Classic Biscuits and Gravy – The Ultimate Southern Comfort Breakfast
There are few breakfast dishes as deeply comforting and universally loved as Biscuits and Gravy. This iconic Southern classic combines tender, buttery biscuits with a luxuriously creamy sausage gravy that is rich, savory, and soul-warming. Whether served on a slow weekend morning, at a hearty family brunch, or as a comforting “breakfast-for-dinner” meal, biscuits and gravy deliver unmatched satisfaction in every bite.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is its simplicity. Made from humble pantry staples, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a bold, flavorful, and indulgent meal. The contrast between the flaky biscuit layers and the peppery, sausage-studded gravy is pure comfort food perfection.
Ingredients and Their Purpose
For the Homemade Biscuits
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the biscuits while keeping them tender.
- Baking Powder – The primary leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
- Baking Soda – Reacts with the acidity of the buttermilk to create extra lift.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
- Cold Butter – Creates flaky layers as it melts during baking; colder butter equals flakier biscuits.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang that defines classic biscuits.
For the Creamy Sausage Gravy
- Breakfast Sausage – The heart of the gravy, adding savory depth and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the gravy and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and body; whole milk is essential for richness.
- Salt – Brings out the savory flavors of the sausage.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds warmth and a signature Southern kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Fluffy Homemade Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle and fold it over itself 2–3 times to create layers.
- Pat to about 1-inch thickness and cut biscuits using a round cutter.
- Place biscuits close together on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Gravy
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage.
- Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Why This Biscuits and Gravy Recipe Is Loved
This recipe is adored because it delivers authentic Southern flavor without unnecessary complexity. The biscuits are soft yet sturdy enough to hold generous ladles of gravy, while the gravy itself is rich, peppery, and deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, filling, and unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cold buttermilk are key to flaky biscuits.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gentle handling ensures tender biscuits.
- Adjust Gravy Thickness: Add more milk for a thinner gravy or simmer longer for thicker gravy.
- Season Boldly: Biscuits and gravy thrive on confident seasoning, especially black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve biscuits and gravy piping hot, straight from the skillet. Pair with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. For brunch, add a simple green salad or roasted potatoes to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This classic Biscuits and Gravy recipe proves that the most memorable meals often come from the simplest ingredients. With flaky homemade biscuits and rich, creamy sausage gravy, this dish delivers unbeatable comfort and flavor every single time. Easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly crave-worthy, it’s no wonder biscuits and gravy remain a beloved staple across generations. Make it once, and it will quickly become a permanent favorite at your table.
