Delight your family with the comforting flavors of a classic southern meal. This homemade biscuits and gravy recipe delivers flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich, savory sausage gravy. It's a perfect dish for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, or to serve as a hearty weeknight dinner. The biscuits are made from scratch using simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry, and the gravy boasts a flavorful kick from freshly ground sausage.
Photos of Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be easily found in a standard pantry. However, there are a few key items to note. Breakfast sausage is a seasoned type of pork sausage that sets the flavor foundation for the gravy. It is usually located in the meat section of most supermarkets. Buttermilk, used in the biscuit recipe, can be found in the dairy aisle. If you can't find it, you could substitute with a mix of milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content of the biscuits.
Ingredients for Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
Breakfast sausage: Provides a rich, savory flavor to the gravy.
Flour: Helps to thicken the gravy and forms the base of the biscuit dough.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the gravy and moisture to the biscuit dough.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of both the gravy and the biscuits.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the gravy.
Buttermilk biscuits: Serve as the base for the gravy.
Butter: Gives the biscuits a deliciously buttery flavor and tender texture.
Buttermilk: Makes the biscuits moist and flaky.
One reader, Abbe Steiner says:
This homemade biscuits and gravy recipe is a game-changer! The biscuits are fluffy and buttery, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for a cozy weekend brunch. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a total crowd-pleaser!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
How to brown sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the sausage into small chunks while cooking until it is browned and cooked through.
How to make gravy: After browning the sausage, add in the flour and whisk until the fat is all soaked up. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Add salt and pepper, then let the mixture thicken while whisking for 5 to 6 minutes.
How to make biscuit dough: In a food processor, combine the dry ingredients by pulsing several times. Add in the butter and buttermilk, then pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture onto a floured surface and form it into a ball. Roll it out to ½-inch thick, then fold and pat the dough to create layers. Cut out the biscuits using a 3-inch biscuit cutter and place them on a baking sheet.
How to bake biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the biscuits on the baking sheet, brush them with remaining buttermilk, and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until golden brown.
How To Make Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
This is a simple biscuit and gravy recipe that you can make at home in just 20 minutes. Sausage, milk, and seasonings served over buttermilk biscuits.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbbreakfast sausage
- ⅓cupflour
- 3cupswhole milk
- ½tspkosher salt
- 1coarse ground black pepper
- 8buttermilk biscuits
- 2⅛cupsflour
- 1tspkosher salt
- ¼tspBaking Soda
- 2tspbaking powder
- ½cupunsalted butter
- ¾cupcold buttermilk
Instructions
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Brown the sausage in a large skillet on medium-high heat, crumbling into small chunks while cooking.
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Add in the flour and whisk until the fat is all soaked up and keep whisking while pouring in milk slowly.
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Add salt and pepper and let it thicken while whisking for 5 to 6 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Add the dry ingredients to a food processor and pulse several times until well combined.
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Add in the butter and buttermilk to the food processor and pulse until combined.
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Put the mixture onto a floured surface and form into a ball. Roll it out to ½-inch thick.
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Fold dough over on one side, then the other, creating three layers. Pat it down, then fold it over three ways again. Repeat folding and patting once more. Gently roll out.
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Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 10 biscuits.
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Place the biscuits on your baking sheet, brush with remaining buttermilk, and bake for 15 to 17 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 826.48kcal
- Fat: 45.57g
- Saturated Fat: 17.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.53g
- Carbohydrates: 80.69g
- Fiber: 2.56g
- Sugar: 8.56g
- Protein: 23.52g
- Cholesterol: 83.29mg
- Sodium: 1220.79mg
- Calcium: 465.94mg
- Potassium: 496.80mg
- Iron: 4.13mg
- Vitamin A: 157.67µg
- Vitamin C: 0.43mg
One Simple Trick for Fluffier Biscuits Every Time
When making your biscuits, it's crucial to avoid overworking the dough. Overworking can lead to tough, dense biscuits. The folding and patting method in this recipe helps to create layers in the biscuits, making them flaky and tender. Also, using cold butter and buttermilk is key to achieving a light, flaky texture. The cold fat creates pockets of steam when baked, leading to a higher rise.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Biscuits and Gravy from Scratch
Prep ahead: Brown the sausage and make the biscuit dough the night before. This will save time and make the morning cooking process much quicker.
Use pre-made biscuits: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought biscuits instead of making them from scratch. This will cut down on prep time and still result in a delicious dish.
Multi-task: While the biscuits are baking, use that time to prepare the gravy. This way, you can efficiently utilize the oven and stovetop simultaneously.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are readily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage can be used as a meat-free alternative to traditional breakfast sausage, providing a similar texture and flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
whole milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk, providing a creamy texture and neutral flavor that works well in the gravy.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder flavor and a lighter color to the gravy.
buttermilk biscuits - Substitute with cheddar biscuits: Cheddar biscuits can be used as a flavorful alternative to buttermilk biscuits, adding a cheesy and savory element to the dish.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for unsalted butter, providing a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the gravy.
cold buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for cold buttermilk, providing a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the biscuit dough.
Storing and Freezing Tips to Keep Your Biscuits Fresh
- To store leftover biscuits and gravy, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing in an airtight container or wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate the leftover biscuits and gravy for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
- When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring the gravy between each interval, until heated through.
- For best results, reheat the biscuits separately in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- To freeze leftover biscuits and gravy, allow them to cool completely before placing the biscuits and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification and use within 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen biscuits, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- For frozen gravy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and smooth. Add a little milk or water if needed to thin the gravy to your desired consistency.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Biscuits and Gravy
- The best way to reheat leftover biscuits and gravy is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out before reheating.
- Cover the biscuits loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out or burning. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are heated through and the gravy is bubbling.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the biscuits and gravy in the microwave. Place the biscuits on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave the biscuits on high for 30-45 seconds, or until they are heated through.
- To reheat the gravy, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is heated through and smooth. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out before reheating.
- If you have a lot of leftover biscuits and gravy, you can also reheat them in a slow cooker. Place the biscuits in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the gravy over them. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the biscuits and gravy are heated through.
- No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat the biscuits and gravy until they are steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety. Serve the reheated biscuits and gravy immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
Surprising Trivia About the Origins of Biscuits and Gravy
The recipe for homemade biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The creamy gravy is made with flavorful breakfast sausage, and when paired with flaky buttermilk biscuits, it creates a delicious and comforting combination. This dish is a staple in many Southern households and is often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions. It's a great way to start the day with a warm and filling meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which is More Budget-Friendly?
This biscuits and gravy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as sausage, flour, and milk, are affordable and readily available. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. The homemade biscuits and gravy offer a comforting and flavorful experience, making it a great option for a budget-friendly and delicious breakfast or brunch. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Comfort Food Classic Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade biscuits and gravy recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses high-fat ingredients like breakfast sausage, whole milk, and butter, which can contribute to high cholesterol and heart disease when consumed in excess.
- The biscuits are made with refined flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
- The gravy is high in sodium due to the salt and the naturally occurring sodium in the sausage, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner breakfast sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
- Incorporate whole wheat flour into the biscuit recipe to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and consider using herbs and spices to enhance the flavor instead.
- Serve the biscuits and gravy with a side of fresh fruit or vegetables to balance out the meal and add essential vitamins and minerals.
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade biscuits and gravy while making the dish more nutritious and better suited for a balanced diet.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Classic Southern Breakfast
The homemade biscuits and gravy recipe is a classic comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of savory sausage gravy and flaky buttermilk biscuits. The method of browning the sausage and creating a roux with flour and milk results in a creamy and flavorful gravy. The buttermilk biscuits are tender and buttery, providing the perfect vessel for soaking up the delicious gravy. The recipe's instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a satisfying and hearty dish. Overall, this recipe is a delightful choice for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Enhance Your Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and true classic, using breakfast sausage to create a rich and flavorful gravy. The combination of flour and whole milk ensures a creamy and smooth texture. The homemade buttermilk biscuits are made from scratch, using unsalted butter and buttermilk to achieve a tender and flaky result. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a delicious outcome, making it a trustworthy choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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