Best 3 Southern Tomato Gravy Recipes

In the realm of Southern cuisine, tomato gravy reigns supreme as a versatile and flavorful condiment. This tangy sauce, crafted from fresh, ripe tomatoes, is a staple in many classic dishes, adding a burst of umami to breakfast favorites like biscuits and eggs, or serving as a savory topping for fried chicken or grilled pork chops. Its versatility extends beyond main courses, as it can also be used as a base for hearty stews, simmered with tender meats and vegetables, or as a vibrant marinade for grilled shrimp or tofu. Whether you prefer a smooth, velvety texture or a chunky, rustic sauce, the recipes in this article offer a range of options to suit your taste and culinary preferences. From traditional family recipes passed down through generations to innovative takes on this Southern classic, these tomato gravy recipes are sure to become your go-to for a taste of true Southern comfort.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHERN STYLE TOMATO GRAVY

Southern Style Tomato Gravy image

This was a staple in my home growing up and is usually served over biscuits, with corn bread, bacon, eggs, and cheesy grits.

Provided by Bella V.

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Gravy Recipes Pork Gravy

Time 35m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 (1 pound) package bacon
1 teaspoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream

Steps:

Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Reserving the drippings in the pan, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Stir the butter and flour into the bacon drippings. Scrape the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; cook and stir together until beginning to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir the tomatoes into the mixture, using the spoon to break the tomatoes into small pieces while cooking; season with salt and pepper. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until hot and thick, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 197.8 calories, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 687.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

MOMS SOUTHERN TOMATO GRAVY

Moms Southern Tomato Gravy image

As kids we loved when mom made this gravy.She typically served it with corn bread,some type of green and fried ham.

Provided by cooks-alot

Categories Vegetable

Time 18m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil (I use corn)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces water
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper

Steps:

Melt butter and oil in skillet.
Add flour and brown slowly.
Do not burn and keep mixture spreadable.
After browning ,remove from heat to cool.
After cooling add tomatoes ,juices and water.
Stir thoroughly.
Return to heat stirring constantly untill mixture comes to a boil.
Remove from heat,add salt , pepper and sugar.
Stir and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.2, Fat 8.7, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 15.3, Sodium 46.8, Carbohydrate 7.7, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 3, Protein 1.3

SOUTHERN TOMATO GRAVY RECIPE - (4.7/5)

Southern Tomato Gravy Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by Lsweetnell

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons flour
1 onion, cut in slices and slices cut in half sauteed until translucent with the butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk or creamer or chicken stock (I prefer the chicken stock)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional) I like it savory.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
pinch cayenne
15-ounce can whole tomatoes or whole plum tomatoes squished

Steps:

Get out your cast iron skillet again. Heat the margarine or oil over medium heat. Add onions, saute until translucent. Stir in the flour with a whisk until it is lump free. Let simmer for a moment or two, to toast the flour just a little bit, and then remove from heat, and stir in the half cup milk, a little at a time. Put back on the burner, stir and bring to a boil, it will thicken considerably, and very fast. You'll be left with a very thick mixture. Remove from heat, add the sugar and seasonings, whisking continuously, then slowly add the juice from the tomatoes. Put back on heat and simmer (very gentle boil). In a bowl, smash the tomatoes with a fork or your hands. This gravy is not smooth so do not worry about completely smashing them. The lumpy tomatoes are actually what give it the characteristic texture. Once gravy has come to a good simmer, add the tomatoes and the juice in the can. Bring back to a medium simmer (but don't let it boil hard) and stir with whisk for 3 to 5 minutes until gravy thickens. *(optional: several tablespoons of nutritional yeast, whisked in at the end, are particularly delicious if you like that sort of thing.) **(optional: A big of bacon or sausage grease is really good here too. Serve over toast, biscuits, whatever.

Tips:

Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use a can of diced tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the gravy.
Add a little bit of sugar to the gravy to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
If you like a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Just whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth, then stir it into the gravy until it thickens.
Serve the gravy over your favorite breakfast foods, such as biscuits, grits, or eggs.

Conclusion:

Southern tomato gravy is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.