Introduction

Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate—rich, hearty, and deeply comforting. A true staple of Southern cooking, this breakfast classic pairs fluffy, buttery biscuits with a creamy, peppery sausage gravy that’s both savory and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that has been passed down through generations, often served on lazy Sunday mornings, at family gatherings, or as a treat when you want something soul-satisfying to start your day.

What makes this dish so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of humble ingredients—flour, butter, milk, sausage, and a few spices—you can create a meal that’s as filling as it is flavorful. The golden biscuits soak up the luscious gravy, turning every bite into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s rustic, homemade comfort food at its finest, and it never fails to bring a sense of nostalgia to the table.

Whether you enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch centerpiece, or even a cozy dinner-for-breakfast option, Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is one of those timeless recipes that proves the magic of Southern hospitality and home cooking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy because it’s pure comfort food—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about pulling warm, golden biscuits out of the oven and ladling on that rich, creamy gravy speckled with savory sausage and a touch of black pepper.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can make it as traditional and rustic as you like, or elevate it with flavored biscuits, spicy sausage, or fresh herbs in the gravy. It’s hearty enough to fuel a busy day, yet cozy enough to feel like a special treat on a slow weekend morning.

Most of all, I love how this dish brings people together. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests, it has a way of creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere at the table. One bite is all it takes to understand why this Southern classic has stood the test of time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is a must-try dish because it represents the very essence of Southern comfort cooking—simple ingredients transformed into something incredibly satisfying. The fluffy, buttery biscuits paired with creamy, peppery sausage gravy create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s nearly impossible to resist.

It’s also a dish with incredible versatility. You can enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch centerpiece, or even a soul-warming dinner on a chilly evening. Beyond its flavor, this recipe carries tradition and nostalgia, offering a glimpse into the timeless food culture of the South.

Whether you grew up with it or are trying it for the first time, this dish delivers more than just a meal—it delivers comfort, warmth, and a sense of home. That’s why it’s not only delicious but also an experience worth savoring.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving (varies based on biscuit size and gravy thickness)

Ingredients

For the Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus more for brushing)

For the Sausage Gravy

• 1 lb pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Make the Biscuits

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Pour in cold buttermilk and stir just until dough comes together.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat to 1-inch thickness, and fold over 2–3 times for flaky layers.
• Cut biscuits using a round cutter (about 2.5 inches).
• Place biscuits on a baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spaced for crispy edges.
• Brush tops with buttermilk and bake 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.

2. Make the Sausage Gravy

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
• Sprinkle flour over the sausage, stir, and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in warm milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer until gravy thickens, 5–7 minutes.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

3. Serve

• Split biscuits in half, ladle hot sausage gravy over the top, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve biscuits hot, smothered in gravy, with extra black pepper on top. A side of scrambled eggs or crispy hash browns makes it a full Southern breakfast.

Additional Recipe Tips and Variations

• Extra flaky biscuits: Freeze butter cubes for 10 minutes before cutting into flour.
• Cheesy twist: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to biscuit dough.
• Lighter gravy: Use turkey sausage and low-fat milk.
• Spicy gravy: Use hot sausage and add cayenne pepper.
• Herbed biscuits: Add chopped chives or rosemary to the dough.

Freezing and Storage

• Biscuits:
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months; reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
• Gravy:
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pastry cutter or food processor (for cutting butter into flour)
• Biscuit cutter or round glass
• Large skillet for gravy
• Wooden spoon for stirring

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and freeze the unbaked biscuit dough, then bake directly from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to baking time).

Q2: Can I use canned biscuits?
Yes, but homemade biscuits make a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Q3: What’s the best milk for gravy?
Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest texture.

Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based sausage and plant-based milk for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is the ultimate breakfast comfort food—warm, buttery biscuits paired with savory, creamy gravy make for a truly satisfying start to the day. Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday breakfast or a big family brunch, this dish delivers all the cozy, hearty goodness of classic Southern cooking.