Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

A Southern comfort food becomes the center of a get-together with this recipe for Sawmill Gravy Dip. A creamy homemade classic gets coated in cheese and baked until bubbling golden brown for a dip that’s too good to stop eating!

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

It goes by many names, and Sawmill Gravy is one of them. This gravy is a hearty base of sausage, sausage grease, flour, and milk. A simple black pepper and salty seasoning for a gravy that drenches soft from the oven biscuits. This time, instead of being a sauce, this Sawmill Gravy is baked into a cheesy gooey dip that beckons chips and crackers to dive in.

To start, the sausage gets rendered in a pot or saucepan until it cooks all of the way through. Remove the sausage and some drippings, leaving about three tablespoons of the fat in the pan.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Next, whisk the flour into the fat, creating a roux. Whisking constantly to make a smooth paste.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Once the roux turns a soft golden color, take the milk and gradually whisk it into the roux, one cup at a time. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Add the sausage to the gravy and season with salt and pepper.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Transfer to a casserole dish and cover with white cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven until the top is golden, and the sides are bubbly.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

A taste of this Sawmill Gravy Dish is a taste of comfort food taken to the next level.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

The hearty meatiness of the gravy pairs perfectly with the richness of gooey melted cheese.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Piled onto crackers, this dip is perfect to bring to gatherings or potlucks. It’s a great thing to have as a starter.

Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

It’s so good, it may outshine the main meal!