Biscuits and gravy is a timeless American breakfast that brings together fluffy, buttery biscuits and a rich, savory sausage gravy. Warm, satisfying, and full of comforting flavor, this dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, or anytime you want a hearty meal that feels like home.
While it might seem simple, making biscuits and gravy from scratch elevates the dish in texture and taste. Flaky, tender biscuits paired with a creamy, peppery gravy create a combination that’s familiar and irresistible.
In this recipe, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for both the biscuits and the gravy, helpful tips to get the best results, variations you can try, and ideas for serving.
Ingredients — What You’ll Need :
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- ¾ to 1 cup buttermilk (add more if needed)
For the Gravy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 3–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground gives best flavor)
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions :
1. Make the Biscuits
Biscuits benefit from cold butter and gentle handling — this creates steam pockets that make them light and flaky.
a. Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
b. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
c. Cut in Butter
Cut cold butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
d. Add Buttermilk
Make a well in the center and pour in most of the buttermilk. Stir gently with a fork until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a splash more buttermilk — you want a soft, slightly sticky dough.
e. Fold and Shape
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Fold it over a few times until it holds together. Pat it into a thick rectangle (about 1 inch high). Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out rounds — press straight down (don’t twist) so the biscuits rise evenly.
f. Bake
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, nearly touching for soft sides or spaced apart for crisper edges. Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden on top.
2. Make the Sausage Gravy
While the biscuits are baking, you can make the gravy so it’s ready when they come out of the oven.
a. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue stirring until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
b. Sprinkle the Flour
Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes — this cooks the raw flour taste and starts to form the gravy base.
c. Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. This helps keep the gravy smooth. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens — about 4–6 minutes.
d. Season
Add salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. If you like a hint of extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic or onion powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
e. Simmer
Let the gravy simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash more milk.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits
- Keep the butter cold — warm butter won’t create flaky layers.
- Use buttermilk if you can — it gives the best rise and flavor.
- Don’t overwork the dough — extra handling can make tough biscuits.
- Bake hot and fast — high heat gives taller, fluffier biscuits.
Gravy
- Stir constantly when adding milk — this prevents lumps.
- Use fresh milk — skim milk can make a thinner gravy.
- Fresh black pepper matters — it gives the gravy a warm, spicy note.
- Adjust thickness — thin with milk or thicken with a little more flour (mixed with cold milk first).
Variations You Can Try
Spicy Sausage Gravy
Use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Herbed Biscuits
Add chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or thyme) to the biscuit dough for extra flavor.
Cheese Biscuits
Fold shredded cheddar into the dough for savory, cheesy biscuits.
Onion Gravy Base
Sauté a small diced onion before adding sausage for an aromatic boost.
Serving Suggestions
Biscuits and gravy is hearty on its own, but here are a few ways to round out the meal:
- Scrambled or fried eggs on the side
- Crispy breakfast potatoes
- Fresh fruit for balance
- Sliced avocado for healthy fat
Serving the casserole warm with hot biscuits and gravy straight from the stove makes it truly comforting.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Biscuits
Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Leftover Gravy
Keep gravy in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much. Biscuits can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven to bring back crisp edges.
Nutrition Basics
This dish is rich and filling, combining carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The gravy provides protein and savory richness, while biscuits offer comfort and texture. Pairing it with fresh fruit or vegetables can balance the hearty nature of this breakfast favorite.
Conclusion :
Homemade Biscuits and Gravy is a timeless comfort breakfast that feels indulgent yet approachable. From flaky, buttery biscuits to savory sausage gravy with lots of peppery warmth, this recipe brings together textures and flavors that make mornings feel special.
Taking the time to make both the biscuits and the gravy from scratch elevates this classic dish to something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding a family, treating yourself on a weekend morning, or serving something satisfying to guests, this biscuits and gravy recipe delivers cozy, hearty flavor in every bite.
Once you try it from scratch, you might just find it becoming a favorite “go-to” breakfast or brunch staple in your kitchen.
