Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy Recipe

There’s nothing quite like Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy to bring comfort and warmth to the table. This classic dish is rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, with flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a creamy, peppery sausage gravy. And the best part? It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a cozy weekend brunch or a weeknight breakfast-for-dinner treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Satisfying: This hearty dish is ready in under an hour, which makes it perfect when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Between the golden, tender biscuits and the rich, flavorful sausage gravy, every bite feels like a warm hug.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need anything fancy here—just pantry basics and a bit of love to create something incredibly delicious.
• Great for Sharing: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining brunch guests, this recipe makes enough to go around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the goodness that makes this dish so unforgettable:

• All-Purpose Flour: For both the biscuits and the roux in the gravy. It gives structure to the biscuits and thickens the gravy beautifully.
• Baking Powder: Essential for helping those biscuits rise up nice and fluffy.
• Butter: Use very cold, unsalted butter in the biscuits for the flakiest layers. It also adds incredible richness.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the gravy and moisture to the biscuits. Whole milk works best for its fat content.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it.
• Black Pepper: The key spice in the gravy—don’t be shy. Freshly cracked pepper brings a real Southern touch.
• Breakfast Sausage: Go for ground pork sausage with seasonings. It brings all the savory, meaty depth to the gravy.
• Optional Add-ins: A pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add dimension if you’re feeling creative.

Variations

Want to mix it up a little? Try these ideas:

• Spicy Gravy: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or use hot breakfast sausage for a spicier version.
• Cheesy Biscuits: Stir in shredded cheddar to the biscuit dough for an extra indulgent twist.
• Herbed Biscuits: Add finely chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme to the dough for a fragrant flavor upgrade.
• Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and low-fat milk if you’re looking to cut back on fat without sacrificing too much flavor.

How to Make Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Grate in the cold butter or cut it in with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently pat it down, and fold it over a few times to create layers. Roll or press to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

While the biscuits are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Don’t drain all the fat—you’ll need some for the gravy base.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir to coat evenly. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, then slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer until thickened. Season generously with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Split the warm biscuits in half, spoon the sausage gravy over the top, and serve immediately. Get ready for happy faces around the table.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep Your Butter Cold: Cold butter creates steam pockets as the biscuits bake, which leads to that irresistible flakiness.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the biscuit dough just until it comes together. Overworking can lead to tough biscuits.
• Season the Gravy Generously: A well-seasoned gravy is key to nailing that Southern flavor. Don’t be afraid of pepper!
• Make It a Meal: Add a couple of fried or scrambled eggs on the side to round out the dish.

How to Serve

This dish is an all-in-one comfort bomb, but you can pair it with a few extras to really take it over the top:

With Eggs:

Serve with sunny-side-up or poached eggs for a brunch-worthy feast.

Fresh Fruit:

Add some fresh fruit on the side to balance the richness of the gravy.

Hot Sauce:

For those who love a bit of a kick, a few dashes of hot sauce on top of the gravy can really elevate the flavor.

Brunch-Ready Beverage:

Pair with fresh coffee, sweet iced tea, or even a mimosa if you’re feeling festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover biscuits and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze baked biscuits once they’ve cooled completely—just wrap them tightly and store for up to 2 months. Sausage gravy can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and cut the biscuit dough, then freeze the unbaked rounds. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of sausage is best for the gravy?
Use bulk breakfast sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference. You can also try sage sausage for a more herbal flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, with a few adjustments. Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the biscuits and gravy. Be sure your sausage is also gluten-free.

Why is my gravy too thick or too thin?
If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk and stir until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a touch more flour.

Final Thoughts

Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy is the kind of meal that just feels like home. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold, comforting flavors that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner. So grab a skillet, warm up that oven, and treat yourself to this Southern classic—you absolutely deserve it.

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