Southern Chocolate Gravy

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Growing up in the South, breakfast was more than just a meal—it was an experience. One of my fondest memories is visiting my grandmother and catching the sweet aroma of chocolate gravy wafting through the house. This unique Southern treat, often served over warm, fluffy biscuits, was a staple in her home.

Chocolate gravy is not your typical gravy. It’s a rich, velvety sauce that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate with the warmth of a traditional Southern breakfast. For many of us, it was a weekend delight, a special treat that made Saturday mornings feel like a holiday.

This dish is more than just food; it’s a connection to my roots and a reminder of simpler times. It embodies the Southern tradition of turning everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Chocolate gravy may not be widely known outside the South, but for those of us who grew up with it, it’s a cherished piece of our heritage.

Even now, whenever I make chocolate gravy, I’m transported back. It’s a tradition I hope to pass down, sharing the joy and warmth of Southern hospitality with future generations.

Southern Chocolate Gravy

Chocolate gravy is a sweet, chocolate-flavored sauce from the 1930s, often served over biscuits for breakfast.

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Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

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• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 Tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and continue whisking until it browns just a little.
• Add sugar and salt. Stir it quickly so it doesn’t burn or scorch.
• Add cocoa powder and stir.
• Add the boiling water and whisk continually until smooth.
• Add the milk and whisk again.
• Let the sauce get hot, but don’t let it boil (unlike pudding). Keep whisking until it just starts to thicken. When you feel it getting thicker, or see just a few bubbles, remove it from the heat.
• Add the vanilla and stir to combine.
• Let it cool just a bit (sauce will continue to thicken as it cools).
• Pour the chocolate gravy over the top of the biscuit, pancakes, waffles, or eat by the spoonful.

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