Easy Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe – Classic Southern
Biscuits and gravy is a beloved Southern classic that delivers warmth, comfort, and deliciousness in every bite. This dish features soft, flaky biscuits smothered in a rich and creamy sausage gravy, making it a favorite for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weekend morning or a special gathering, this biscuits and gravy recipe will ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring this Southern staple to your kitchen. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about making homemade biscuits and savory sausage gravy, along with nutritional details, equipment, and serving suggestions.
Nutrition & Instructions
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Southern, American
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Servings: 6
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Biscuit cutter (or a round glass)
- Baking sheet
- Skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (cold)
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter – Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk – Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the Dough – Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently fold it over itself 2-3 times. Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut Biscuits – Use a biscuit cutter or a round glass to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Rest – Let the biscuits rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy
- Cook the Sausage – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add Flour – Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in Milk – Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season – Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Simmer – Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Serve – Spoon the hot gravy over warm biscuits and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Biscuits and Gravy
- Use Cold Butter – Cold butter ensures flaky biscuits.
- Don’t Overmix – Overworking the dough makes biscuits tough.
- Season to Taste – Adjust salt and pepper based on preference.
- Thicker Gravy? – Add more flour or let it simmer longer.
- Spicier? – Use spicy sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Biscuits and gravy are perfect on their own but can be served with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Hash browns
- Fresh fruit
- Hot coffee or tea
Final Thoughts
This biscuits and gravy recipe delivers an authentic Southern experience with its flaky biscuits and rich, creamy sausage gravy. Whether you’re making it for a hearty breakfast or a comforting brunch, this dish will be a hit with family and friends. Try it today and enjoy a taste of the South in your own home!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.