biscuits gravy casserole
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There’s something magical about transforming classic breakfast favorites into one spectacular dish. Last Sunday morning, my youngest daughter Emma came downstairs asking for “the special breakfast” – her code for biscuits and gravy. However, I was hosting a brunch for Mateo’s family, and standing over the stove making individual batches wasn’t an option.
That’s when inspiration struck. I combined fluffy biscuits with creamy sausage gravy in a single casserole dish, and honestly, it became an instant family treasure. This biscuits gravy casserole brings together everything we love about Southern breakfast comfort food with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. Furthermore, it’s incredibly satisfying and feeds a crowd effortlessly.
My husband Mateo, with his chef’s eye for detail, helped me perfect this recipe over several weekend trials. Now, our biscuits gravy casserole graces our table for special occasions, lazy weekend mornings, and even holiday brunches. Moreover, it’s become the dish my 19-year-old daughter Sofia requests every time she visits from college. The beauty lies in its simplicity – layers of tender biscuits smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy, all baked to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
This biscuits gravy casserole solves multiple breakfast dilemmas at once. First, it serves a crowd without requiring you to stand over the stove flipping individual biscuits. Additionally, you can prepare components ahead of time, making morning hosting stress-free. The flavors actually deepen when the biscuits soak up that creamy gravy overnight.
Another reason this recipe shines? It’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, hosting weekend guests, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this biscuits gravy casserole never disappoints. The combination of flaky biscuits and savory gravy creates comfort food magic that appeals to all ages.
Furthermore, this dish is budget-friendly. You likely have most ingredients in your pantry already. The basic staples transform into something truly special.
Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. My family often enjoys this biscuits gravy casserole throughout the week.
Finally, the customization options are endless. You can adjust spice levels, add vegetables, or switch up proteins. This flexibility means the biscuits gravy casserole works for various dietary preferences and taste profiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this biscuits gravy casserole is straightforward. I always use simple, quality components that deliver maximum flavor. Here’s everything you need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuit dough | 2 cans (16 oz each) | Flaky layers work best |
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound | Regular or spicy |
| All-purpose flour | â…“ cup | For gravy thickening |
| Whole milk | 3 cups | Room temperature preferred |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | Optional but recommended |
| Shredded cheese | 2 cups | Cheddar or blend |
| Eggs | 6 large | Beaten |
These ingredients create layers of flavor in your biscuits gravy casserole. Quality sausage makes a significant difference. I typically choose a brand with good seasoning already incorporated.
Substitutions & Variations
This biscuits gravy casserole adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. Over time, I’ve experimented with numerous variations that my family loves.
For the biscuits, homemade works wonderfully if you have time. Alternatively, frozen biscuits substitute easily for refrigerated ones. Just thaw them first. Some readers have used buttermilk biscuits for extra tang in their biscuits gravy casserole.
Regarding the sausage, turkey sausage creates a lighter version. Vegetarian sausage crumbles work surprisingly well too. Mateo sometimes uses chorizo for a spicy kick. Additionally, bacon pieces make an excellent substitution, though you’ll need to add extra seasoning.
The milk can be swapped with half-and-half for richer gravy. Conversely, use 2% milk for a lighter biscuits gravy casserole. Non-dairy alternatives like oat milk work, though the gravy will taste slightly different.
Cheese variations are endless. Sharp cheddar adds boldness. Monterey Jack brings creaminess.
Pepper jack introduces heat. I’ve even combined multiple cheeses in my biscuits gravy casserole with delicious results.
Want to add vegetables? Sautéed bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions integrate seamlessly. My daughter Sofia loves when I add spinach to boost nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this biscuits gravy casserole is easier than you might think. I’ll walk you through each step clearly. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving of your biscuits gravy casserole.
Step 2: Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it browns. This typically takes 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage. Stir constantly for 2 minutes. This creates the roux base for your gravy. The mixture should look slightly paste-like.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps in your gravy. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5-6 minutes. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange half of the biscuit pieces in your prepared baking dish. They should cover the bottom in a single layer for this biscuits gravy casserole.
Step 6: Pour half of the sausage gravy over the biscuit layer. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. This creates delicious layers in your biscuits gravy casserole.
Step 7: Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top. Pour the rest of the gravy over everything. The biscuits will soak up the flavorful gravy as it bakes.
Step 8: Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them evenly over the casserole. The eggs bind everything together beautifully. Top with remaining cheese.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the center should be set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 10: Let your biscuits gravy casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set properly for cleaner slices.
Pro Tips for Success
After making this biscuits gravy casserole countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success every time.
First, don’t skip letting the gravy thicken properly before assembling. Runny gravy creates a soggy biscuits gravy casserole. The gravy should be thick enough to coat a spoon heavily. Patience here pays off significantly.
Second, use room temperature ingredients when possible. Cold milk takes longer to thicken. Room temperature eggs distribute more evenly throughout your biscuits gravy casserole. These small details make a noticeable difference.
Third, Mateo always recommends quality sausage with good seasoning. The sausage flavor permeates the entire dish. Cheap sausage results in bland gravy. Invest in flavorful sausage for the best biscuits gravy casserole.
Additionally, don’t overcrowd the biscuit pieces. They need space to expand slightly during baking. Overcrowding creates dense spots in your casserole.
Furthermore, tent the dish with foil if the top browns too quickly. The center needs time to cook through completely. An undercooked center ruins an otherwise perfect biscuits gravy casserole.
Finally, season generously. Breakfast dishes need bold flavors. Taste your gravy before assembling.
Adjust pepper and salt accordingly. Well-seasoned gravy makes an exceptional biscuits gravy casserole.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage keeps your biscuits gravy casserole delicious for days. I often make this ahead specifically for easy weekday breakfasts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your biscuits gravy casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days. Make sure it cools completely before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from making it soggy.
For reheating individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Stir halfway through for even heating.
To reheat the entire biscuits gravy casserole, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top slightly. This method preserves texture better than microwaving.
This dish freezes beautifully too. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen biscuits gravy casserole keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Alternatively, assemble the unbaked biscuits gravy casserole and freeze it. Thaw completely, then bake as directed. This creates a truly make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
What to Serve With This Recipe
While this biscuits gravy casserole is filling on its own, complementary sides create a complete brunch spread. I love offering variety when hosting.
Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich biscuits gravy casserole. Berries, melon, and citrus segments work particularly well. The brightness balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Crispy bacon strips or turkey bacon make excellent accompaniments. Even though the casserole contains sausage, extra protein never hurts. My husband Mateo always requests bacon alongside his serving.
Hash browns or breakfast potatoes round out the meal nicely. Crispy potatoes complement the soft texture of biscuits gravy casserole. Season them with rosemary and garlic for extra flavor.
A simple green salad with light vinaigrette cuts through the richness. This might seem unusual for breakfast, but it works wonderfully. Arugula with lemon dressing is my personal favorite pairing.
Coffee, orange juice, and milk are classic beverage choices. For special occasions, mimosas or Bloody Marys elevate your biscuits gravy casserole brunch to celebration status.
Tomato slices with salt and pepper offer a simple, fresh side. The acidity brightens each bite of your casserole. This is especially refreshing during summer months.
FAQs
Can I make biscuits gravy casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the biscuits gravy casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while your oven preheats.
Then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time. This method actually allows flavors to meld beautifully. The biscuits absorb more gravy overnight, creating an even more delicious result.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Your biscuits gravy casserole is done when the center reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Additionally, the top should be golden brown and the edges should bubble slightly. Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
The eggs should be completely set, not jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.
Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned?
Yes! Homemade biscuits work wonderfully in this biscuits gravy casserole. Prepare your favorite biscuit recipe and cut them into quarters just like you would canned biscuits.
You’ll need approximately 16 biscuits total. Homemade biscuits often absorb gravy even better than store-bought versions. Just ensure they’re not overly crumbly, as they need to hold their shape somewhat during baking.
Why is my biscuits gravy casserole soggy?
Sogginess usually results from gravy that’s too thin. Make sure your gravy thickens properly before assembly – it should heavily coat a spoon. Additionally, using too much liquid or not baking long enough can create sogginess.
Ensure the casserole bakes until fully set in the center. Finally, let it rest 10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the dish to firm up considerably.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat biscuits gravy casserole in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil. This maintains the texture better than microwaving. However, for quick individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel.
Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry. Stir halfway through microwave reheating for even warming.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Based on 12 servings of this biscuits gravy casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 17g |
This biscuits gravy casserole provides substantial protein and energy for starting your day. While it’s indulgent, it also offers real sustenance. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. For lighter versions, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese to decrease calories and fat content.
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biscuits gravy casserole
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns (7-8 minutes). Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously until the gravy thickens (about 5-6 minutes).
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and arrange half in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the sausage gravy over the biscuit layer and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top and pour the rest of the gravy over everything.
- Beat the eggs and pour them evenly over the casserole, then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.