Biscuits and Gravy

Flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy—this Southern classic brings comforting flavors to your breakfast table. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you can have a hearty, homemade meal ready in under an hour. This dish perfectly balances the tender texture of golden brown biscuits with the savory creaminess of a sausage-studded gravy.

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There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of hot biscuits from the oven and smelling the savory aroma of browning sausage. Whether you prefer your gravy mild or with a spicy kick of cayenne, this recipe serves as a versatile foundation for a memorable breakfast.

Ingredients

• For the Biscuits
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• For the Sausage Gravy
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, mild or spicy, crumbled)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Step 3

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

Pour in buttermilk and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; gently pat to 1-inch thickness. Fold dough over on itself 2–3 times, then pat again to 1-inch thickness.

Step 6

Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, reshaping scraps as needed. Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 8

Meanwhile, for the gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Step 9

Sprinkle flour over the sausage and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until flour is absorbed.

Step 10

Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 11

Add black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 12

Split warm biscuits and spoon hot sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra fluffy biscuits, handle the dough as little as possible during the preparation. Ensuring your butter and buttermilk are very cold before mixing will also help create those desired flaky layers.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can add a pinch of dried sage or thyme to the sausage for an herbal note. If you prefer a meat-free option, to make vegetarian, substitute plant-based sausage and plant-based milk.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the biscuits and gravy hot. For a complete breakfast spread, serve with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit on the side.

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Enjoy this warm, inviting plate of homemade biscuits and gravy, a classic American comfort food delight that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Questions & Answers

→ What makes biscuits flaky?

Cold butter cut into the flour creates small pockets of fat that melt during baking, leaving behind layers of flaky dough. Handle the dough minimally and keep ingredients cold for best results.

→ Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

The gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to reach desired consistency. The biscuits are best served fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

→ What type of sausage works best?

Breakfast sausage links or patties removed from casings work perfectly. Both mild and spicy varieties complement the creamy gravy. For a traditional Southern flavor, choose pork-based sausage with sage seasoning.

→ Why does my gravy get lumpy?

Lumps form when flour clumps upon contact with liquid. Whisk the flour into the cooked sausage until no dry spots remain, then gradually add milk while stirring constantly. A whisk works better than a spoon for smoothing.

→ Can I freeze leftover biscuits?

Yes, baked biscuits freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or crispy hash browns balance the rich flavors. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the creamy gravy.