Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Posted on April 14, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the warm, indulgent appeal of Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy to start your day. This hearty dish combines flaky, golden biscuits with a rich and creamy sausage gravy, creating a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a taste of Southern hospitality, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an accessible yet impressive dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking.

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 Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy:

Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of buttery biscuits and savory sausage gravy is pure comfort on a plate.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, milk, and sausage, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serve it at brunches, potlucks, or holiday breakfasts—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the biscuits and gravy can be prepped ahead of time, making mornings stress-free.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your preferences—add spice, cheese, or herbs for a unique twist.

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 & Baking Soda: Essential for leavening and creating tender biscuits.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates the signature flakiness.
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.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Balances the flavors and adds a hint of heat.

Optional Variations:

Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar for cheesy gravy.
Herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme 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 450°F (232°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, baking soda, 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 Buttermilk: Gradually stir in buttermilk until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits dense.
Knead and Roll: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times. Roll it out to about 1-inch thickness 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 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fluffy.

Make the Sausage 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. Drain excess grease if needed.
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 salt and black pepper. For a richer flavor, stir in shredded cheese if desired.

Serve:

Assemble the Dish: Split the warm biscuits and ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits & Gravy

Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and buttermilk 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, or a fresh fruit salad 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

What type of sausage is best for the gravy?
Classic pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but turkey or plant-based sausage works well too.
Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the biscuits ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven before serving.
How do I keep the gravy from getting lumpy?
Whisk constantly when adding milk to the flour-coated sausage to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I use a biscuit mix instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely! Biscuit mix is a great shortcut and still pairs beautifully with the sausage gravy.
Can I double the gravy recipe?
Yes! It’s easy to scale up if you’re serving a larger group. Simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the biscuits?
Buttermilk adds tenderness and tang, but you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
What can I serve with biscuits and gravy?
Scrambled eggs, hash browns, sliced tomatoes, or a side of fresh fruit complement the dish perfectly.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should coat a spoon but still pour easily. Adjust with milk if it gets too thick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the biscuits and gravy.
Do I need to use whole milk in the gravy?
Whole milk yields the richest gravy, but any milk or dairy-free alternative works in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage 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.

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