Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe – A Hearty Southern

Biscuits and sausage gravy is a beloved Southern comfort dish known for its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors. This hearty breakfast classic consists of flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a flavorful sausage gravy made with pan-drippings, milk, and seasoning. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or any time you crave a satisfying meal.

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Nutrition & Instructions

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Prep Time, Active Time & Resting Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 25 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American, Southern
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Rolling pin (for homemade biscuits)
• Measuring cups and spoons

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)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Biscuits

1. Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter – Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter pieces are the size of peas.
4. Add Buttermilk – Slowly pour in the cold buttermilk and mix gently until a dough forms.
5. Roll and Cut Biscuits – Turn the dough onto a floured surface, roll to about 1-inch thickness, and cut out biscuits using a round cutter.
6. Bake – Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy

1. Cook the Sausage – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add Flour – Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Pour in Milk – Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Season – Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using), and let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Adjust Consistency – If the gravy is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Remove from Heat – Let the gravy rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Split the Biscuits – Slice the warm biscuits in half.
2. Pour the Gravy – Generously ladle the sausage gravy over the biscuits.
3. Garnish (Optional) – Sprinkle with chopped parsley, additional black pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
4. Serve Immediately – Enjoy hot with a cup of coffee or fresh fruit on the side.

Tips for the Best Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

• Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold in the biscuit dough helps create flaky layers.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined to prevent tough biscuits.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: Add more milk if you prefer a thinner gravy or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
• Spice it Up: Use spicy sausage or add hot sauce for extra heat.

Variations

• Cheesy Gravy: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage gravy for a richer taste.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of milk.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour in the biscuits and gravy.

Biscuits and sausage gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a warm and filling breakfast. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought biscuits for convenience, this classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser!

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Ashley Doyle

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.