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Caramelized Shallot Bacon Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 109 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Gravy & Sauces
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This rich and flavorful Caramelized Shallot Bacon Gravy recipe combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized shallots, and a smooth, thickened sauce perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted meats. Slow-cooked shallots develop deep sweetness, while bacon provides a smoky, savory depth, balanced with a homemade flour slurry for the perfect gravy consistency.


Ingredients

Scale

Bacon and Shallots

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 6 medium shallots, thinly sliced

Gravy Base

  • 1 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 16 ounces cold water
  • 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: In a large stock pot, add the diced bacon and cook over medium-low heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon pieces and place them on paper towels to drain.
  2. Caramelize Shallots: Add the sliced shallots to the bacon grease in the pot. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until the shallots are deeply caramelized. Optionally, a teaspoon of brown sugar can hasten caramelization, but it may add unwanted sweetness.
  3. Add Bacon and Stock: Return half of the cooked bacon to the shallots, increase heat to medium, then pour in the chicken or beef stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. At this stage, turkey drippings can be added if you have them.
  4. Make Flour Slurry: In a shaker bottle or jar, combine the cold water and all-purpose flour. Shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds until the flour is fully incorporated and forms a smooth slurry without lumps.
  5. Thicken Gravy: While whisking the simmering bacon and shallot mixture, slowly pour in the flour slurry. Continue to stir constantly, scraping the pot’s bottom to prevent lumps, and cook for 10 to 20 minutes until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.
  6. Optional Blend: For a super smooth gravy, carefully transfer the entire mixture to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Otherwise, leave it chunky with visible shallots and bacon.
  7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining crispy bacon pieces just before serving to maintain their texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep the gravy on low heat until ready to serve.
  8. Storage and Reheating: Store leftover gravy in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or stock, stirring occasionally until the original consistency is restored. The gravy often tastes even better the next day.

Notes

  • Caramelizing shallots slowly enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Using cold water for the flour slurry prevents lumps in the gravy.
  • Add turkey drippings if available for an extra savory boost.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasonings at the end after thickening the gravy.
  • Leftover gravy can be refrigerated for up to one week and reheated gently.
  • Blending is optional depending on your texture preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg