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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

10 servings
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Sausage

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Serves6
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Golden biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy

There's something special about a warm, flaky biscuit smothered in a rich, meaty gravy that just feels like home. For me, that feeling is deeply rooted in my childhood, where my family would often gather around the table for a hearty breakfast or brunch, featuring my mom's famous sausage gravy and biscuits. It was a dish that brought us all together, and one that I've carried with me into my own cooking adventures.

As I've grown older and continued to refine my cooking skills, I've come to appreciate the beauty of a well-crafted sausage gravy and biscuits. It's a dish that requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to let the ingredients shine. From the slow-cooked sausage to the flaky, buttery biscuits, every component plays a crucial role in creating a truly unforgettable meal.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you're serving it up for a lazy Sunday morning or a satisfying dinner, sausage gravy and biscuits is a dish that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, we'll be exploring the ins and outs of creating the perfect sausage gravy and biscuits. From the type of sausage to use, to the importance of temperature control, we'll cover it all. So, if you're ready to learn the secrets of this beloved comfort food classic, then let's get started!

Throughout this recipe, I'll be sharing my own personal tips and tricks for making the perfect sausage gravy and biscuits. From the best way to cook the sausage, to the secret to making flaky, tender biscuits, I'll be covering it all. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, you'll find plenty of helpful advice and guidance to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • The combination of rich sausage gravy and flaky biscuits is a match made in heaven, and is sure to become a new favorite comfort food.
  • This dish is perfect for a crowd, and can be easily scaled up or down to feed any number of people.
  • The leftovers are just as delicious as the original meal, making it a great option for meal prep or planning ahead.
  • This recipe is a great way to use up leftover sausage or biscuits, and can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences.
  • The slow-cooked sausage and flaky biscuits make for a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cold morning or a cozy dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great sausage gravy and biscuits lies in the balance of flavors and textures. By using high-quality sausage and cooking it slowly, we're able to extract all of the rich, meaty flavors and create a deep, velvety gravy. Meanwhile, the biscuits are made with a combination of all-purpose flour, cold butter, and buttermilk, which gives them a tender, flaky texture that's just perfect for sopping up all of that delicious gravy.

Another important factor in this recipe is temperature control. By cooking the sausage over medium-low heat, we're able to prevent it from burning or becoming too crispy, while also allowing it to cook slowly and evenly. This helps to create a rich, depth of flavor that's just essential to a great sausage gravy and biscuits.

Finally, the use of layering in this recipe is also crucial. By cooking the sausage in a little bit of oil, then adding in the flour to create a roux, and finally whisking in the milk, we're able to create a smooth, creamy gravy that's just packed with flavor. And by serving it all over a warm, flaky biscuit, we're able to add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish that just takes it to the next level.

Throughout this recipe, you'll see that I've emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients and cooking techniques. By taking the time to cook the sausage slowly, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, and layer in all of the flavors, we're able to create a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, I encourage you to take the time to follow this recipe carefully and see just how delicious a homemade sausage gravy and biscuits can be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires just a few simple ingredients. From the sausage and flour, to the butter and buttermilk, every component plays a crucial role in creating a truly unforgettable meal. In this section, we'll take a closer look at each of the ingredients and explore some helpful tips for selecting the best ones for the job.

  • 1 lb (450g) sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removedLook for high-quality sausage that's made with pork and a blend of spices. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, but Italian sausage works particularly well in this recipe. Be sure to remove the casings before cooking, as this will help the sausage to cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too dense.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that's unbleached and unbromated. This will help to create a smooth, velvety gravy that's just packed with flavor. You can also use other types of flour, such as whole wheat or bread flour, but all-purpose flour works best in this recipe.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) butterUse high-quality butter that's salted and has a high fat content. This will help to create a rich, creamy gravy that's just perfect for serving over biscuits. You can also use other types of fat, such as oil or bacon drippings, but butter works particularly well in this recipe.
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milkUse high-quality whole milk that's cold and fresh. This will help to create a smooth, creamy gravy that's just packed with flavor. You can also use other types of milk, such as 2% or skim, but whole milk works best in this recipe.
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that's unbleached and unbromated. This will help to create a tender, flaky biscuit that's just perfect for serving with the sausage gravy. You can also use other types of flour, such as whole wheat or bread flour, but all-purpose flour works best in this recipe.
  • 4 tsp (20g) baking powderUse high-quality baking powder that's fresh and active. This will help to create a light, flaky biscuit that's just packed with flavor. Be sure to use the correct amount, as too much baking powder can make the biscuits taste bitter or soapy.
  • 1 tsp (5g) saltUse high-quality salt that's unrefined and unpolluted. This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and create a truly unforgettable meal. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, but unrefined salt works particularly well in this recipe.
  • 1/2 cup (115g) cold butter, cut into small piecesUse high-quality butter that's salted and has a high fat content. This will help to create a tender, flaky biscuit that's just perfect for serving with the sausage gravy. Be sure to keep the butter cold, as this will help it to stay firm and create a flaky texture.
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilkUse high-quality buttermilk that's cold and fresh. This will help to create a tender, flaky biscuit that's just packed with flavor. You can also use other types of milk, such as whole milk or 2% milk, but buttermilk works particularly well in this recipe.
  • Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper that's unrefined and unpolluted. This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and create a truly unforgettable meal. Be sure to taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as this will help to ensure that the flavors are balanced and delicious.
Ingredients for Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaBaking sheet lined with parchment paperRolling pin

How to Make Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

  1. 1
    Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will help to create a smooth, creamy gravy that's just packed with flavor.
  2. 2
    Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the pan, as this will help to create a rich, flavorful gravy.
  3. 3
    Add the flour to the pan and whisk it into the drippings, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This will help to create a smooth, velvety gravy that's just perfect for serving over biscuits.
  4. 4
    Slowly whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer and cooking for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens. Be sure to whisk constantly, as this will help to prevent the gravy from becoming too thick or lumpy.
  5. 5
    Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the gravy aside to keep warm.
  6. 6
    To make the biscuits, start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  7. 7
    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. 8
    Add the buttermilk to the bowl and stir the mixture until it forms a shaggy dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together.
  9. 9
    Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits. Gather the scraps, re-roll the dough, and cut out additional biscuits.
  10. 10
    Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  11. 11
    To serve, split the biscuits in half and spoon the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Use high-quality sausage that's made with pork and a blend of spices. This will help to create a rich, flavorful gravy that's just packed with flavor.
  • Don't overcook the sausage, as this can make it dry and tough. Cook it until it's just browned and cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
  • Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cold butter to create a smooth, velvety gravy. This will help to create a rich, creamy texture that's just perfect for serving over biscuits.
  • Don't overmix the biscuit dough, as this can make it tough and dense. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together.
  • Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits. This will help to create a uniform shape and size, and will also help to prevent the biscuits from becoming too dense or tough.
  • Serve the biscuits and gravy immediately, as this will help to ensure that the biscuits are warm and flaky and the gravy is hot and creamy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the sausage, which can make it dry and tough.
  • Not whisking the gravy constantly, which can make it too thick or lumpy.
  • Overmixing the biscuit dough, which can make it tough and dense.
  • Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
  • Not serving the biscuits and gravy immediately, which can make the biscuits stale and the gravy cold.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Add some diced vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the gravy for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour to create a nutty, wholesome biscuit.
  • Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the biscuits for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Use a different type of milk, such as 2% or skim, to create a lighter, more delicate gravy.

What to Serve With Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Serve the biscuits and gravy immediately, as this will help to ensure that the biscuits are warm and flaky and the gravy is hot and creamy. You can also serve the dish with some additional sides, such as scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Some other ideas for serving the biscuits and gravy include:

Scrambled eggsCrispy baconSautéed spinachRoasted vegetablesHash browns

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The biscuits and gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen biscuits and gravy overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until warm and creamy.

To freeze the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen biscuits to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat the biscuits, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and flaky.

The gravy can also be frozen, either on its own or with the biscuits. To freeze the gravy, simply pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen gravy overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until warm and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, but Italian sausage works particularly well. Look for high-quality sausage that's made with pork and a blend of spices.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the biscuits ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve. Simply thaw the frozen biscuits overnight in the fridge, then bake them in the oven until warm and flaky.

How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming too dense or tough?

To prevent the biscuits from becoming too dense or tough, be sure to mix the ingredients just until they come together, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together. Don't overmix the dough, as this can make it tough and dense.

Can I use a different type of milk for the gravy?

Yes, you can use a different type of milk for the gravy, such as 2% or skim. However, keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk may affect the flavor and texture of the gravy.

How do I reheat the frozen biscuits and gravy?

To reheat the frozen biscuits and gravy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until warm and creamy.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to serve. Simply thaw the frozen gravy overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until warm and creamy.

What's the best way to serve the biscuits and gravy?

The best way to serve the biscuits and gravy is to split the biscuits in half and spoon the gravy over the top. You can also serve the dish with some additional sides, such as scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Can I use a biscuit mix instead of making the biscuits from scratch?

Yes, you can use a biscuit mix instead of making the biscuits from scratch. However, keep in mind that using a mix may affect the flavor and texture of the biscuits.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Learn to make a hearty, comforting Sausage Gravy and Biscuits dish from scratch, perfect for a cold morning or a satisfying dinner

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Serves6
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (30g) butter
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp (20g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will help to create a smooth, creamy gravy that's just packed with flavor.
  2. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the pan, as this will help to create a rich, flavorful gravy.
  3. Add the flour to the pan and whisk it into the drippings, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This will help to create a smooth, velvety gravy that's just perfect for serving over biscuits.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer and cooking for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens. Be sure to whisk constantly, as this will help to prevent the gravy from becoming too thick or lumpy.
  5. Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the gravy aside to keep warm.
  6. To make the biscuits, start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  7. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Add the buttermilk to the bowl and stir the mixture until it forms a shaggy dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together.
  9. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits. Gather the scraps, re-roll the dough, and cut out additional biscuits.
  10. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  11. To serve, split the biscuits in half and spoon the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

420Calories
25gProtein
35gCarbs
25gFat