Oh, biscuits and gravy—what a glorious Southern staple! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my family during a Sunday brunch, and I could hear the sizzle of the sausage and the smell wafting through the kitchen. It felt like the essence of comfort food was wrapping around me. You’ll find that biscuits and gravy are not just a meal; they’re a tradition that brings people together, whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special occasion. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be craving this dish all the time. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making some of the best biscuits and gravy you’ve ever tasted. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Biscuits and Gravy
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making biscuits and gravy is all about timing and technique, but trust me, once you get the rhythm down, it’ll feel like second nature. So, let’s do this step by step!
Making the Biscuits
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This is crucial for getting those biscuits nice and fluffy! In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Now, here’s a little secret: you want your butter cold. Grab 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, cube it, and toss it into the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it looks like coarse crumbs—this is where the magic happens!
Next, pour in 3/4 cup of milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; we’re looking for tenderness! Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it gently just a few times—this helps to develop that flaky texture. Roll it out to about 1-inch thick, then cut out your biscuits with a floured cutter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Wow, just wait until you smell them baking!
Preparing the Sausage Gravy
While the biscuits are baking, let’s whip up that creamy sausage gravy. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of crumbled breakfast sausage until it’s browned and delicious, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so it browns evenly. Once it’s nice and crispy, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and stir it around for about a minute. This helps to thicken our gravy later.
Now, gradually add in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly. This is where the magic thickening occurs! Keep stirring until it bubbles and thickens, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Season it generously with salt and pepper to taste. And there you have it—smooth, creamy sausage gravy that’s begging to be poured over those warm biscuits!
Once both components are ready, serve the biscuits hot, topped generously with that luscious gravy. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy mornings or special gatherings.
- Quick and straightforward preparation—ideal for busy weekends or brunches.
- Fluffy biscuits paired with creamy, savory sausage gravy create a flavor explosion!
- Customizable: adjust the spice level of the sausage or add herbs for a personal touch.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty reheated, making it a fantastic choice.
Tips for Success
To make sure your biscuits and gravy turn out perfect every time, I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve! First off, always use cold butter when making your biscuits. This helps create that flaky texture we all love! If you can, opt for buttermilk instead of regular milk for an extra rich flavor in your biscuits.
When it comes to the gravy, don’t rush the thickening process—patience is key! Stir continuously and let it bubble gently for that creamy consistency. And remember, season to taste! Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust as needed. You can even sneak in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Variations of Biscuits and Gravy
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your biscuits and gravy! For a twist, try using spicy sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the gravy for a tasty veggie boost. Feeling herbaceous? Toss in some fresh thyme or sage to elevate the flavor profile. And don’t forget about cheese! A sprinkle of sharp cheddar on top can add a delightful richness. The options are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers—though I doubt they’ll last long—you can store your biscuits and gravy easily! Just let them cool completely, then transfer the biscuits to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. For the gravy, store it in a separate container and make sure it’s sealed well. It’ll also last for about 3 days in the fridge.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend warming the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen it up. For the biscuits, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm, but if you want that freshly baked texture, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes works wonders. Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delicious biscuits and gravy recipe (that’s about one biscuit with a generous drizzle of gravy) packs in approximately 350 calories. You’ll also find around 20g of fat, including 8g of saturated fat, and 12g of protein to keep you satisfied. On the carb front, it has about 30g, with 1g of fiber and 2g of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, enjoy this comforting dish without counting every calorie—after all, it’s all about balance and deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough in advance, then shape and freeze the biscuits before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have breakfast sausage?
No worries! You can use any ground meat you prefer, like turkey or chicken, or even go meatless with a plant-based sausage. Just adjust the spices to match your taste!
Can I add cheese to the biscuits?
Oh, yes! Adding shredded cheese—like cheddar or pepper jack—into the biscuit dough is a fantastic way to amp up flavor. Just fold it in gently before rolling out the dough.
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer while stirring to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still enjoy the same delicious biscuits and gravy without the gluten. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
Biscuits and Gravy: 5 Simple Steps to Ultimate Comfort
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuits 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Southern dish featuring biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in milk until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll out and cut into biscuits.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve biscuits topped with gravy.
Notes
- Use buttermilk for richer biscuits.
- Adjust sausage spice to your preference.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: biscuits and gravy