Southern Chocolate Gravy

 

Warm, rich, and comforting, this old-fashioned Southern Chocolate Gravy is a beloved breakfast tradition poured over fluffy biscuits and irresistibly chocolatey.

I didn’t grow up with chocolate gravy. Somehow or another, the first time I ever tasted it was at a friend’s house. Mama never made it, but the moment I poured that glossy, chocolatey sauce over hot biscuits, You can check out my delicious biscuit recipe right here Homemade Buttermilk BiscuitsI fell head over heels. As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, it felt like heaven on a plate, warm, silky, and comforting.

Chocolate gravy has long been a Southern tradition. But interestingly, you’ll find it mostly popular in the Appalachian South and in parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where farm kitchens would turn simple pantry staples into a sweet breakfast treat. For many families, it’s a Saturday morning ritual, remembered fondly by kids and grandkids as one of those recipes that makes home feel like home.

This isn’t just breakfast. It’s fun. It’s comforting. It’s memory-making. Whether you’re serving it on a rainy Saturday morning, surprising the kids on a school day, or pulling it out for a brunch with friends, chocolate gravy has a way of making everybody smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & Quick:  Comes together in about 10 minutes with pantry staples.
• Versatile:  Serve over biscuits, waffles, pancakes, or even use as a dip.
• Kid-Approved: It’s basically warm chocolate pudding for breakfast.
• Memory-Making:  A recipe kids and grandkids will never forget.
• Southern Tradition:  A taste of history and hospitality in every spoonful.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Gravy

• Sugar
• Cocoa powder (I love Hershey’s for that old-fashioned flavor)
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Butter (salted)
• Vanilla extract
• White Karo syrup (my little trade secret for a glossy finish.

Be sure to see the full printable recipe card below for exact measurements.

How to Make Chocolate Gravy

1. In a bowl, or saucepan whisk together sugar, cocoa, and flour until well blended.
2. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes or until bubbly and thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and Karo syrup. The syrup gives the gravy a little extra shine. A trick that makes it irresistible.
5. Pour warm gravy over fresh biscuits and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Gravy

• Use a heavy pan so the milk doesn’t scorch.
• Use Whole milk (You’ll need the fat content of whole milk to give it the creamy rich flavor and texture.)
• Whisk constantly for the smoothest texture.
• Don’t skip the Karo syrup; it adds that glossy finish.
• Variation idea: stir in a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha kick.
• Serving idea: use chocolate gravy as a fondue dip for fruit, pound cake, or marshmallows at parties.

How to Store Chocolate Gravy

• Refrigerator:
  • Let the gravy cool completely.
  • Transfer to an airtight container or jar.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
  • To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. You may need to whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it back up to that pourable consistency.
• Freezer:
  • Chocolate gravy can technically be frozen, but the texture isn’t ideal once thawed (it may separate or turn grainy).
  • If you do freeze it, store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk and vigorous whisking.
  • Honestly, I’d recommend making it fresh rather than freezing.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  • You can whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt) and store in a jar or baggie at room temperature. When you’re ready, just add milk and butter — and in minutes, you’ve got fresh chocolate gravy.

Entertaining Tips

For a brunch spread, set out a chafing dish of chocolate gravy with a platter of hot biscuits. Trust me, it’ll be the dish everybody remembers and talks about on the way home. Chocolate gravy may be humble, but it brings a Southern flair that turns any meal into a story worth retelling.

A Sweet Gift Idea

Chocolate gravy isn’t just for breakfast it can be a thoughtful little surprise, too. Imagine filling a small mason jar with rich, homemade chocolate gravy, tying it with a ribbon, and attaching a sweet handwritten note. Pair it with a basket of warm, fluffy biscuits, and you’ve got a gift straight from the heart.

It’s the kind of gesture that says “I love you big as biscuits”—Southern, simple, and unforgettable. Perfect for a neighbor, a teacher, or a friend who needs a little extra sweetness in their day.

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious Southern recipes!

Check out these recipes!

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy Drop Biscuits

Best Chocolate Chip Muffins

Best Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipes.  I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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