Main Dish

Country Fried Steak and Sawmill Gravy

... from Aunt Sandy's Kitchen

• Serves: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 20-30 minutes

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Craving Cracker Barrel’s famous Country Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy? Aunt Sandy’s homemade version is even better—crispy, golden steak smothered in rich, peppered gravy made right in the same skillet. This easy Southern comfort food recipe is budget-friendly, full of flavor, and brings all the taste of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner, holiday meal, or anytime you’re craving a hearty homemade classic.

Country Fried Steak Ingredients

• 4-6 cube steaks (4 ounce)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 crushed sleeve of saltine crackers
• 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons onion powder
• ½ teaspoons pepper
• ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons oil

Sawmill Gravy Ingredients

• ¼ - ½ cup vegetable oil or ¼ - ½ cup bacon fat or butter
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1-2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole milk at room temperature or more if needed

Country Fried Steak Instructions

1. In a shallow pan (like a pie pan or plate) whisk milk and egg together; set aside.
2. In a shallow pan (like a pie pan or plate) whisk flour, crushed saltines, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together; set aside.
3. Dredge each steak 1 at a time into egg mixture. Lift up so excess mixture drips back into the bowl.
4. Press into flour mixture, patting into steak to coat completely. Place coated steak, unstacked onto a plate. Repeat with remaining steaks.
5. In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat.
6. Carefully add steaks to hot oil; fry until golden brown about 4 minutes per side.
7. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160°F (71°C) for a well-done steak.

Sawmill Gravy Instructions

1. In the same skillet with the steak drippings, heat over medium.
2. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper; cook until paste-like and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in 4 cups milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir until smooth and heated through, 3–5 minutes, adding more milk if too thick.
5. Serve hot with Country Fried Steak.