A serving of 1/4 cup (60 ml) of country style sausage gravy contains approximately 70 calories. This popular dish is a staple in southern cooking and often enjoyed for breakfast. Despite its high calorie count, it's still possible to indulge in this comfort food without compromising your overall dietary goals.
While this creamy gravy may not be the healthiest option, it’s rich in flavor and a popular choice among food lovers. The fat, protein, and carbohydrate content of the dish can vary based on its preparation, but in general, a single serving contains high levels of all three nutrients.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional content of country style sausage gravy and the pros and cons of consuming it regularly. We'll also discuss ways to enjoy this flavorful dish while keeping your overall health in mind.
Calories in Country Style Sausage Gravy
A single serving of 1/4 cup (60 ml) of country style sausage gravy contains roughly 70 calories. However, the exact calorie count can vary depending on the preparation method and additional ingredients added to the dish. While this calorie count may seem relatively low, it's important to keep in mind that a standard serving size is quite small. It's easy to consume additional portions, increasing the overall calorie intake of the dish. If you're trying to watch your weight, it's important to measure out your portions carefully and enjoy this dish in moderation.
Fat Content in Country Style Sausage Gravy
Country style sausage gravy is known for its rich, creamy texture, which is largely due to the high fat content of the dish. A single serving of this gravy contains approximately 6 grams of fat, much of which is saturated. While consuming moderate amounts of saturated fat is generally acceptable in a healthy diet, excessive consumption can lead to increased cholesterol levels and other health concerns. If you're trying to reduce your fat intake, it's important to choose healthier options or consume this dish sparingly.
Protein Content in Country Style Sausage Gravy
Despite its high calorie and fat content, country style sausage gravy is also a good source of protein. A single serving of this dish can contain approximately 3 grams of protein, which can help promote feelings of fullness and aid in muscle repair and growth. However, it's important to keep in mind that this dish should not be relied upon as a sole source of protein, as it contains relatively low amounts. Incorporating other protein-rich foods into your diet, such as lean meats, beans, and legumes, can help ensure you're meeting your daily protein needs.
Carbohydrate Content in Country Style Sausage Gravy
Country style sausage gravy is a high-carbohydrate dish, with a single serving containing around 4 grams of carbs. These carbohydrates are largely derived from the flour used to thicken the gravy, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are trying to manage your blood sugar levels, it's important to consume this dish in moderation or opt for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Choosing whole grain flour or alternative thickeners, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder, can also help reduce the impact of the carbohydrates in this dish.
Vitamins and Minerals in Country Style Sausage Gravy
Country style sausage gravy is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, apart from small amounts of calcium and iron. However, additional nutrient-rich ingredients, such as vegetables, can be added to the dish to increase its nutritional content. If you're looking to boost the nutritional value of your country style sausage gravy, consider incorporating ingredients such as kale or spinach to increase the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.
Serving Size of Country Style Sausage Gravy
A standard serving size of country style sausage gravy is 1/4 cup (60 ml). While this portion may seem small, it's important to keep in mind that this dish is highly caloric and can easily be overconsumed. It's important to measure out your portions carefully and enjoy this dish in moderation to avoid exceeding your daily calorie and fat intake.
Ingredients in Country Style Sausage Gravy
The primary ingredients in country style sausage gravy include pork sausage, flour, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients, such as herbs and spices, may also be added to enhance the flavor of the dish. It's important to note that the specific ingredients and nutritional content of this dish can vary depending on the preparation method and additional ingredients added.
Health Benefits of Country Style Sausage Gravy
While country style sausage gravy is not considered a particularly healthy dish due to its high calorie and fat content, it does offer some potential health benefits. For example, consuming moderate amounts of protein can aid in muscle repair and growth, while the herbs and spices used to flavor the dish can contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, it's important to keep in mind that these potential health benefits should not be relied upon as a substitute for a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.
Side Effects of Country Style Sausage Gravy
Consuming excessive amounts of country style sausage gravy can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and other health concerns related to high fat and calorie intake. Individuals with diabetes or blood sugar management concerns should be cautious when consuming this dish due to its high carbohydrate content. If you have any underlying health concerns or dietary restrictions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this dish regularly.
Ways to Enjoy Country Style Sausage Gravy
Country style sausage gravy is a deliciously comforting dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Consider serving it over biscuits, toast, or breakfast potatoes for a classic southern breakfast. This dish can also be incorporated into other recipes, such as casseroles or breakfast burritos. To keep your overall health in mind while enjoying this dish, consider choosing smaller portions, incorporating additional vegetables or protein, or choosing alternative, lower-calorie thickeners.
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” -Ernestine Ulmer
5 FAQs about Country Style Sausage Gravy
1. What is Country Style Sausage Gravy?
Country Style Sausage Gravy is a popular breakfast gravy made with crumbled sausage, butter or fat, flour, and milk, seasoned with salt, black pepper, and other spices. It is typically served over biscuits, toast, or fried chicken.
2. How many calories are in a 1/4 cup of Country Style Sausage Gravy?
A 1/4 cup (60 ml) portion of Country Style Sausage Gravy contains 70 calories. However, the total calorie count will vary based on the recipe's ingredients and serving size.
3. Is Country Style Sausage Gravy healthy?
While Country Style Sausage Gravy is delicious, it is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can be harmful to people on a low-fat or low-sodium diet. However, you can make healthier versions of sausage gravy by using low-fat or turkey sausage and skim milk instead of whole milk.
4. How do you make Country Style Sausage Gravy?
To make Country Style Sausage Gravy, cook crumbled sausage in a skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter or fat, whisk in flour, and cook until bubbly. Slowly stir in milk and continue cooking until thickened. Add the cooked sausage and seasoning and stir to combine. Serve hot over biscuits, toast or fried chicken.
5. Can Country Style Sausage Gravy be frozen?
Country Style Sausage Gravy can be frozen, but it may separate when reheated. To freeze, let the gravy cool to room temperature and pour it into an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.