Are you a fan of bacon gravy but can’t have milk?
Don’t worry, you can still enjoy this delicious comfort food! Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply out of milk, there are plenty of alternatives that can be used to make a creamy and savory bacon gravy.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make bacon gravy without milk using a variety of dairy-free options. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
How To Make Bacon Gravy Without Milk?
To make bacon gravy without milk, you’ll need to start with a roux. In a heavy bottom stock pot or skillet, whisk together 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over medium heat. Continue to cook until the mixture browns slightly, about 5 minutes, but be careful not to let it burn.
Next, you’ll need to add liquid to turn the roux into a sauce. While milk is typically used for country gravy or white gravy, you can use a variety of dairy-free options instead. For example, you can use unsweetened almond milk, neutral-flavored oat milk, or soy milk. Water can also be used as a substitution for milk when making bacon gravy.
Add the liquid 1 cup at a time, whisking thoroughly with each addition. Continue to whisk over medium heat until the gravy is smooth and begins to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your bacon gravy, you can also add in some chopped bacon pieces or Cajun seasoning.
Why Make Bacon Gravy Without Milk?
There are several reasons why you might want to make bacon gravy without milk. For one, some people may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, so using milk in their cooking is not an option. Additionally, omitting milk from your bacon gravy recipe can make for a more savory and less rich flavor profile. This can be especially beneficial if you plan to use the gravy as a topping for other dishes such as mashed potatoes or even as a vegetarian option for biscuits and gravy.
Using other dairy-free options such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can also provide a healthier alternative to using traditional dairy milk. These alternatives are often lower in fat and calories, making them a great option for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dairy-free Alternatives For Making Bacon Gravy
If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives to milk when making bacon gravy, there are several options available. One of the most popular options is unsweetened almond milk, which has a creamy texture and a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the bacon flavor. Another option is neutral-flavored oat milk, which is also creamy and has a slightly sweet taste that complements the salty flavor of the bacon.
If you prefer a soy-based option, you can use soy milk instead of regular milk. However, it’s important to note that soy milk may froth badly if used in large quantities, so it’s best to use it in smaller amounts.
Finally, if you don’t have any non-dairy milk alternatives on hand, you can use water as a substitution for milk when making bacon gravy. While water won’t add any extra creaminess or flavor to the gravy, it will still help to turn the roux into a smooth sauce.
No matter which dairy-free alternative you choose, be sure to add the liquid slowly and whisk thoroughly with each addition to ensure a smooth and thick gravy. With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy delicious and creamy bacon gravy without any dairy!
How To Make Bacon Gravy With Coconut Milk
If you’re looking for a creamy and dairy-free option for bacon gravy, coconut milk is a great alternative. Here’s how to make bacon gravy with coconut milk:
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet on the stove until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon to paper towels to absorb grease. When cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside. Do NOT clean the skillet.
2. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest. In a separate bowl or container, whisk together 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper until lump-free.
3. Pour the coconut milk/flour mixture into the skillet with the remaining bacon grease. Add the crumbled bacon pieces. Heat the mixture on medium (whisking/stirring constantly) until it comes to a boil; reduce heat a bit and continue cooking and stirring until the gravy has thickened (5-6 minutes).
4. Give it a taste test and add additional salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Once the gravy has thickened, you can serve it over biscuits, chicken fried steak, or any other dish that pairs well with gravy.
Using coconut milk instead of regular milk gives this bacon gravy a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with savory dishes. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone who is lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Using Almond Milk To Make Bacon Gravy
Almond milk is a great alternative to traditional milk when making bacon gravy. It’s a dairy-free option that adds a unique nutty flavor to the gravy. However, because almond milk has less fat than cow’s milk, it lacks the richness that milk gives to gravy. To compensate for this lack, you can use butter instead of margarine to make your gravy. Or, add some cheese to the gravy for extra flavor and richness. Parmesan cheese works well with most recipes that call for white gravy and adds both depth of flavor and richness to the gravy.
To make bacon gravy with almond milk, start by cooking 6-8 slices of bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. Keep the bacon grease in the pan.
Next, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pan and whisk until combined with the bacon grease. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns slightly brown.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, which should take about 7-9 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, add more almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it back into the pan with the gravy. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your delicious almond milk bacon gravy over biscuits or toast for a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Making Bacon Gravy With Soy Milk
If you prefer to use soy milk as your dairy-free option for making bacon gravy, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, cook 3 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Next, whisk together 3/4 cup cold soy milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in a bowl until there are no lumps. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the bacon grease and whisk together over medium heat until it starts to thicken.
Gradually add more soy milk, whisking constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. Keep in mind that soy milk may thicken faster than regular milk, so you may need to add more liquid than you think.
Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also mix in some of the crumbled bacon pieces that you set aside earlier.
Tips For Making The Perfect Bacon Gravy Without Milk
When making bacon gravy without milk, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that your gravy turns out perfectly:
1. Use high-quality bacon: The flavor of your gravy will depend largely on the quality of the bacon you use. Look for bacon that is thick-cut and has a good balance of fat and meat.
2. Don’t skimp on the roux: The roux is the foundation of your gravy, so it’s important to cook it until it reaches a deep, golden brown color. This will give your gravy a rich, nutty flavor.
3. Use a whisk: Whisking constantly while adding the liquid will help prevent lumps from forming in your gravy. Be sure to whisk thoroughly after each addition of liquid.
4. Add liquid slowly: Adding liquid too quickly can cause your gravy to become lumpy or thin. Add the liquid slowly, whisking constantly, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Season to taste: Salt and pepper are essential for flavoring your gravy, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like Cajun seasoning or garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and creamy bacon gravy without milk that is perfect for serving over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other dish that could use a little extra flavor.