Biscuits and Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, combining the warmth and fluffiness of freshly baked biscuits with a savory, creamy gravy. The sausage gravy is made with sausage, milk, and spices, giving it a rich, flavorful base that complements the biscuits perfectly. This dish is quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and can be customized with different types of sausage or spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy breakfast for yourself, Biscuits and Gravy is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added to sour it)

For the sausage gravy:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or use a mix of milk and cream for a richer gravy)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Biscuits:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the biscuit dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Add the buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times until it holds together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits (you should get about 8-10 biscuits, depending on the size).

5. Bake the biscuits: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spaced apart for crispier sides. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

6. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the gravy.

Make the Sausage Gravy:

1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, crumble the sausage and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the sausage into small pieces. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pan.

2. Make the roux: To the same skillet, add 1/4 cup of flour to the sausage fat and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. This creates the roux, which will thicken the gravy.

3. Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps in the flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.

4. Season the gravy: Once the gravy has thickened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, if using. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy is thick and creamy.

5. Serve: Pour the sausage gravy over the warm biscuits and serve immediately. Garnish with extra black pepper or chopped herbs like parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy: Use plant-based sausage or crumbled mushrooms in place of sausage for a vegetarian version.

• Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist.

• Spicy Gravy: For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage in the gravy. You can also add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

• Herb Biscuits: Mix in fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the biscuit dough for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. The gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat the biscuits, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For the gravy, reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the biscuits?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk gives the biscuits a richer, tangier flavor and helps them rise better. To mimic buttermilk, you can add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk.

2. Can I make the gravy without sausage?

Yes, you can make a creamy white gravy without sausage by following the same steps but skipping the sausage. You can add sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or even bacon for extra flavor.

3. How do I make my biscuits fluffier?

For fluffier biscuits, make sure your butter is cold when mixing, and avoid overworking the dough. Gently pat the dough out instead of rolling it, and don’t overmix after adding the buttermilk.

4. Can I freeze the biscuits?

Yes! You can freeze unbaked biscuits. Simply cut them out, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes.

5. Can I use store-bought sausage gravy?

While homemade gravy is always best, you can use store-bought sausage gravy if you’re short on time. Just heat it up and serve over freshly baked biscuits.

6. How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

To thicken the gravy, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a little more flour to the mixture. If it’s too thick, simply add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Can I use other types of sausage for the gravy?

Yes, you can use any type of breakfast sausage, including turkey sausage or spicier options, depending on your preference.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy and prepare the biscuits fresh for the best texture.

9. Can I freeze leftover gravy?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover gravy for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat it gently and add a little milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

10. How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, use lean turkey sausage, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also swap in whole wheat flour for the biscuits.

Conclusion

Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich, creamy gravy and fluffy, buttery biscuits. It’s the perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or a special occasion, this classic dish is sure to delight everyone at the table!