A Southern Comfort Classic
Some recipes just feel like a warm hug, and this Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits is one of them. It’s rich, creamy, a little tangy, and deeply savory, served piping hot over fluffy, buttery biscuits. This dish is a staple in Southern kitchens, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
I love this recipe because it’s made with simple pantry ingredients, but it delivers that soul-satisfying flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner. Whether you’re serving it to family or just want a taste of down-home comfort, this one’s a keeper.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What is tomato gravy made of?
Tomato gravy is made with flour, fat (like bacon grease or butter), canned or fresh tomatoes, milk or cream, and simple seasonings. It’s like a Southern-style béchamel with a tomato twist.
Q: Is this a breakfast dish or dinner?
Traditionally served at breakfast over biscuits, but it’s also great with fried pork chops, eggs, or even rice for a savory dinner.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes. Just simmer a little longer to break them down.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use butter or oil instead of bacon grease, and the flavor will still be rich and delicious.
Q: What kind of biscuits pair best with this?
Homemade buttermilk biscuits are the traditional go-to, but store-bought or even drop biscuits work fine in a pinch!
What You Need to Make Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 4–6 biscuits, for serving
How to Make Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits
Step 1: Make the Roux
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon grease or butter.
- Whisk in the flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 2: Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the diced or crushed tomatoes with their juices. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Milk & Seasonings
- Slowly pour in the milk or cream, stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth (another 3–5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Serve Over Biscuits
- Spoon the warm tomato gravy generously over split biscuits.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Tomato Gravy
✔ Use bacon grease for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
✔ Whisk the roux continuously to avoid lumps.
✔ Want it creamier? Use heavy cream or stir in a bit of cream cheese.
✔ Control the tang – Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are extra acidic.
✔ Make it ahead – Gravy keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “This gravy is SO comforting. My grandma used to make something similar, and it brought back all the feels.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Perfect over hot biscuits with eggs on the side. It’s like Southern magic in a skillet!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “I used butter instead of bacon grease and it was still rich and creamy. Definitely making again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Such a simple recipe but it hits all the right notes. Great way to use up pantry ingredients too.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Delicious and easy! I made it for brunch and everyone asked for the recipe.”
Printable Recipe
Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits
This Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits is a Southern comfort classic made with tomatoes, milk, and a savory roux—served hot over fluffy biscuits for the perfect down-home meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 4–6 biscuits, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the bacon grease or butter.
- Whisk in the flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 2: Add Tomatoes
- Stir in the diced or crushed tomatoes with their juices. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Milk & Seasonings
- Slowly pour in the milk or cream, stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth (another 3–5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Serve Over Biscuits
- Spoon the warm tomato gravy generously over split biscuits.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this Tomato Gravy Over Biscuits warmed your soul like it did mine, share it with a fellow food lover! Post it, pin it, or pass it along to someone who appreciates true Southern comfort food. And if you make it, tag your version with #funcraftykitchen—I’d love to see how you serve it!
