Few dishes embody the heart of Southern cooking quite like biscuits and gravy. Fluffy, buttery biscuits paired with creamy sausage gravy create the ultimate comfort meal—warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. This dish has been a breakfast staple in countless households, diners, and brunch spots across America, and for good reason: it’s simple, filling, and downright delicious.
From its humble beginnings as a working-class meal to its present-day status as a comfort food icon, biscuits and gravy never fail to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting brunch, or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, this recipe will help you recreate the magic from scratch.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of biscuits and gravy lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The biscuits are soft and fluffy inside, with golden, slightly crisp tops. The gravy, made with sausage, milk, and flour, is rich, savory, and perfectly spiced. Together, they create a dish that’s hearty, nostalgic, and deeply comforting.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – Everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish greater than the sum of its parts.
- Contrast in texture – Tender biscuits meet creamy, peppery gravy.
- Customizable – From mild to spicy sausage, plain or cheesy biscuits, you can adapt this recipe to your taste.
- True comfort factor – A warm plate of biscuits and gravy feels like a hug in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscuits (makes about 8):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adds slight sweetness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tangy biscuits)
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or sage)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- Pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Biscuits
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold cubed butter. Cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing.
- Transfer to a floured surface and gently pat the dough into about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut biscuits using a cutter or glass. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy
- In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart into crumbles, until fully browned.
- Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Split the warm biscuits in half.
- Spoon generous amounts of sausage gravy over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Success
- Cold butter = flaky biscuits – Always use chilled butter for the best rise and layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough – Handle it gently to keep biscuits light and tender.
- Season the gravy well – Freshly cracked black pepper adds depth and authenticity.
- Adjust consistency – Add more milk for thinner gravy, or simmer longer for thicker.
- Make ahead – Bake biscuits a day early and warm them before serving. The gravy also reheats well with a splash of milk.
Delicious Variations
- Cheddar Biscuits – Add shredded cheddar to the dough for cheesy richness.
- Spicy Gravy – Use hot sausage or add cayenne for extra kick.
- Herb Biscuits – Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the biscuit dough.
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage – A lighter twist on the classic.
- Vegetarian Gravy – Replace sausage with mushrooms for a creamy mushroom gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Breakfast – Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
- Brunch Spread – Serve with fried chicken, hash browns, or shrimp and grits.
- Southern Dinner – Enjoy with collard greens, fried okra, or cornbread.
- Comfort Bowl – Layer biscuits, scrambled eggs, and gravy in one bowl for a hearty meal.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store biscuits and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Biscuits freeze well for up to 2 months. Gravy can be frozen, though it may need whisking after reheating.
- Reheat – Warm biscuits in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Reheat gravy on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Why You’ll Love Making This Again and Again
Biscuits and gravy aren’t just a meal—they’re a tradition. This recipe is budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. It’s a dish you can enjoy on lazy Sunday mornings, during the holidays, or anytime you want to bring a little comfort to your table.
Once you make it from scratch, you’ll understand why this dish has been passed down through generations—it’s soul-satisfying, cozy, and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the biscuits with buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk makes biscuits extra fluffy and adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with sausage gravy.
What type of sausage works best?
Traditional pork breakfast sausage is classic, but turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage can work.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
My gravy is too thick—what can I do?
Simply stir in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales up easily, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
Biscuits and gravy are more than just breakfast—they’re comfort, tradition, and flavor all rolled into one plate. With fluffy homemade biscuits and rich, peppery sausage gravy, this dish is hearty enough to satisfy a hungry family yet simple enough to whip up on a weekend morning.
Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Whether you stick to the classic or try out one of the variations, this Southern comfort classic is bound to become one of your favorites.