Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Recipe: A Comforting Southern Classic

Sausage gravy and biscuits is a beloved Southern breakfast dish that has stood the test of time. This hearty and comforting meal features soft, flaky biscuits smothered in rich, savory sausage gravy. The combination of tender biscuits and creamy gravy with bits of savory sausage is perfect for those mornings when you crave something warm, filling, and utterly satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Southern breakfast to serve at a family gathering or a hearty brunch option, sausage gravy and biscuits will surely impress. In this blog, we’ll guide you through making this delicious dish from scratch, complete with a simple biscuit recipe and tips for the perfect sausage gravy.

Ingredients for Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the ingredients. You’ll need a few basic items for both the sausage gravy and the biscuits, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (you can substitute with regular milk if needed, but buttermilk gives a richer flavor)

For the Sausage Gravy:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (preferably with a bit of spice for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for added richness, optional)

How to Make Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Making sausage gravy and biscuits from scratch may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually easier than it looks. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Biscuit Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized chunks of butter remaining.
4. Add the Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense biscuits.
5. Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough over onto itself a couple of times (this helps create flaky layers), then pat it out again. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out the biscuits.
6. Bake the Biscuits: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Gravy

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the sausage over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and cook until the sausage is browned and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Make a Roux: Once the sausage is cooked, add the flour to the skillet and stir it into the sausage. This will create a thick paste and help thicken the gravy. Cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or onion powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Finish the Gravy: If you like a richer gravy, add a tablespoon of butter and stir until it melts. This will give the gravy a silky, smooth texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Split the Biscuits: Once the biscuits are baked and slightly cooled, split them in half using your fingers or a knife. Place the biscuit halves on plates.
2. Pour the Gravy: Generously spoon the sausage gravy over the biscuit halves, making sure to cover them with plenty of that creamy, savory goodness.
3. Serve: Serve the sausage gravy and biscuits hot with a side of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or hash browns for a complete breakfast or brunch.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. If you’re in a hurry, you can even freeze the butter before using it.
• Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense, tough biscuits. Mix the dough until it just comes together for light, fluffy biscuits.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Browning the sausage creates a deeper flavor in the gravy, so don’t rush this step. Let the sausage crisp up a little for extra texture.
• Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken up.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Variations of Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

While the classic version of sausage gravy and biscuits is delicious on its own, you can get creative with variations:

1. Sausage Gravy with Sausage Links

If you prefer sausage links, simply slice them into small pieces and cook them in the same way you would ground sausage. The texture will be a bit different but equally delicious.

2. Sausage Gravy with Mushrooms

For a vegetarian twist, add sautéed mushrooms to the sausage gravy to give it a meaty texture. You can omit the sausage entirely and use plant-based sausage for a fully vegetarian option.

3. Cheddar Biscuits

Add shredded cheddar cheese to your biscuit dough for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt into the biscuits as they bake, adding flavor and moisture.

4. Sausage Gravy with Chives

For a fresh, herbaceous touch, sprinkle chopped fresh chives into the sausage gravy right before serving.

Conclusion: A Classic Southern Comfort Food

Sausage gravy and biscuits are a delicious and comforting Southern classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or brunch, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite. With a flaky biscuit base and creamy sausage gravy, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling full and content. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in this timeless comfort food!