Learn how to make chocolate gravy from scratch! This simple one-pot sauce is the perfect addition to weekend brunch.
How to Make Chocolate Gravy Like a Southerner
Updated on Apr. 22, 2024
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
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
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
Hash Brown Patty CasseroleYou'll find everything you want for breakfast—potatoes, eggs, cheese and ham—in this satisfying Hash Brown Patty Casserole. I frequently make it for church get-togethers and for company. Everybody loves it. —Iris Frank, Eureka, Illinois
Hearty Slow-Cooker Breakfast HashThis sweet and savory hash certainly won't leave you hungry—the sausage, veggies and eggs will fill you up. The hint of maple syrup makes it all feel extra cozy. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Cornbread PancakesI like to joke that these pancakes are so light, you have to hold them down! When we have a chance, we make them with freshly ground cornmeal bought at local festivals. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Sweet Potato DumplingsOur sweet potato dumplings recipe uses refrigerated biscuits for the easiest pastry dough ever. These dumplings are as good as something in a bakery, without all the fuss (or hefty price tag).
Easy Cheesy Loaded GritsA tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Corn Fritter Waffles with Spicy Maple SyrupMy family used to vacation at a resort in Vermont that served corn fritters with maple syrup. Now when I serve these waffles for breakfast or supper, I'm transported back to those simple days of childhood. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
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
Bacon, Egg & Avocado SandwichesMy husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas
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
Apple-Stuffed French Toast BakeThis is baked stuffed french toast casserole a great breakfast dish to make ahead for holidays or Sunday brunch. I run a bed and breakfast and tea room cafe, and this recipe is often requested by customers. —Kay Clark, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Mushroom Sausage StrataThis flavorful casserole is a hearty mainstay for our family's Christmas Day brunch menu. Being able to assemble the recipe ahead of time is a real plus! —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast CasseroleThis crescent roll breakfast casserole is the perfect dish to make your mornings easier and more delicious. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe will delight everyone at the table.
Jam ‘n’ Cream French ToastMy grandmother used to make this for me when I was a child. You can use other flavors of jam, too. —B. MacKinnon, Kodak, Tennessee
Blueberry Baked OatmealThis one-pot breakfast of chewy spiced oatmeal baked over a bed of bananas and blueberries makes this blueberry baked oatmeal worthy of a permanent spot at the breakfast table.
Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble BakeI got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles served at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, this one's a keeper. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
What’s in the Fridge FrittataGreat for a last-minute breakfast, brunch or lunch, this special frittata has a combination of crab and Swiss cheese that my guests rave about. I also like to use sausage and cheddar cheese with asparagus. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Pumpkin-Pecan Baked OatmealThis heart-healthy baked pumpkin oatmeal is a love letter to fall and only takes 15 minutes to make followed by 30 minutes to bake!
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
Berry Granola PancakesMy son and I like to make this breakfast favorite together. You can leave the berries out of the mix and sprinkle them on top, or sub in chocolate chips or nuts instead. —Elizabeth Stewart, Crab Orchard, West Virginia
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
Cheese Grits & Sausage Breakfast CasseroleI can't resist this breakfast casserole. It brings all of my favorites into one dish: creamy grits, tangy cheese, rich eggs and flavorful sausage. It's the perfect alternative to traditional breakfast casseroles. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
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
Apple PancakesMy family loves these light and fluffy apple cinnamon pancakes. And best of all, they're sweet enough to enjoy even without syrup. —Kim McConnell, Tulsa, Oklahoma
All-in-One Slow-Cooker BreakfastLet your slow cooker do the work and don't worry about adding any sides because this dish already has everything—hash browns, sausage, cheese and eggs. Just sip your coffee and cut up some fruit, and breakfast or brunch is served. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Sausage and Eggs over Cheddar-Parmesan GritsThese creamy grits topped with Italian sausage, peppers, onions and a fried egg are total comfort food and perfect for brunch or dinner. They are easy to put together and will satisfy a hungry crew. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon CreamTopped with a rich cinnamon cream, these pancakes are an ideal dish for celebrating the tastes and aromas of fall. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Hush PuppiesA fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, NC
Southern Breakfast Recipe FAQs
What is a traditional southern breakfast?
A traditional southern breakfast features main dishes like biscuits and sausage gravy, creamy grits, fried eggs and bacon, or country ham and potatoes. Classic sides like fried green tomatoes, cheese grits and cornbread complete the spread.
Can I make southern breakfast casseroles ahead of time?
You can make most southern breakfast casseroles in advance. Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats to take off the chill. For extra convenience, you can bake southern breakfast casseroles ahead of time and then freeze individual portions for grab-and-go breakfasts. Reheat casseroles from frozen in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What southern comfort foods can I eat for breakfast?
Some of the best breakfast-centric southern comfort foods are grits with eggs and cheese, a crispy hash brown casserole, or fried chicken and waffles. These dishes combine savory, filling ingredients that are made for slow, satisfying mornings.
