Name: Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: Hearty and Comforting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Biscuits:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cold); 3/4 cup buttermilk (cold); Sausage Gravy:; 1 lb breakfast sausage; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Optional: Parsley (black pepper); Suggested Pairings: Scrambled eggs (coffee)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Biscuits and Gravy are a classic Southern dish, perfect for hearty breakfasts, brunches, or comfort meals. Its flaky, buttery biscuits paired with rich, savory sausage gravy deliver a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that warm the soul. Presented on a white ceramic platter, with creamy gravy generously ladled over golden biscuits, this dish offers a rustic, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Biscuits and Gravy, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a crowd-pleasing, comforting experience.

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk, cold

For the Sausage Gravy:

1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Serving:

Optional: Chopped parsley, cracked black pepper
Suggested Accompaniments: Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit
Suggested Pairings: Coffee, orange juice
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Baking sheet, pastry cutter, large skillet, whisk

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven and Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter; cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold buttermilk until just combined (do not overmix).
Shape Biscuits: Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead gently 3-4 times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Cut out 8 biscuits with a 2.5-inch round cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, touching slightly.
Bake Biscuits: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
Cook Sausage Gravy: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle flour over sausage; stir and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
Serve: Split warm biscuits and place on a white ceramic platter. Ladle hot gravy over biscuits. Garnish with parsley or cracked pepper. Serve immediately with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, coffee, or orange juice.

Tips for Better Biscuits and Gravy

Keep butter and buttermilk cold for flaky biscuits; work quickly to avoid warming the dough.
Don’t overmix biscuit dough to maintain tenderness.
Use a sharp cutter for biscuits and avoid twisting to ensure even rising.
Cook sausage thoroughly, but don’t drain fat; it adds flavor to the gravy.
Whisk milk gradually into gravy to avoid lumps; adjust thickness with more milk if needed.
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning; add more pepper or salt as desired.
Serve immediately to keep biscuits from getting soggy.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter, with gravy generously ladled and garnished with parsley for a rustic look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Biscuits and Gravy: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for biscuits and gravy; ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Vegan Biscuits and Gravy: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for biscuits; replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegan milk in gravy.
Low-Fat Biscuits and Gravy: Use low-fat milk in gravy; reduce butter to 4 tbsp in biscuits and use turkey sausage.
Spicy Sausage Gravy: Increase cayenne to 1/2 tsp or add 1 tsp hot sauce to the gravy.
Mushroom Gravy: Replace sausage with 2 cups sliced mushrooms, sautéed; add 1 tsp thyme to the gravy.
Cheddar Biscuits: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to biscuit dough for cheesy flavor.
Herb Biscuits: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley to biscuit dough.
Breakfast Casserole: Layer torn biscuits and gravy in a baking dish, top with eggs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
Store gravy separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat biscuits in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes; reheat gravy on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring.
Freeze biscuits for 2 months; freeze gravy for 1 month (thaw in fridge before reheating).
Serve hot for best texture; avoid room temperature for over 2 hours due to dairy and meat.
Use leftover biscuits for sandwiches or as a base for eggs.
Pair with light sides like fruit to balance richness.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (2 biscuits with gravy each):

Calories: 720 kcal
Total Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 22g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in fat and sodium; try vegan or low-fat versions. Serve with fruit for balance.

Conclusion

This Biscuits and Gravy recipe offers a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a Southern classic. Its straightforward preparation and rustic presentation make it a favorite. The flaky biscuits and savory gravy, with vibrant garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its soulful appeal.