Southern tomato gravy is just what you need to top off a hot bowl of grits or fresh, steaming biscuits! With a smoky flavor and plenty of bacon, this gravy is a must-have for your next Sunday brunch!
Cut bacon into half-inch pieces with kitchen scissors and add to a cold pan. Heat the pan to medium heat and cook bacon, stirring frequently, until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and leave the grease in the pan.
Add flour to the pan with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for several minutes to create a roux. Scrape up any bits of bacon that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Whisk in chicken broth and tomato juice, stirring constantly until fully incorporated. Stir in smoked paprika and simmer until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve spooned over grits or biscuits with the bacon sprinkled on top.