Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast — warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich, creamy, peppered sausage gravy. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and satisfying from the first bite to the last.
The tender, buttery biscuits soak up the savory, slightly spicy gravy, creating a combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a slow Sunday morning or craving something deeply comforting, Biscuits and Gravy hits all the right notes — rich, creamy, filling, and unforgettable.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Biscuits and Gravy because it’s the kind of food that connects you to simpler times — rustic, homemade, and heartwarming. The biscuits are soft and buttery, with flaky layers that perfectly balance the rich sausage gravy.
It’s also incredibly easy to make from scratch, and the aroma that fills your kitchen — sizzling sausage, butter, and freshly baked biscuits — is pure comfort.
This dish is more than breakfast; it’s a complete experience. It brings people to the table, warms you up on cold mornings, and satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Classic Southern comfort food — timeless and deeply satisfying.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Customizable: Make it mild, spicy, vegetarian, or even with bacon.
- Perfect for brunches or cozy mornings.
- Feeds a crowd easily.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Calories: Approx. 520 kcal per serving
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Breakfast / Brunch
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb (450 g) pork breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 tbsp butter (optional, if sausage is lean)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or more for thinner consistency)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Cooking Directions (Overview)
- Make and bake the biscuits.
- Cook the sausage and make the gravy.
- Combine and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in cold buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together (don’t overmix).
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently knead 3–4 times, then pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits and place them on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with buttermilk.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbled (about 6–8 minutes).
- If using lean sausage, add 2–3 tbsp butter to create more fat for the roux.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir well, coating it evenly.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Cook and stir over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until ready to serve.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Split warm biscuits in half and place on a plate.
- Spoon generous portions of hot sausage gravy over the top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy, buttery perfection!
How to Serve
Serve Biscuits and Gravy fresh and hot.
You can:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for color.
- Add a side of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or hash browns for a full Southern breakfast.
- Serve with black coffee, orange juice, or sweet tea for the ultimate Southern experience.
For special occasions, serve the gravy in a warm gravy boat and biscuits in a bread basket for a charming presentation.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter for flaky biscuits.
- Don’t overmix dough — it makes biscuits tough.
- Adjust gravy thickness: Add more milk for a thinner texture or simmer longer for thicker gravy.
- Cook sausage well: The browned bits add incredible flavor to the gravy.
- Season generously: Pepper is key to authentic Southern-style gravy.
Variations
- Spicy Sausage Gravy:
- Use hot Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper.
- Vegetarian Gravy:
- Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
- Bacon Gravy:
- Use crispy bacon bits instead of sausage for a smoky twist.
- Cheesy Gravy:
- Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end for a rich, creamy version.
- Herb Biscuits:
- Add 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or chives) to biscuit dough for added flavor.
Freezing and Storage
To Refrigerate:
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Store gravy separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze:
- Biscuits: Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Gravy: Freeze cooled gravy in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Biscuit cutter (or round glass)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Conclusion
Biscuits and Gravy is more than just breakfast — it’s a warm, comforting, and nostalgic Southern classic that brings people together. The buttery, flaky biscuits and rich, creamy sausage gravy create a flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re starting your morning slow or feeding a crowd, this dish never fails to impress. Once you taste this from-scratch version, you’ll understand why Biscuits and Gravy has been cherished for generations — it’s hearty, homey, and full of love in every bite.
Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast — warm, fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich, creamy, peppered sausage gravy. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and satisfying from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
For the Sausage Gravy:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits : Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in cold buttermilk and stir gently until the dough just comes together (don’t overmix). Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3–4 times, then pat into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits and place them on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with buttermilk. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
-
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy : In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbled (about 6–8 minutes). If using lean sausage, add 2–3 tbsp butter to create more fat for the roux. Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir well, coating it evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until ready to serve.
-
Step 3: Assemble the Dish : Split warm biscuits in half and place on a plate. Spoon generous portions of hot sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy, buttery perfection!
