Home »

Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Author Image

By
Updated on

Sunday mornings in the South often start with the irresistible aroma of biscuits and gravy recipe wafting through the kitchen. The sound of a sizzling skillet, the sight of golden biscuits rising in the oven, and the creamy, pepper-flecked sausage gravy simmering on the stove create a breakfast worth waking up for. This dish isn’t just food—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home on every plate.

The beauty of biscuits and gravy recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether served for a lazy weekend brunch or a comforting weekday breakfast, this combination of flaky biscuits and rich, savory gravy is bound to satisfy.

Flaky homemade biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy, garnished with black pepper and fresh parsley.

Growing up, weekend breakfasts were a family affair. My grandmother had a way of making the flakiest biscuits, cutting them with an old tin can and baking them until the edges turned perfectly crisp. She’d ladle steaming sausage gravy over each one, always with an extra sprinkle of black pepper just for me. Sitting at that worn wooden table, watching the butter melt into the biscuit layers, I learned that some of the best meals aren’t about fancy ingredients—they’re about the love that goes into making them. Even now, every bite of homemade biscuits and gravy takes me back to those cherished mornings, filled with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of sharing good food with family.

Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

  • Easy to make: Perfect for beginners, requiring only simple ingredients.
  • Rich and flavorful: A creamy, peppery gravy paired with flaky buttermilk biscuits.
  • Versatile: Customize with different sausages, seasonings, or even add cheese.
  • Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or brunch parties.

First-by-First Guide to Making Biscuits and Gravy

First: Gather Your Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

For the Sausage Gravy:

  • 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Buttermilk biscuits smothered in thick, peppery sausage gravy, served on a rustic plate.

Second: Preparing the Biscuits

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until just combined.
  5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, gently knead, and roll out to 1-inch thickness.
  6. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Third: Making the Creamy Sausage Gravy

  1. In a large skillet, cook breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
  2. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Add black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
  5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened to your desired consistency.

Fourth: Assembling Biscuits and Gravy

  1. Split open the warm biscuits.
  2. Ladle a generous amount of sausage gravy over each biscuit.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra black pepper.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Biscuits and Gravy

  • Use cold butter: This ensures flakier biscuits.
  • Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking it can make biscuits tough.
  • Whisk gravy continuously: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Let the gravy simmer: This deepens the flavor and thickens it perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Biscuits and Gravy

1. Using Warm Butter for Biscuits

Cold butter is key to flaky layers. Warm butter melts too quickly, leading to dense biscuits.

2. Overcooking the Gravy

Gravy should be thick but pourable. If it becomes too thick, stir in additional milk.

3. Not Seasoning Properly

A good biscuits and gravy recipe relies on balanced seasoning. Taste your gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

FAQs About Biscuits and Gravy

Q: What is the best sausage for biscuits and gravy?

A: Breakfast sausage with a mix of pork and spices works best. Look for brands that include sage for added flavor.

Q: Can you make biscuits and gravy ahead of time?

A: Yes! Bake the biscuits in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat the gravy on the stove, adding a splash of milk to loosen it.

Q: How do you make biscuits and gravy healthier?

A: Use low-fat milk, swap pork sausage for turkey sausage, and use whole wheat flour for the biscuits.

Q: Can biscuits and gravy be frozen?

A: Biscuits freeze well, but gravy does not freeze as smoothly. If freezing, store biscuits and gravy separately and reheat before serving.

Southern-style biscuits covered in a smooth, savory sausage gravy with a touch of black pepper.

Conclusion

Making biscuits and gravy from scratch is easier than you think! With a few simple ingredients and some expert tips, you can whip up a comforting, hearty breakfast in no time. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own variations, this dish will always be a favorite.

If you’re looking for other comfort food recipes, you might enjoy this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty dinner option. Additionally, for a twist on classic flavors, try this Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Ring that makes for a delicious party appetizer. And if you’re in the mood for pasta, this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is a must-try for a comforting meal.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. If you have any tips or variations, drop a comment below. Happy cooking!

Print

Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits topped with creamy, savory sausage gravy—biscuits and gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast. This easy recipe delivers a rich, flavorful dish perfect for family brunches, weekend mornings, or any time you’re craving a hearty meal.

  • Author: Julia Child
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern, American

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Sausage Gravy:

  • 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

First: Preparing the Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Slowly mix in buttermilk until just combined.
  5. Knead lightly on a floured surface and roll out to 1-inch thickness.
  6. Cut biscuits and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Second: Making the Creamy Sausage Gravy

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage until browned.
  2. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to prevent lumps.
  4. Add black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and creamy.

Third: Assembling the Biscuits and Gravy

  1. Split open warm biscuits.
  2. Spoon sausage gravy generously over each biscuit.
  3. Garnish with extra black pepper or parsley.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a healthier version, swap whole milk for low-fat milk and use turkey sausage instead of pork. If you prefer spicier gravy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~480
  • Sugar: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~890mg
  • Fat: ~28g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Protein: ~12g
  • Cholesterol: ~55mg

Keywords: biscuits and gravy, sausage gravy, Southern breakfast, homemade biscuits, comfort food, easy breakfast recipe, flaky biscuits, brunch ideas

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating