Biscuits and Gravy is true Southern comfort food, the kind of stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that warms your soul on even the chilliest morning. Whether you’re using homemade flaky biscuits or picking up your favorite store-bought brand, this dish delivers creamy, sausage-studded gravy that oozes over buttery biscuits for a meal guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. If you’re looking to serve a brunch centerpiece or simply tackle weekday cravings with minimal fuss, Biscuits and Gravy serves up nostalgia and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Biscuits and Gravy is delightfully straightforward, but every ingredient carries its weight for that crave-worthy taste and hearty texture. From savory sausage to the perfect amount of pepper, each component builds a gravy that coats every fluffy biscuit just right.
- Biscuit Base: 8 homemade or store-bought buttermilk biscuits — the pillowy foundation that soaks up all that glorious gravy.
- Breakfast Sausage: 1 lb (mild or spicy) — choose your spice level, but make sure to use quality pork sausage for the richest flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup — this is the thickener that turns drippings into silk-smooth gravy, so don’t skip it.
- Whole Milk: 2 ½ cups — full-fat milk brings luscious creaminess to the sauce and helps mellow out the sausage.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon — a simple touch to round out all the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon — essential for a little kick and classic taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon — add if you love an extra bit of heat to balance the richness.
How to Make Biscuits and Gravy
Step 1: Bake Your Biscuits
Start by baking your biscuits according to package instructions, or whip up your favorite homemade recipe. Keeping the biscuits warm is key so they’re ready to soak up the hot, fresh gravy when it’s done.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Set a large skillet over medium heat and crumble in the breakfast sausage. As it cooks, break it up into small bits with a wooden spoon until evenly browned and no pink remains. The sausage drippings are crucial for giving Biscuits and Gravy that rich, signature flavor; only drain excess fat if absolutely necessary.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage and stir thoroughly to coat each piece. Let this mixture cook together for 1–2 minutes, which helps eliminate the raw flour flavor and forms the base for your creamy gravy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep the mixture moving so the gravy thickens evenly, bubbling gently after about 5–7 minutes. The fragrance will let you know you’re in the home stretch!
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 2–3 more minutes until it reaches your favorite consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Split the fresh biscuits and plate them while hot. Ladle the sausage gravy generously over each half, allowing the sauce to soak into every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy — Biscuits and Gravy is all about abundance!
How to Serve Biscuits and Gravy
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a splash of color and a pop of freshness to Biscuits and Gravy. For a little extra texture, a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika on top is absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
While Biscuits and Gravy can be a meal on its own, pairing it with scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, or a fresh fruit salad balances the richness. For a true Southern-style breakfast, serve alongside grits or fried green tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling mini biscuit sliders for a brunch buffet or layering the biscuits and gravy in individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist. If you’re feeling bold, stack everything in a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheddar, and bake for an extra melty finish — a delicious Biscuits and Gravy spin on breakfast casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Biscuits and Gravy separate in airtight containers once cooled. The biscuits will stay fresher at room temperature or slightly refrigerate them, while the gravy should always be stored in the refrigerator. Your breakfast will be delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze extra gravy for quick weekday breakfasts; just cool it thoroughly, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Homemade biscuits also freeze well: let them cool, wrap them tightly, and freeze up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to loosen it up to a pourable consistency. Warm the biscuits in a low oven until soft and fluffy — assemble just before serving for the best Biscuits and Gravy experience.
FAQs
Can I make Biscuits and Gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it with a little milk to restore its creamy texture. Freshly baked or reheated biscuits will complete your meal in minutes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Biscuits and Gravy can easily be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free biscuits and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening the gravy. The results are just as satisfying and delicious.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Both mild and spicy pork breakfast sausage work well in this recipe. For more variety, try blending the two, or use turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure your sausage is thoroughly cooked for best flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of my gravy?
If your gravy is too thick, slowly stir in extra milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If too thin, simmer it a minute or two longer, or add a bit more flour mixed with a splash of milk to help it thicken up.
Can leftovers be used in other dishes?
Leftover Biscuits and Gravy can be reincarnated in breakfast casseroles, poured over roasted potatoes, or layered onto toasted bread for an easy savory snack. Don’t toss the extras — let your creativity shine!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Biscuits and Gravy from scratch, you’re in for an absolute treat. This cozy classic is just as welcome at a special brunch gathering as it is at your own kitchen table on a lazy weekend morning. Give it a try and you’ll understand why it’s a time-tested favorite that warms hearts and fills bellies wherever it’s served.
Print
Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Biscuits and Gravy recipe is a classic Southern breakfast dish that combines flaky buttermilk biscuits with a rich and savory sausage gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients
Biscuits:
- 8 homemade or store-bought buttermilk biscuits
Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Biscuits: Prepare biscuits according to package directions or make homemade biscuits. Keep warm.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over sausage, stir, then gradually whisk in milk. Season and simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Split warm biscuits, ladle gravy over each.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or thyme to the gravy.
- You can make the gravy ahead and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
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