There’s something deeply comforting about a warm plate of Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy. This Southern staple embodies everything that’s good about hearty, homemade breakfasts — golden, flaky biscuits smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with savory aromas, your stomach with satisfaction, and your heart with warmth.

Originating from the Southern United States, this dish was once considered a simple farm breakfast — made with pantry staples and leftover sausage drippings. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food enjoyed across America, often served on cozy weekend mornings, brunch tables, or as the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner option.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings simple ingredients together in the most comforting way possible. The biscuits are buttery and tender, while the gravy is creamy, peppery, and loaded with hearty bits of sausage.

Each bite is perfectly balanced — the flaky biscuit soaks up the savory gravy, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture you just can’t get from store-bought versions.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If you’ve never had homemade biscuits and gravy, you’re missing out on a true Southern comfort classic. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: Every bite feels like a warm hug — rich, savory, and heartwarming.
2. Easy and Affordable: Uses basic pantry staples like flour, butter, milk, and sausage.
3. Perfect for Any Meal: Works for breakfast, brunch, or even a lazy dinner night.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the spice, use different sausages, or even make it vegetarian-friendly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~480 calories per serving (approximate)
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing tops)

For the Sausage Gravy:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
• Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper or paprika for extra flavor

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Biscuits

1. Preheat oven: to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in butter: Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk: Pour in buttermilk and stir until dough just comes together (do not overmix).
5. Shape and cut: Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness, and cut with a round biscuit cutter.
6. Bake: Place biscuits on the baking sheet, brush tops with buttermilk, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Gravy

1. Cook 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 flour evenly over the sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add milk: Gradually pour in warm milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the gravy thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Season: Add salt and plenty of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Split biscuits: Cut warm biscuits in half.
2. Pour gravy: Spoon sausage gravy generously over each biscuit half.
3. Serve immediately: Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve the biscuits fresh and warm, smothered in creamy sausage gravy. Pair it with:

• Scrambled or fried eggs
• A side of crispy hash browns
• Fresh fruit or orange juice for balance
• A hot cup of coffee or sweet tea for a true Southern breakfast experience

Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter: Cold butter creates those beautiful, flaky biscuit layers.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Gentle handling ensures tender biscuits.
• Warm milk for gravy: Helps prevent lumps when making the roux.
• Freshly cracked pepper: Adds an authentic Southern kick to the gravy.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare biscuits ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot Italian sausage or add cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.
2. Cheddar Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives to biscuit dough.
3. Turkey Sausage Version: Use lean turkey sausage for a lighter alternative.
4. Vegetarian Gravy: Substitute sausage with mushrooms and add a bit of smoked paprika for flavor.
5. Sweet Heat Twist: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup or hot honey over the gravy for a sweet-savory combo.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover biscuits and gravy separately.
  • Biscuits: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Gravy: up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen.
• Freezing:
  • Biscuits can be frozen up to 3 months (rewarm in the oven).
  • Sausage gravy can be frozen up to 2 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly, stirring well.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter (or fork)
• Biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade?
Yes! While homemade biscuits are more flavorful, canned biscuits work well for a quicker version.

Q2: Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, but the gravy won’t be as creamy. Whole milk or even half-and-half gives the best texture.

Q3: My gravy got too thick — what can I do?
Just add a little more milk and whisk until you reach your desired consistency.

Q4: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the gravy, cool it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the biscuits and the gravy.

Conclusion

Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is a timeless Southern breakfast that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. With its buttery biscuits and peppery sausage gravy, it’s a dish that comforts and delights in every bite. Whether you’re cooking it up for a lazy Sunday brunch or a family breakfast, this recipe never fails to impress.

So next time you’re craving something hearty, homemade, and nostalgic — make this dish. Once you try it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought biscuits or instant gravy again!