Easy and Delicious Biscuits and Gravy

Posted on April 14, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the warm, indulgent appeal of Biscuits and Gravy to start your day. This classic Southern comfort dish combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with a rich and savory sausage gravy, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re serving it for a hearty breakfast, a cozy brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and endless customization options, biscuits and gravy are the epitome of home-cooked goodness. Dive into this ultimate guide to mastering this timeless dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is more than just food—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore making and enjoying biscuits and gravy:

Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and filling, it’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, milk, and sausage, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at brunches, potlucks, or holiday breakfasts—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your preferences—add spice, cheese, or herbs for a unique twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the biscuits and gravy can be prepped ahead of time, making mornings stress-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Biscuits:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures light, flaky layers.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening and creating tender biscuits.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates the signature flakiness.
Whole Milk or Buttermilk: Keeps the biscuits moist and adds a subtle tang.

For the Sausage Gravy:

Breakfast Sausage: Adds savory depth and serves as the base for the gravy.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener to achieve the perfect consistency.
Whole Milk: Creates a rich, creamy texture.
Black Pepper & Salt: Balances the flavors and adds a hint of heat.

Optional Variations:

Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar into the biscuit dough for cheesy biscuits.
Herbs: Add fresh rosemary or chives to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
Spice: Use hot sausage or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Biscuits:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumps.
Cut in Cold Butter: Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be pea-sized for optimal flakiness.
Add Milk: Gradually stir in whole milk or buttermilk until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits dense.
Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times. Pat it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscuit.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fluffy.

Prepare the Gravy:

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Do not drain the fat—it adds flavor to the gravy.
Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Whisk in Milk: Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and salt. For a richer flavor, stir in shredded cheese if desired.

Assemble and Serve:

Split the Biscuits: Cut the warm biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy

Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and milk for the biscuits to ensure they’re flaky and tender.
Avoid Overmixing: Handle the biscuit dough as little as possible to prevent toughness.
Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, whisk in additional milk a little at a time.
Customize Flavors: Experiment with different seasonings, cheeses, or herbs to make the dish your own.
Reheat Properly: Reheat biscuits in the oven to retain their texture, and warm the gravy on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

Side Dishes: Pair with scrambled eggs, hash browns, sliced tomatoes, or a side of fresh fruit for a complete breakfast spread.
Presentation: Serve the biscuits and gravy on a platter with extra gravy on the side for those who want more.
Brunch Buffet: Include a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or hot sauce for guests to customize their plates.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep biscuits and gravy apart to maintain texture.
Reheating: Reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Warm the gravy on the stovetop or microwave, stirring in a splash of milk if needed.
Freezing: Freeze biscuits in a zip-top bag and gravy in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my biscuits extra fluffy?
Use very cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. Cold butter releases steam in the oven, creating flakiness and lift.
Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Yes! While homemade biscuits offer the best texture and flavor, store-bought biscuits work well in a pinch.
What type of sausage is best?
Classic pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives work well too.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the gravy in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding milk as needed to adjust consistency.
What’s the best flour for biscuits?
All-purpose flour works well, but using a low-protein flour like White Lily can make them even lighter.
Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?
Yes! Freeze baked biscuits separately and store gravy in airtight containers. Reheat slowly and adjust the gravy’s texture with milk if needed.
How do I thicken gravy if it’s too runny?
Simmer it longer or mix a small amount of flour with milk and stir it in gradually until desired thickness is reached.
How do I fix gravy that’s too thick?
Add a splash of milk or water, a little at a time, and stir until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
Is buttermilk necessary for biscuits?
No, regular milk works fine, but buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tender texture.
What can I serve with biscuits and gravy?
Scrambled eggs, hash browns, sliced tomatoes, or a side of greens complement the dish perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Biscuits and Gravy is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for lazy weekends, brunch gatherings, or special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with creative twists, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to savor the ultimate Southern breakfast experience. Once you take your first bite of flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, you’ll understand why this dish has earned its place as a beloved classic.

Apptizer Recipes