The smell of buttery, golden biscuits and savory goodness fills my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s magical when fluffy dough meets rich, creamy gravy with seasoned sausage.
We’ve made this Southern breakfast tradition into a casserole. It’s easy to make and lets you enjoy your coffee while it bakes. No need to stand over a hot stove.
At family gatherings, this comfort food is always the star. It combines individual parts into a delicious, satisfying breakfast. It’s a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basic recipe and creative twists. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy weekend breakfast. Every bite brings warmth and satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- Transforms individual components into a convenient, shareable dish
- Perfect for both special weekend breakfasts and casual family dinners
- Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
- Combines flaky biscuits with savory gravy in one baked creation
- Offers a hands-off cooking approach while maintaining traditional flavors
- Easily customizable with different meat options or add-ins
What Makes Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Special
Biscuits and gravy casserole is special because it combines flaky biscuits with savory sausage gravy in a convenient baked form. It turns a traditional Southern breakfast into a hearty, family-style meal. This dish feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.
The layered approach of this casserole lets the flavors meld together. This creates something more satisfying than the sum of its parts.
Unlike traditional biscuits and gravy casserole, this casserole version has the biscuits soak up the rich gravy while baking. The result is a comforting dish with contrasting textures. You get tender biscuits on the bottom, creamy gravy in the middle, and golden, slightly crisp biscuit tops.
The History of This Southern Comfort Food
Biscuits and gravy casserole has deep roots in Southern American cuisine, dating back to the post-Civil War era. It emerged as an affordable way to feed hungry families, using simple ingredients from farms.
The original version had flour-based biscuits smothered in a gravy made from pork drippings, flour, and milk. This hearty combination provided sustenance for laborers before a long day of work. It became popular throughout the South and eventually a staple on breakfast tables across America.
The casserole version we enjoy today is a more modern interpretation. It likely emerged in the mid-20th century when casserole dishes became fashionable. It maintains the soul-warming essence of the original while adapting to contemporary preferences for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect biscuits and gravy casserole, you need quality ingredients that honor its Southern heritage. Here’s what you’ll need for this classic comfort food:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough – The foundation of the dish, providing that familiar flaky texture without the work of making biscuits from scratch
- Breakfast sausage – Preferably a well-seasoned pork sausage that will flavor the entire gravy
- Butter and flour – The essential components for making a roux, which thickens the gravy
- Milk – Creates the creamy base for your sausage gravy
- Eggs – Adds richness and helps bind the casserole together
- Cheddar cheese – Brings a sharp, savory element that complements the gravy
- Seasonings – Black pepper is traditional, along with salt and perhaps a touch of sage or thyme
The beauty of this Southern brunch recipe lies in its simplicity. These humble ingredients transform into something greater through the cooking process. The sausage provides the foundational flavor, while the gravy brings everything together in a creamy embrace.
What truly elevates this dish is how these components interact during baking. The biscuits rise and brown on top while soaking up the flavorful gravy below. This creates distinct layers of texture and taste that make each bite interesting and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe
Making a family-sized casserole from classic biscuits and gravy casserole is easy. We’ve broken it down into simple steps. This recipe feeds many and saves time in the morning.
Preparing the Sausage Gravy
The gravy is the heart of the casserole. Start by browning 1 pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet. Break it into small pieces as it cooks until it’s no longer pink.
After cooking the sausage, don’t drain the fat. It’s needed for a flavorful roux. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the sausage and stir for 2 minutes. This step gets rid of the raw flour taste.
Pour in 2 1/2 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. The gravy should coat a spoon but flow slowly.
Assembling the biscuits and gravy casserole
Now, the magic happens. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Open two 16-ounce cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This makes bite-sized pieces that cook evenly.
Layer half of the biscuit pieces at the bottom of the dish. They don’t need to be perfect. Pour half of the sausage gravy over them, spreading the sausage evenly.
Add the rest of the biscuit pieces and the remaining gravy. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. The cheese adds a golden, bubbly crust.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking. Cover the dish with foil to steam the biscuits.
Put the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-25 minutes. This two-stage baking makes the biscuits golden and cooked through.
Keep an eye on the casserole during the last minutes. Avoid opening the oven door too often to prevent uneven baking.
How to Know When It’s Done
To check if the casserole is done, look for a few signs. The top should be golden brown with darker spots where the biscuits have puffed up.
Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. The biscuits should be tender, not dry or hard.
Another sign is when the edges start to pull away from the dish. The gravy should be bubbly and thick.
| Feature | Traditional Biscuits and Gravy casserole | Biscuits and Gravy Casserole | Benefit of Casserole Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30-40 minutes active time | 15-20 minutes active time | Less hands-on preparation |
| Serving Style | Individual plates, made to order | Family-style, all at once | Everyone eats together |
| Texture | Crisp biscuits with gravy on top | Soft, pudding-like texture throughout | More uniform flavor in every bite |
| Leftovers | Separate components, difficult to store | Single dish, reheats beautifully | Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings |
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes the gravy easier to serve. The short wait prevents burned mouths and improves texture.
Delicious Variations and Serving Tips for biscuits and gravy casserole
Biscuits and gravy casserole is more than just a recipe. It’s a canvas for creativity and a way to make any meal special. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or a holiday feast, this breakfast casserole can be tailored to everyone’s taste. Let’s dive into how to make it your own and serve it with flair.
Customizing Your biscuits and gravy casserole
Adding your own twist to a classic recipe is fun. Our biscuits and gravy casserole invites you to get creative. It’s a savory breakfast dish waiting for your personal touch.
Changing up the protein is an easy way to make it your own. Try turkey sausage for a leaner option or Italian sausage for a bold flavor. Each choice brings a unique taste to the table.
Adding veggies can make the casserole healthier and more colorful. Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great choices. They add nutrition and a splash of color.
For cheese lovers, there’s more than just cheddar. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while smoked gouda brings a rich flavor. Even a bit of crumbled feta can add a tangy twist.
| Variation Type | Suggested Options | Flavor Profile | Cooking Adjustments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Turkey sausage, Italian sausage, Chorizo | Leaner, more herbaceous, or spicier | None needed |
| Vegetables | Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms | Earthy, fresh, slightly sweet | Sauté before adding |
| Cheese | Pepper jack, smoked gouda, feta | Spicy, smoky, or tangy | Adjust quantity based on strength |
| Herbs & Spices | Rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes | Aromatic, warming, or spicy | Use sparingly |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for biscuits and gravy casserole
This easy casserole recipe is perfect for busy mornings. It’s designed to be convenient and delicious.
For make-ahead, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it as usual, adding a few minutes to the time.
Or, make the sausage gravy up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge. Then, warm it before adding fresh biscuits. This keeps the biscuits soft.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave to keep the biscuits soft.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This breakfast casserole is great on its own, but adding some sides makes it even better. It’s all about balance and flavor.
Fresh fruit is a great contrast to the casserole’s richness. Try a fruit salad or sliced apples for a refreshing touch.
For a bigger brunch, add a green salad. It’s a nice contrast to the casserole’s softness. A simple salad with cucumber and tomatoes works well.
Don’t forget about drinks! Coffee is classic, but Bloody Marys or sweet tea can add fun. Orange juice is a hit with all ages.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to serve. Top it with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion
We’ve explored every step to make the perfect biscuits and gravy casserole. It starts with Southern roots and ends with a golden dish from your oven. This biscuits and gravy casserole is a favorite for many reasons.
This Southern brunch recipe is special because it brings people together. Seeing family gather around the table is magical. The smell of sausage gravy in the house means something great is coming.
This dish is simple yet impressive. Even beginners can make it with basic ingredients and easy steps. But the flavors are rich, pleasing everyone.
Whether it’s for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or a lazy Sunday, this casserole is perfect. It brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. It’s a comfort food that connects us to tradition and fits our busy lives.
We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home. It will create many delicious memories for years to come.
FAQ for biscuits and gravy casserole
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Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole combines golden biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, and cheddar cheese in one baked dish. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
2 (16 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough
1 lb breakfast sausage
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
5 large eggs
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp dried sage or thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled.
2. Sprinkle flour over sausage and stir for 2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
5. Cut biscuit dough into quarters. Layer half in the bottom of the dish.
6. Pour half the sausage gravy over the biscuits. Repeat with remaining biscuits and gravy.
7. Beat eggs and pour evenly over the top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15–25 more minutes until golden.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next day.
Swap cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack for variety.
Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 810
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 155