Savory Fried Vienna Sausage with Creamy Gravy
Nutritional value per serving
Calories480kcal
Carbs20gram
Fat32gram
Protein14gram
Ingredients
- Vienna sausages (whole) - choose high-quality canned sausages with no added fillers for best taste8 pieces
- All-purpose flour (for gravy) - use fresh flour without clumps2 tbsp
- Butter (unsalted) - better to use unsalted to control seasoning in gravy2 tbsp
- Milk (whole or 2%)1.5 cups
- Onion (medium, finely chopped) - pick a firm onion, avoid sprouted or soft spots1 piece
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground preferred)to taste n/a
- Vegetable oil (for frying)2 tbsp
This recipe for fried Vienna sausages with creamy gravy is a quick and comforting dish perfect for any casual meal. It’s easy to prepare with common ingredients and results in a flavorful, satisfying plate. Cooking Vienna sausages whole retains their juiciness, while frying gives a delightful crispy exterior. The creamy gravy complements the sausages beautifully, making every bite delicious. This recipe costs approximately $5 USD / €4.5 / £4 / ₹375 and serves 2 people, with about 480 kcal per serving. It's suited for a quick, easy meal and rated easy in complexity, ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the ingredients
1Finely chop the medium onion. Drain Vienna sausages from their cans, set aside. This prep takes about 5 minutes.
Heat oil and fry Vienna sausages
2In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and warm it. Once heated, add the whole Vienna sausages. Fry them for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even golden-brown color on all sides. Cooking to internal temperature isn't necessary since these sausages are precooked, but ensure they're steaming hot.
Remove sausages and prepare gravy base
3Remove the fried sausages from the pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. When butter melts, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté for about 4 minutes on medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent.
Make roux for the gravy
4Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and avoid a raw taste. This roux will thicken the gravy and add a rich texture.
Add milk and simmer gravy
5Slowly pour 1.5 cups of milk into the pan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Season and combine
6Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Return the fried Vienna sausages to the pan, spooning gravy over them. Let them warm together for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Cooking Tips
1Vienna sausages are already cooked during manufacturing but must be heated thoroughly before serving for food safety and best taste.
2Avoid overheating the gravy to prevent it from curdling; keep the heat at medium to low once the milk is added.
3You can substitute milk with cream or a milk alternative like oat milk for a different flavor or to suit dietary needs.
4For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the gravy while cooking the onions.
5Use a non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of oil needed for frying.
Equipment Needed
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Mixing whisk or spoon
- Cooking spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board and knife
Shopping List
- [ ] Vienna sausages (~$2.00) — Choose a name brand for better quality and flavor.
- [ ] Onion (~$0.50) — Pick a firm, dry onion without any bruises.
- [ ] All-purpose flour (~$0.10 for 2 tbsp) — Make sure it’s fresh and stored properly.
- [ ] Butter, unsalted (~$0.25 for 2 tbsp) — Use unsalted to control the salt level in your recipe.
- [ ] Milk (~$1.00 for 1.5 cups) — Whole milk is preferred for richer gravy.
- [ ] Vegetable oil (~$0.15 for 2 tbsp) — Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower works.
Total estimated cost: approximately $5.00
Selecting fresh and quality ingredients ensures this simple recipe shines with great flavor!
FAQ
Are Vienna sausages safe to eat without frying?
Vienna sausages are precooked and can be eaten straight from the can. However, frying them adds flavor and improves texture, and it is recommended to heat them thoroughly before eating.
How can I tell when the fried Vienna sausages are fully heated?
Since they are precooked, the key is to ensure they are heated until steaming hot throughout, usually after 6–8 minutes of frying and turning to brown all sides.
Can I make the gravy without onions?
Yes, you can omit onions, but the gravy may lack some flavor depth. You might want to add garlic powder or herbs to compensate.
How should I safely store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot before serving again to ensure safety.