Biscuits and Gravy

There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a classic Southern breakfast, and Biscuits and Gravy sits at the heart of that tradition. Imagine tender, flaky biscuits, still warm from the oven, generously smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy that's been seasoned with a bold kick of black pepper. This recipe brings that soul-warming experience right to your kitchen, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a lazy weekend morning.

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The process is as rewarding as the final dish. The scent of baking biscuits fills the air, followed by the savory aroma of sausage browning in the skillet. It’s a sensory journey that culminates in a truly memorable breakfast plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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 the fluffiest biscuits, it's crucial to handle the dough as little as possible. For an extra herbal note in the gravy, add a pinch of dried sage or thyme along with the sausage as it cooks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe can be easily adapted for a vegetarian breakfast. Simply substitute the pork sausage with a plant-based alternative and use your favorite plant-based milk for the gravy.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the biscuits and gravy hot, garnished with extra black pepper. For a more complete meal, pair it with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.

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Now all that's left is to dig in. Split open a warm biscuit, ladle on the savory gravy, and enjoy every bite of this quintessential American comfort food. It's a breakfast that feels like a warm hug.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes Southern biscuits fluffy?

Cold butter and minimal handling create the flaky layers. When the cold butter hits the hot oven, it releases steam that lifts the dough, creating those signature tender layers.

→ Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

The gravy reheats beautifully. Make it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

→ What type of sausage works best?

Breakfast sausage is traditional—either mild or spicy depending on your preference. The sausage fat is essential for creating a rich, flavorful gravy base.

→ Why is my gravy lumpy?

Lumps form when flour hits hot liquid too quickly. Whisk the flour into the browned sausage first to coat it, then gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to ensure smooth results.

→ Can I freeze leftover biscuits?

Absolutely. Bake the biscuits completely, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

→ What sides pair well with biscuits and gravy?

Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or home fries round out this hearty meal. For a lighter touch, serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.