Country Gravy

No Southern breakfast is complete without the essential condiment: country gravy. Speckled with black pepper, this simple, versatile gravy is perfect for ladling over drop biscuits, sausage patties, or grits to turn any ol' weekend breakfast into a special occasion brunch. But it's also the ultimate topping for crispy chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken, and don't forget creamy mashed potatoes. Whip it up once and you'll see just how simple and easy it is to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. After all, a boat full of this smooth, comforting gravy is the key to good eating.

• 1/4 c. salted butter
• 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
• 4 c. warm whole milk, divided
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste