Biscuits and Gravy: A Classic Southern Comfort Breakfast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy is one of those comforting breakfast dishes that instantly brings warmth to the table. Fluffy homemade biscuits paired with a rich, peppery sausage gravy create a harmonious balance of texture and flavor that satisfies every time. This recipe is deeply nostalgic for many, yet wonderfully simple to prepare even on a busy morning. What makes it especially appealing is its versatility; you can adapt the gravy to be thicker, creamier, or spicier depending on preference. I once tried replacing part of the milk with almond milk when I was short on dairy, and the gravy still thickened nicely without compromising its classic taste. Whether you prepare it for a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner moment, this dish brings together simplicity, comfort, and hearty satisfaction. It is a reliable recipe that feels timeless, welcoming, and endlessly customizable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Flour helps form the base of the biscuits, providing structure and lightness when combined with leavening agents.

Baking powder
Baking powder ensures the biscuits rise properly, creating a soft and fluffy interior.

Unsalted butter
Cold butter is essential for creating flaky biscuit layers and adds rich flavor.

Whole milk
Milk brings moisture to the biscuits and serves as the liquid base for the sausage gravy.

Pork breakfast sausage
Sausage provides the savory foundation for the gravy, contributing depth and a peppery richness.

All-purpose flour (for gravy)
Used to thicken the gravy and develop a smooth, creamy consistency.

Black pepper
Pepper is essential for seasoning the gravy, adding warmth and enhancing its traditional profile.

Salt
Necessary for flavor balance in both biscuits and gravy.

Directions

To begin, prepare the biscuits by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in milk gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently pat it into a rectangle, and fold it over a few times to create layers. Cut out biscuit rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a 425°F oven until golden and risen.

While the biscuits bake, prepare the sausage gravy. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once the sausage is fully cooked, sprinkle flour over the top and stir until it absorbs the fat, forming a roux-like mixture. Pour in milk gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the gravy to simmer until thickened, adjusting the consistency by adding more milk if needed. Season generously with black pepper and salt.

When the biscuits are ready, split them open and spoon warm sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and hot.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to four. The gravy should be refrigerated separately for up to three days. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its consistency. Biscuits reheat well in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Freezing is possible, though biscuits maintain the best texture when freshly baked.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Country Gravy
Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a bold, heated version.

Herb-Infused Biscuits
Fold fresh chives or parsley into the biscuit dough for added flavor.

Creamy Buttermilk Biscuits
Use buttermilk instead of milk for extra tenderness and tang.

Mushroom Gravy Option
Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Cheddar Biscuit Variation
Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a richer, savory biscuit.

Country Ham Gravy
Swap sausage for finely diced country ham for a saltier, more traditional Southern flavor.

Sausage and Onion Gravy
Cook diced onion with the sausage to add sweetness and depth.

Breakfast Casserole Style
Layer biscuits, gravy, and scrambled eggs in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.

Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour in both biscuits and gravy, ensuring milk and sausage are safe for dietary needs.

Lightened Gravy
Use half milk and half chicken broth for a lighter yet flavorful gravy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought biscuits?

Yes, they work well when time is limited.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Simmer longer or add a small spoonful of flour mixed with milk.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, unbaked biscuits can be refrigerated for one day before baking.

What type of sausage is best?

Pork breakfast sausage with a balanced seasoning works best.

Can I freeze the gravy?

It is not recommended, as the texture may separate after thawing.

Can I use skim milk?

Yes, though the gravy will be slightly less creamy.

Why is my gravy lumpy?

Add milk gradually and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.

Can I double the gravy?

Yes, doubling is easy and works well for larger gatherings.

How do I prevent biscuits from becoming dense?

Avoid over-mixing the dough and keep the butter cold.

What sides pair well with biscuits and gravy?

Scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, or roasted potatoes complement the dish well.

Conclusion

Biscuits and Gravy remains a beloved comfort classic for good reason. Fluffy, warm biscuits paired with savory sausage gravy create an inviting and deeply satisfying meal suitable for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner. The recipe is simple yet flexible, allowing for numerous variations based on personal taste. Whether enjoyed exactly as written or customized with spices, herbs, or alternative proteins, this dish reliably delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite.

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