Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Easy & Delicious Breakfast Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: the ultimate comfort food reimagined! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of golden-brown biscuits mingling with savory, creamy gravy. This isn’t your grandma’s biscuits and gravy – although she’d certainly approve! We’ve taken the classic Southern breakfast staple and transformed it into an easy-to-assemble casserole that’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.

Biscuits and gravy, a dish deeply rooted in Southern American culinary tradition, has long been a symbol of resourcefulness and hearty home cooking. Originating as a way to utilize simple ingredients and leftover meat scraps, it quickly became a beloved breakfast staple, fueling generations with its satisfying flavors and textures. The creamy, peppery gravy, often made with sausage, perfectly complements the fluffy, buttery biscuits, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious.

What makes this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, pillowy biscuits, the rich, creamy gravy, and the optional crispy bacon topping. It’s also incredibly convenient. Forget standing over the stove, constantly stirring gravy. This casserole allows you to prepare everything in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves the familiar flavors of biscuits and gravy, and this casserole presentation makes it even more appealing and shareable. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss with every single bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
• For the Sausage Gravy:
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer a spicy variety!)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• For the Casserole:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)

Preparing the Biscuits

Okay, let’s get started with the biscuits. I know, I know, you might be tempted to use canned biscuits, but trust me, homemade biscuits make this casserole SO much better. Plus, they’re not as intimidating as you might think!

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps the biscuits rise properly and have a consistent texture.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates pockets of steam when baking, which results in flaky biscuits.
3. Add the buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough biscuits. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
4. Turn out and knead gently: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough 5-6 times, just until it comes together. Again, avoid overworking the dough.
5. Pat and cut: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out the biscuits. Don’t twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
6. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. You can place them close together for softer sides or slightly further apart for crispier sides.
7. Brush with melted butter: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and add a touch of richness.
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
9. Let cool slightly: Let the biscuits cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces for the casserole.

Making the Sausage Gravy

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the sausage gravy! This is where the flavor really comes from, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

1. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease, but leave about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. The sausage drippings add a ton of flavor to the gravy.
2. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.
3. Whisk in the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and starts to thicken.
4. Season: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Stir in parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using) just before removing the gravy from the heat. This adds a pop of freshness and color.

Assembling the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to put everything together and create this amazing casserole.

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the biscuits: Cut the baked biscuits into bite-sized pieces. I usually quarter them, but you can make them smaller if you prefer.
3. Layer the casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom.
4. Pour the gravy: Pour the sausage gravy over the biscuit pieces, making sure to coat them evenly. Use a spoon to gently press the biscuits down into the gravy.
5. Add cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the gravy. This adds a delicious cheesy layer to the casserole.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
7. Let cool slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the gravy to thicken slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth!

Serving Suggestions

This biscuits and gravy casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or fried eggs.
• Add a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the perfect biscuits and gravy casserole:

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for making flaky biscuits.
• Don’t overmix the biscuit dough: Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the gravy and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
• Use your favorite type of sausage: I prefer a spicy sausage, but you can use any type of breakfast sausage you like.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it for later: Leftover casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the gravy.
• Use different cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetarian sausage crumbles instead of breakfast sausage.
• Add a layer of eggs: Whisk together some eggs and pour them over the biscuits before adding the gravy. This will create a breakfast casserole with an extra layer of protein.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to make the biscuits and gravy.

Conclusion:

This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even a surprisingly satisfying weeknight dinner. The flaky, buttery biscuits nestled amongst the creamy, savory sausage gravy create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and shared laughter around the table.

But what truly makes this casserole a must-try is its simplicity. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, using readily available ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat. Plus, the one-dish nature of the casserole means fewer dishes to wash – a definite win in my book!

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or use hot sausage. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the biscuits before baking for an extra gooey and flavorful experience.

Looking for serving suggestions? This casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. For a complete brunch spread, consider adding a pitcher of mimosas or a pot of freshly brewed coffee. And if you’re serving it for dinner, a simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or sautéed mushrooms and onions for a delicious meat-free version.
* Biscuit Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted garlic butter before baking.
* Gravy Upgrade: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of cream cheese to the gravy for a richer, more complex flavor.
* Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

I truly believe that this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole will become a new family favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces and warm hearts. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole.