When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the heartwarming richness of biscuits and gravy recipe. This classic dish, hailing from the Southern United States, brings together soft, buttery biscuits with creamy, savory gravy in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So, grab your apron, and let’s get into the kitchen to whip up this delicious feast.

Table of Contents

Recipe Overview

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Total Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment ready:

Large skillet
Whisk
Biscuit cutter
Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Preparing biscuits and gravy doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just some basic kitchen tools to get the job done right.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 cups for biscuits + 3 tbsp for gravy
Baking powder	1 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp
Cold butter, cubed	1/2 cup
Milk	1 cup for biscuits + 2 cups for gravy
Ground black pepper	1/2 tsp
Breakfast sausage	1 pound
Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish	As needed

Did you know? Biscuits and gravy started as a humble breakfast staple during the American Revolutionary War. It was a hearty way to start a demanding day.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Biscuits

Ingredients: Mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl.
Mixing: Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Dough Formation: Gradually add 1 cup of milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
Shaping: On a floured surface, knead the dough gently 3-4 times. Roll out to 1 inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter.
Baking: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden.

“Perfect biscuits are all about keeping the butter cold and handling the dough as little as possible.”

Step 2 – Make the Gravy

Cooking the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until brown and crumbly.
Making the Roux: Sprinkle 3 tbsp of flour over the cooked sausage, stir to combine, and cook for 2 minutes to remove the flour taste.
Adding Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form.
Seasoning: Add salt and ground black pepper to taste, and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a gravy.

“The secret to smooth, thick gravy lies in the roux—ensure it’s cooked well before adding milk.”

Additional Tips

For lighter biscuits, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a spicy kick.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve biscuits and gravy with:

Scrambled eggs
Fresh fruit
Hash browns

This meal is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600 kcal
Protein	17 g
Carbohydrates	48 g
Fat	36 g
Cholesterol	126 mg
Sodium	879 mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient choices.

Dietary Information

This recipe is perfect for meat lovers and can be adapted for vegetarians by using plant-based sausage and non-dairy milk.

FAQs about Biscuits and Gravy

What can I use instead of sausage in biscuits and gravy?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using a plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with fennel, sage, and garlic for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make biscuits and gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the biscuits in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. The gravy is best made fresh, but you can also reheat it, adding a bit more milk to thin it if necessary.

How do I store leftovers?

Store biscuits and gravy separately. Biscuits can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for longer storage. Gravy should be refrigerated and used within two days.

Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?

Yes, biscuits freeze well. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Gravy can be frozen, but it may separate upon reheating. Thaw and stir well when reheating to combine.

Why do my biscuits come out hard?

Hard biscuits are often the result of over-mixing the dough or using too little fat. Ensure you use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.

What is the best way to reheat biscuits and gravy?

Reheat biscuits in an oven at 350°F until warm. For the gravy, reheat slowly on the stove, adding a little milk if it’s too thick.

Are biscuits and gravy healthy?

While biscuits and gravy are high in calories and fat, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation. Opt for whole grain flour and lean sausage to make it healthier.

Conclusion

Biscuits and gravy are a testament to the simple, unpretentious goodness of Southern cooking. Each bite brings a comforting blend of creamy, savory flavors that are guaranteed to satisfy. Give this recipe a try and see just how satisfying homemade biscuits and gravy can be.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or any feedback you might have on this recipe, so don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!

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