Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Name: Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Baking powder; Salt; Cold butter; Milk; Pork sausage; Pepper

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

February 15, 2025

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Have you ever tasted the comfort of warm, flaky biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy? This classic dish is a hearty breakfast staple that brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery goodness of the biscuits paired with savory, creamy gravy creates an irresistible combination that will make your taste buds dance.

Growing up, Sunday mornings meant waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through the house. My family would gather around the table, eagerly anticipating this delicious meal that always brought us closer together. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday gathering, Biscuits and Gravy is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy

Comfort Food Delight: Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. The tender biscuits soaked in rich sausage gravy create a satisfying dish that warms both body and soul. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when you need something hearty to start your day.

Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in under an hour. It’s an ideal choice for busy mornings or impromptu brunches.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish as a breakfast centerpiece or serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a delightful brunch spread. You can even customize the gravy by adding spices or additional meats, making it your own.

Family-Friendly Meal: Kids love Biscuits and Gravy! The creamy texture and savory flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters. It’s an excellent way to introduce new tastes while still keeping meal times enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making fluffy biscuits; choose unbleached flour for best results.
Baking Powder: Provides leavening for your biscuits; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
Salt: Enhances flavor; use kosher salt for even distribution.
Cold Butter: Key ingredient in biscuit dough; keep it chilled to achieve flakiness.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough; whole milk gives the best richness.

For the Sausage Gravy:

Pork Sausage: Use your favorite brand; choose spicy or mild based on preference.
Milk (for gravy): Whole milk works best for a creamy texture; adjust quantity based on desired thickness.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a kick; adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Biscuits and Gravy

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.

Shape the Biscuits: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it about five times until smooth. Roll out into about one-inch thick rounds using a rolling pin. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter.

Bake the Biscuits: Place cut-out biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble pork sausage. Cook until browned completely, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary but leave some for flavor.

Add Milk**: Sprinkle flour over cooked sausage and stir well for two minutes until blended. Gradually whisk in milk while cooking over medium heat until thickened (about five minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Serve It Up: Split warm biscuits open and generously ladle sausage gravy over them. Enjoy immediately while everything is hot!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and milk cold before adding them into the dough. This helps create lighter pastries as cold fat steams during baking.

Knead Gently: Avoid overworking your dough when kneading; only knead until combined to keep biscuits tender rather than tough.

Customize Your Gravy**: Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder into your sausage gravy mix for extra flavor depth that suits your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Option**: You can prepare biscuit dough ahead of time! Refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap until you’re ready to bake them fresh later on.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Biscuits and Gravy alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for an unbeatable brunch spread everyone will love!

Mistakes to avoid

Not Using Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is essential for creating the best biscuits and gravy. Stale flour or expired baking powder can lead to dense, unappetizing biscuits. Always check your pantry for freshness before starting your recipe. Fresh sausage, preferably from a local butcher, enhances flavor and texture. If you opt for store-bought options, verify the expiration dates. Fresh herbs can also elevate your dish significantly; don’t substitute dried herbs if you can avoid it. The fresher your ingredients, the better your dish will taste.

Skipping the Resting Time

Resting your biscuit dough is a crucial step that many home cooks overlook. Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes helps the gluten relax, resulting in softer biscuits. Skipping this step may lead to tough biscuits that don’t rise properly. While some recipes may suggest immediate baking, take the time to let the dough chill. This brief resting period improves the overall texture and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience. Remember, patience is key when making delicious biscuits and gravy!

Overmixing the Dough

Overmixing biscuit dough can ruin its intended flaky texture. When you combine ingredients, stop mixing as soon as they come together; some lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overworking the dough activates gluten, resulting in tough biscuits rather than light and fluffy ones. Aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs before shaping your biscuits. Use a gentle hand and minimal mixing techniques to maintain that desirable flakiness. This small adjustment can make a big difference in achieving perfect biscuits with your gravy.

Ignoring Seasoning

Seasoning plays a vital role in enhancing the flavors of both biscuits and gravy. Many cooks tend to under-season their dishes, leading to bland results. Don’t shy away from using salt in both components; it’s essential for bringing out natural flavors. Additionally, consider adding black pepper or other spices to your sausage gravy for an extra kick. Taste as you go along and adjust seasoning accordingly; this way, you’ll achieve a balanced flavor profile that elevates your meal significantly.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy

Choose Quality Sausage

Selecting high-quality sausage is critical when making biscuits and gravy. Look for fresh sausage with a good balance of meat and fat; this will create a rich gravy base full of flavor. Avoid overly processed options that contain fillers or artificial preservatives. For the best results, opt for locally sourced or artisanal sausages whenever possible. The quality of the meat directly impacts the taste of your dish, so take time to choose wisely.

Preheat Your Oven Properly

A proper preheating process is crucial when baking biscuits because it ensures they rise correctly and develop a golden crust. Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before placing your biscuits inside; this temperature is ideal for achieving that perfect fluffiness without burning them on the bottom. If you place them into an unheated oven, they won’t cook evenly or rise as intended, ruining their texture altogether.

Use Cold Ingredients

Incorporating cold ingredients into your biscuit dough helps maintain flakiness during baking. Use cold butter cut into small cubes instead of room temperature butter; this prevents it from melting too quickly into the flour mixture. Additionally, cold milk works wonders at keeping everything chilled until baking begins. Cold ingredients encourage steam production in the oven which ultimately leads to airy layers in each biscuit—an essential characteristic of classic recipes.

Taste Before Serving

Before serving biscuits and gravy, always take time to taste both components thoroughly! Adjust seasoning levels if necessary by adding salt or pepper as needed—this final touch can transform an average dish into something exceptional! Ensure that both parts complement each other harmoniously while maintaining their distinct flavors; this attention to detail guarantees satisfaction at mealtime while minimizing waste.

FAQs

FAQs about Biscuits and Gravy

What are the main ingredients in biscuits and gravy?

The primary ingredients for delicious biscuits and gravy include all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, butter for making flaky biscuits, along with breakfast sausage and cream or milk for preparing savory gravy.

How do you make homemade sausage gravy?

To prepare homemade sausage gravy, start by browning breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through. Next, sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage while stirring continuously until well combined before gradually adding milk or cream until desired thickness is achieved.

Can I use alternative flours for my biscuits?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with alternative flours such as whole wheat or almond flour when making your biscuits; however, adjustments may be needed regarding liquid amounts due to varying absorbency levels found within different types of flours.

Is it possible to prepare biscuits ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare biscuit dough ahead of time by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it up to 24 hours before baking them fresh when needed—a great way to save time during busy mornings!

Serving Suggestions

This Biscuits and Gravy is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the gravy. The crunch from the veggies and the tanginess of the dressing enhance the overall meal experience. Serve it alongside your favorite fruit for a balanced breakfast or brunch, making this dish not just hearty but also satisfying.

Another excellent serving suggestion is to add scrambled eggs on the side. These fluffy eggs complement the savory biscuits and gravy perfectly. You can season them lightly with salt and pepper or mix in some herbs for extra flavor. This combination rounds out your meal and provides a good source of protein, making it an ideal choice for any time of day.

If you’re hosting a brunch, consider pairing your Biscuits and Gravy with mimosas. The citrusy sweetness of orange juice mixed with sparkling wine contrasts nicely with the creamy richness of the gravy. This refreshing drink elevates your meal, making it feel special and celebratory, perfect for gatherings or lazy weekends.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serve your Biscuits and Gravy with hot sauce on the side. This addition allows everyone to customize their spice level according to their preference. The heat from the sauce cuts through the richness, creating a delightful balance that enhances each bite.

FAQs

What are traditional ingredients in Biscuits and Gravy?

The traditional ingredients for Biscuits and Gravy include flaky biscuits made from flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and sausage gravy typically prepared with ground pork sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. These components create a comforting dish that is beloved across many regions.

Can Biscuits and Gravy be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Biscuits and Gravy ahead of time. Cook the sausage gravy and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring occasionally until warmed through.

What are some variations of Biscuits and Gravy?

There are several delicious variations of Biscuits and Gravy to explore. You can use turkey sausage instead of pork for a lighter option or substitute almond milk to make it dairy-free. Experimenting with different herbs or cheese can also give this classic dish new flavors.

How do you store leftover Biscuits and Gravy?

To store leftover Biscuits and Gravy properly, place them in separate airtight containers. Keep biscuits at room temperature for up to two days while refrigerating the gravy for up to three days. Reheat gently before enjoying again to maintain texture and flavor.

Conclusion

In summary, Biscuits and Gravy is a deliciously hearty dish that brings comfort to any meal occasion. By pairing it with fresh salads or scrambled eggs, you can enhance both flavor and nutritional value. For those looking to elevate their dining experience further, serving this dish with mimosas or hot sauce provides exciting options for customization. Whether preparing it for brunch or enjoying as a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe continues to be cherished by many food enthusiasts. With easy storage options available for leftovers, you can savor every last bite of this classic comfort food!

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