If you’re craving a hearty, comforting breakfast that’s packed with flavor, look no further than the best biscuits and gravy recipe. This classic Southern dish combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with a rich, creamy sausage gravy, making it a favorite for breakfast lovers everywhere. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weekend brunch or a midweek pick-me-up, this biscuits and gravy recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the origins of biscuits and gravy, the essential ingredients, how to perfect each component, and some fun variations. Plus, we’ll include tips on how to store leftovers and answer some frequently asked questions. So, let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Biscuits and gravy have been a Southern staple for centuries. This beloved dish originated in the early days of American frontier cooking when cooks needed to stretch simple ingredients into hearty meals. It became a popular breakfast in the South due to its low cost and ability to feed a crowd. Over the years, this dish has evolved into a culinary icon that’s enjoyed nationwide.
Today, biscuits and gravy are celebrated as a comforting, filling meal, served at breakfast spots and diners everywhere. But the good news is that with this biscuits and gravy recipe, you can make the best version at home, too.
Ingredients for the Best Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Making the best biscuits and gravy recipe requires just a few simple but high-quality ingredients. You likely have many of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Biscuits:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cold unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Buttermilk | 3/4 cup |
For the Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
These are classic ingredients for making biscuits and gravy recipes, and they yield fantastic results. For the biscuits, buttermilk is key to getting that light, fluffy texture, while the sausage gravy brings in the savory, rich flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
How to Make Homemade Biscuits
The first step in this biscuits and gravy recipe is creating the biscuits. Don’t worry—making them from scratch is easy with these step-by-step instructions:
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Biscuits:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is essential for flaky biscuits.
- Gradually stir in the buttermilk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the biscuits tough.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Pro Tip:
For fluffier biscuits, don’t twist the cutter when pressing down on the dough—just press and lift. Twisting can seal the edges, preventing the biscuits from rising properly.
If you’re interested in gluten-free baking, you might also enjoy trying our Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe for a delicious dessert option.
How to Make Sausage Gravy
The gravy is the heart of this dish, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. In this section of the best biscuits and gravy recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the rich, creamy sausage gravy that pulls everything together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Gravy:
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. The key here is to get the sausage nice and crispy, which will add depth to the flavor.
- Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle the flour over it and stir to combine. Let the flour cook for a minute or two to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens about 5-7 minutes. If your gravy is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste as you go since sausage can vary in saltiness.
Assembling Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Once you’ve got your biscuits baked and your gravy simmering, it’s time to assemble your biscuits and gravy recipe for serving.
How to Serve:
- Split the biscuits in half and place them on a plate.
- Ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top.
- Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
This dish is best served hot, straight from the stove. For a perfect Southern breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon.
Delicious Variations for Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
There are many ways to customize your biscuits and gravy recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few fun and tasty variations:
Gluten-Free Biscuits and Gravy
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the biscuits and the gravy with a gluten-free flour blend. This ensures you still get that wonderful flaky biscuit texture without the gluten. Serve alongside our Healthy Banana Bread No Sugar Gluten-Free for a complete meal.
Healthier Substitutions
For a lighter version of this dish, try using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, and swap the whole milk for a lower-fat option like 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk. These substitutions reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy
If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry! You can easily make this dish by using plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for a savory, umami-packed gravy. Simply sauté the mushrooms until golden brown, then follow the same steps as the traditional gravy recipe.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Biscuits and Gravy
This biscuits and gravy recipe is so delicious you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to store and reheat them for later enjoyment:
Storing:
- Biscuits: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Gravy: Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Biscuits: Reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Gravy: Reheat gravy on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about making biscuits and gravy:
How do you keep biscuits from getting soggy with gravy?
To avoid soggy biscuits, don’t assemble them too far in advance. Instead, keep the biscuits and gravy separate until you’re ready to serve, then pour the gravy over the biscuits right before eating.
Can you make biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the biscuits ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
How do you thicken sausage gravy?
If your sausage gravy is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also whisk in a little extra flour mixed with cold water to thicken it up quickly.
Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?
Yes, biscuits and gravy freeze well. You can freeze the biscuits separately and reheat them in the oven. The gravy can also be frozen, though it may separate slightly when reheated. Whisk it vigorously to bring it back together.
What sausage works best for sausage gravy?
A classic breakfast sausage is ideal for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with spicy or mild varieties, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Biscuits and gravy are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a hearty dinner. This biscuits and gravy recipe offers a foolproof way to recreate this Southern classic at home, and with so many variations, you can easily tailor it to your taste.
Want to learn more about classic Southern recipes? Check out this great resource on Southern cuisine and discover more dishes to try!
