Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS)
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast — famously known as SOS — is the kind of recipe that carries decades of American history, nostalgia, and comfort all in one plate. Whether you grew up eating it in a military mess hall, a classic diner, or your grandmother’s kitchen, this dish delivers pure, old-school comfort food: warm toast smothered with a creamy, savory chipped beef gravy.
Though SOS originally stood for a tongue-in-cheek military nickname, today it simply represents a beloved classic. This recipe is known for being simple, filling, affordable, and fast. It’s the kind of breakfast that sticks with you all morning, but it also works as a hearty lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
The magic is in the balance: salty, thin-sliced chipped beef simmered in a silky white sauce with butter, milk, and pepper, then poured over buttery toast. The recipe is incredibly fast — often ready in 15 minutes — and uses only pantry staples. It’s perfect when you want something warm, comforting, and satisfying without any fuss.
This article explores everything you need to know about creamed chipped beef on toast: its history, ingredients, how to make the perfect roux, customization options, serving suggestions, and variations. After reading this full guide, you’ll be able to make SOS just like the classics — or better.
A Brief History of SOS
SOS has been a staple of U.S. military cuisine for generations. It was inexpensive, filling, and quick to prepare in large quantities. While its humorous nickname referred to its appearance, soldiers relied on it as a dependable source of warmth and protein. Many carried their love for SOS into civilian life, and the recipe became a household favorite — especially in the Midwest and Eastern U.S.
Today, you’ll find SOS in diners, breakfast spots, and home kitchens where comfort food still reigns. It’s also a cherished nostalgia recipe for families whose parents or grandparents served in the military.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fast — ready in 15 minutes
✔ Affordable — uses simple pantry staples
✔ Comforting — creamy, rich, and warming
✔ Nostalgic — classic diner & military flavor
✔ Flexible — works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
✔ Customizable — add eggs, potatoes, veggies, or spices
Creamed chipped beef is a dish that proves simple ingredients can taste extraordinary when combined the right way.
Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work
Chipped Beef
Chipped beef is a dried, salted beef product that comes in thin slices. Its salty intensity gives the dish its signature flavor. Rinsing lightly reduces saltiness if needed.
Butter
Forms the base of the roux and adds richness to the gravy.
Flour
Combines with butter to make a roux, which thickens the cream sauce.
Milk
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but 2% or even evaporated milk also works.
Pepper
Black pepper is essential — it elevates the flavor and balances the salt.
Toast
Traditional SOS is served over crisp toasted white bread, but any bread or starch works.
Optional Enhancers:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Fresh parsley for brightness
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS)
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Slice or tear chipped beef into small pieces. If overly salty, rinse briefly under cool water and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Melt butter in a skillet. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Season with pepper.
Step 4: Add the Beef
Stir in chipped beef and simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend and the beef softens.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
Toast slices until golden. Butter for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon warm chipped beef gravy over toast. Serve immediately for best texture.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 jar (4.5–5 oz) chipped beef, sliced or torn
- ½–1 tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: fresh parsley
- 6–8 slices toasted bread
Instructions
- Cut or tear chipped beef into bite-size pieces. Rinse lightly if very salty.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk while whisking continuously.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add chipped beef and pepper; stir to combine.
- Optional: add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Spoon over toasted bread and serve warm.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (SOS)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice or tear chipped beef into bite-size pieces; rinse lightly if very salty.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add chipped beef and black pepper; stir to combine.
- Add Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Spoon warm chipped beef gravy over toasted bread.
Notes
Tips for the Best SOS
1. Rinse the beef lightly if salt-sensitive
Salt levels vary. A quick rinse fixes overly salty beef.
2. Add milk slowly
Prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken smoothly.
3. Don’t rush the roux
Cooking the butter and flour for 1–2 minutes improves flavor.
4. Adjust thickness
Too thick: add milk
Too thin: simmer a few more minutes
5. Serve immediately
Toast loses its crispness if it sits too long under gravy.
Variations
Creamed Chipped Beef with Eggs
Serve with fried or poached eggs on top.
Hash-Style SOS
Serve over crispy breakfast potatoes.
Spicy SOS
Add cayenne, paprika, or hot sauce.
Sausage SOS (Alternate Classic)
Replace beef with browned breakfast sausage.
Creamed Turkey or Chicken
Make a lighter version with shredded poultry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over:
- Toast
- Biscuits
- Hash browns
- English muffins
- Waffles
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
Add sides like fruit, eggs, or bacon for a full diner-style breakfast.
How to Store
Refrigerate:
3–4 days in airtight container.
Reheat:
Warm gently on stovetop, adding milk to loosen consistency.
Freeze:
Freezes well for 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
