Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy seasoned with plenty of black pepper. It's the ultimate Southern comfort food breakfast, hearty and satisfying.
For 4 servings
12 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
- a.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and 1/2 tsp of salt for the biscuits.
- 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir with a fork just until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4-5 times.
- 5
Pat the dough out to a 3/4-inch thickness
- a.Use a 2.5-inch round cutter to cut out 8 biscuits, re-patting scraps once if needed. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with their sides just touching to help them rise taller.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall, fluffy, and golden brown on top.
- 7
While the biscuits bake, make the gravy
- a.In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- 8
Do not drain the rendered fat
- a.Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the cooked sausage. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
- 9
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
- a.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Let the gravy gently simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring often, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- 11
Stir in the black pepper, 3/4 tsp salt, and optional red pepper flakes
- a.Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 12
To serve, split the warm biscuits in half
- a.Place them on a plate and ladle a generous amount of the hot sausage gravy over the top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest biscuits, ensure your butter and buttermilk are extremely cold. This creates steam pockets during baking, which makes the biscuits rise.
- 2Avoid overworking the biscuit dough. A light, gentle touch is crucial for tender, not tough, biscuits.
- 3The rendered sausage fat is the foundation of a flavorful gravy. Do not drain it off.
- 4If your gravy becomes too thick, whisk in a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 5Using whole milk is essential for a rich, creamy gravy. Lower-fat milks will result in a thinner, less flavorful sauce.
- 6For extra flavor, choose a breakfast sausage that contains sage.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Use a hot variety of pork sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the black pepper for an extra kick.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh sage or thyme to the sausage as it browns to enhance the savory flavor.
VegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage crumble and use 3-4 tablespoons of butter or oil to create the roux. Make a mushroom gravy by sautéing 8 oz of chopped mushrooms with the plant-based sausage.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
For the biscuits, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. For the gravy, use sweet rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend as the thickener.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The pork sausage and milk provide a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Provides Calcium
Milk is a primary ingredient in the gravy, making this dish a good source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Energy-Dense Meal
High in carbohydrates and fats, this meal provides a significant and lasting source of energy, making it a classic choice for a hearty breakfast before a physically active day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two biscuits with gravy contains approximately 700-900 calories, depending on the fat content of the sausage and milk used. It is a very calorie-dense dish.