques, creating a hearty, flavorful sauce beloved in breakfasts and brunches across the border states.

It’s a dish born of resourcefulness — using chorizo’s intense spices and fats to upgrade a simple gravy into something unforgettable. It’s a favorite in Tex-Mex cuisine and beyond, offering that lovely balance of spice and creaminess that keeps people coming back for another spoonful.

Variations & Substitutions

• Chorizo type: Use Spanish chorizo sliced and sautéed for a firmer, smoky flavor.
• Dairy substitute: Swap milk for almond or oat milk for a lighter or vegan option, though the texture might be less creamy.
• Heat level: Increase cayenne or add chopped serrano for more kick.
• Herbs & extras: Fresh cilantro or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the flavor.
• Thickening option: Use cornstarch slurry as a gluten-free thickener instead of flour.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Chorizo gravy stores really well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Keep in mind, the gravy thickens as it chills; to loosen it during reheats, stir in a splash of milk or broth. Always reheat gently over medium-low heat to prevent scorching or separating. For freezing, a heavy-duty freezer bag or container works best — defrost overnight in the fridge the day before you plan to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup Serving Approx.)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 14 g (mostly saturated from milk and chorizo)
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sodium: varies, typically ~450 mg (depends on chorizo brand)

Related Sauces / Try Next

• Green Chile Sauce – For a fresh, tangy contrast
• Ranchero Sauce – Classic Mexican tomato sauce
• Salsa Roja – Spicy and fresh tomato salsa
• Crema Sauce – A creamy, tangy topping for Mexican dishes

FAQ

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken chorizo instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Turkey or chicken chorizo works great if you want a leaner gravy, just note that the fat content is lower, so your gravy might need a bit of extra butter or oil to get that silky texture.

Q: What if I don’t have milk on hand—can I use water?
A: I wouldn’t recommend water because it doesn’t add the creaminess that makes gravy so comforting. If you need a substitute, try broth or a non-dairy milk alternative instead.

Q: How spicy is chorizo gravy usually?
A: The heat depends on the chorizo you choose. Mexican chorizo is typically moderately spicy, but you can dial the heat up or down with extra cayenne or by choosing mild sausage.

In sum, chorizo gravy is a fantastic, flavorful sauce that leverages the bold, spicy notes of chorizo to elevate everyday dishes. Whether draping it over eggs and biscuits or using it as a rich topping on roasted veggies, it’s a quick, easy, and deeply satisfying addition to any meal. So next time you want a little comfort with a kick, whip up a batch — your taste buds will thank you!