Ready for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast? This chipped beef gravy on toast is about to become your go-to for a savory Sunday breakfast. A slice of your childhood wrapped up in each creamy bite.
Known to some as S.O.S, chipped beef gravy gained popularity during World War II. The long shelf life of chipped beef was a practical choice for feeding troops. After the war, this creamy gravy packed full of dried beef became a staple in many southern kitchens.
The versatility of this simple dish allows you to easily change it to meet your preferences. Serve it over biscuits, noodles, potatoes, or rice. So adaptable that you can serve it for any meal of the day!
Why You’ll Love Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast
- A Taste of the Past: Each bite brings back a bit of my childhood. Memories of family get-togethers and weekend mornings.
- Simple Ingredients: Only a few simple ingredients pull this dish together, creating a rich and comforting dish in a matter of minutes.
- Creamy Goodness: Smooth and creamy gravy, the perfect kind for a thick piece of toast. Easily enjoy this dish beyond breakfast as a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Quick and Easy: Taking only 10 minutes, you’ll have breakfast ready in no time. Perfect for those busy mornings or when you need to whip something up quickly.
Ingredients To Make Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast
- Unsalted butter – Butter helps to create that creamy, buttery flavor of the gravy.
- All-purpose flour – Used for creating a roux and thickening the gravy. Flour is essential for ensuring a thick, creamy gravy.
- Milk – Room temperature milk helps to bring it all together into a smooth consistency.
- Black pepper – Adds just a touch of heat and flavor that enhances the beef and butter.
- Dried beef – The star of this dish. Savory dried beef is chopped into pieces so that you get some in every bite.
- Cayenne pepper – Because of the small amount, there isn’t an intense spiciness to this dish. Just the right about to be subtle and enhance the flavors that are already there. Adjust the level to your likeness.
How To Make Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast
- Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter, whisking vigorously to form a smooth paste. Allow it to cook for approximately 1 minute.
- While stirring continuously, slowly incorporate milk into the mixture, adding about ¼ cup at a time. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the pepper, beef, and cayenne.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking until the gravy achieves a thickened consistency, usually taking about 3-4 minutes. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the gravy immediately over toasted bread.
Tips For Making The Best Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast
- Perfecting the Roux: Aim for a pale golden color to eliminate the raw flour taste while maintaining a smooth, thick gravy.
- Stirring Consistently: Consistent stirring while adding milk prevents lumps, resulting in a silky-smooth gravy.
- Gravy Thickness: Add milk gradually to control gravy thickness and achieve the perfect texture.
- Picking the Perfect Bread: Opt for a robust, hearty bread that won’t become soggy – think Texas toast or dense sourdough.
What To Serve With Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast
- Elevate your comfort with a generous ladle of the rich, creamy gravy over Baked Potatoes or a creamy pile of mashed potatoes.
- Drizzle the savory gravy over warm, tender Drop Biscuits or a buttery flaky biscuit for a Southern-style treat.
- For a full well rounded breakfast, serve alongside a Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole or Home Fries.
How To Store & Reheat Chipped Beef Gravy
Once cooled, transfer the beef gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate. Toast can be crisped up to order in the toaster or oven.
How long does Chipped Beef Gravy last in the fridge? Leftover chipped beef gravy will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Chipped Beef Gravy? Chipped beef gravy can absolutely be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Chipped Beef Gravy: Reheat gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk to reach the same smooth consistency of fresh gravy. Toast fresh bread right before serving.
Frequently asked question
Swapping out dried beef with fresh, thinly sliced, cooked beef is perfectly fine. This change will offer a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish, but it will still be delicious.
Milk with a higher fat content works best for gravies. Whole milk is ideal, but you can use any milk you have on hand. Just note that skim or fat-free milk will not let your gravy reach the desired creamy consistency.
More Breakfast Recipes To Enjoy!
Chipped Beef on Toast
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk room temperature
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ¼ ounces dried beef chopped
- Pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter, whisking vigorously to form a smooth paste. Allow it to cook for approximately 1 minute.
- While stirring continuously, slowly incorporate milk into the mixture, adding about ¼ cup at a time. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the pepper, beef, and cayenne.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking until the gravy achieves a thickened consistency, usually taking about 3-4 minutes. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the gravy immediately over toasted bread.