Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: A Classic Comfort Breakfast

Biscuits and gravy is a beloved classic breakfast dish that combines fluffy homemade biscuits with a creamy and savory sausage gravy. This comforting meal is perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, and it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with its rich and hearty flavors. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious biscuits and gravy from scratch. Get ready to indulge in a true comfort food experience!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Biscuits and Gravy
2. Ingredients Required
3. Step 1: Making the Biscuits
4. Step 2: Preparing the Sausage Gravy
5. Step 3: Serving and Enjoying
6. Tips for the Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Introduction to Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a traditional Southern breakfast dish that has gained popularity throughout the United States. It typically consists of homemade biscuits smothered in a rich and creamy sausage gravy. The combination of buttery biscuits and flavorful gravy makes for a satisfying and comforting breakfast that will warm your soul.

Ingredients Required

To make biscuits and gravy, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup milk

For the Gravy:

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Making the Biscuits

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
6. Use a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
7. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 2: Preparing the Sausage Gravy

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Break up the sausage into crumbles using a spatula or wooden spoon.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to coat the sausage evenly. Cook for another minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the sausage is already seasoned, so taste before adding additional salt.

Step 3: Serving and Enjoying

1. Split the baked biscuits in half horizontally.
2. Place a generous spoonful of the sausage gravy over each biscuit half.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the biscuits and gravy while they are still warm.

Tips for the Perfect Biscuits and Gravy

• For fluffier biscuits, make sure not to overmix the dough. The key is to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid developing gluten.
• Use cold butter when making the biscuits. Cold butter creates steam when it melts in the oven, resulting in flaky biscuits.
• Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more milk if it’s too thick or cooking it longer if it’s too thin.
• Feel free to add additional seasonings to the gravy, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor according to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-made biscuits instead of making them from scratch?
   • Yes, you can use pre-made refrigerated biscuits as a time-saving alternative. Simply bake them according to the instructions on the packaging.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage for the gravy?
   • Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can experiment with different flavors such as spicy sausage or maple-flavored sausage to add a unique twist to your gravy.
3. Can I make biscuits and gravy ahead of time?
   • Biscuits are best when served fresh, but you can prepare the sausage gravy ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. If reheating the gravy, you may need to add a splash of milk to thin it out.
4. Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?
   • It’s not recommended to freeze biscuits and gravy as the texture and taste may be affected upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.
5. Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
   • Yes, you can use non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk in the gravy. However, keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Biscuits and gravy is a classic breakfast dish that offers a comforting and satisfying start to the day. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can create fluffy homemade biscuits and a creamy sausage gravy that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weekend treat or serving it to guests, biscuits and gravy is sure to become a breakfast favorite. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the deliciousness of this comforting breakfast dish.