When it comes to comfort food, nothing says cozy quite like a warm plate of homemade biscuits and gravy. This classic Southern dish combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with a creamy, savory sausage gravy that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday brunch, a special family breakfast, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is simple, delicious, and absolutely satisfying.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect biscuits and gravy recipe — from the ingredients you need, to step-by-step instructions, to helpful tips for getting it just right every time.
Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples at home.
- Quick to make: From start to finish, you can have a hearty breakfast on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish feeds a family or small group easily, making it ideal for weekend gatherings.
- Comfort food at its best: Buttery biscuits plus creamy sausage gravy = pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this homemade biscuits and gravy recipe, you’ll need two main components: the biscuits and the gravy.
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (plus a little extra for brushing the tops)
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork sausage works best)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked for best flavor)
- Pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect biscuits and gravy is easy if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Make the Biscuits
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently pat it to about ¾-inch thickness, and cut out biscuits using a round cutter or glass.
- Bake: Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, brush with buttermilk, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Do not drain all the fat — you need some for the gravy.
- Add flour: Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add milk: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Split the warm biscuits in half and spoon the creamy sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Tips for the Best Biscuits and Gravy
- Use cold butter: Cold butter creates steam in the oven, making biscuits light and flaky.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing leads to tough biscuits. Mix just until combined.
- Season the gravy well: Pepper is key — don’t be shy with it for that authentic Southern flavor.
- Use whole milk: It makes the gravy richer and creamier than low-fat milk.
- Make ahead: You can prep the biscuits ahead of time and reheat them in the oven. The gravy can also be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Variations on Biscuits and Gravy
While the classic sausage gravy is a staple, you can change things up with these variations:
- Bacon Gravy: Swap out sausage for crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian Gravy: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of pork.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese right at the end for an extra indulgent version.
- Spicy Gravy: Use hot Italian sausage or add more cayenne pepper for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This biscuits and gravy recipe is delicious on its own, but you can turn it into a complete breakfast spread with a few simple sides:
- Scrambled eggs or fried eggs
- Fresh fruit salad
- Crispy hash browns
- Hot coffee or sweet iced tea
Storing and Reheating
Leftover biscuits and gravy store surprisingly well.
- Biscuits: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Gravy: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
This biscuits and gravy recipe keeps things simple but gets every detail right: flaky homemade biscuits, rich and creamy gravy, and the perfect balance of seasoning. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying breakfast, this biscuits and gravy recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy enough for beginners, delicious enough to impress guests, and versatile enough to enjoy anytime — breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought biscuits or canned gravy again.