Sausage gravy and biscuit casserole brings the classic comfort of a Southern breakfast into one easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. It combines rich, creamy sausage gravy with fluffy, flaky biscuits baked together to warm your soul and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
I first prepared this casserole for a family gathering, and everyone asked for seconds. It’s now a go-to recipe when I want something cozy but fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Jimmy Dean refrigerated roll sausage: 1 pound seasoned and juicy for the best flavor, this brand browns nicely without drying out
- All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup used to thicken the gravy make sure it’s fresh to avoid clumping
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances flavors in the gravy
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon adds a mild kick, freshly ground if possible for extra brightness
- Milk: 3 1/2 cups whole milk creates a richer gravy but you can opt for 2% if preferred
- Flaky canned large biscuits: 8 count provides a tender and buttery topping look for biscuits labeled flaky for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal to bake the biscuits on top without overcooking the gravy beneath.
- Brown and Crumble the Sausage:
- Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds the savory base of your gravy.
- Create the Roux:
- Leave the grease in the skillet; do not drain it out. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and whisk it in. Stir for one to two minutes so the flour cooks out its raw taste and thickens gradually.
- Season the Gravy:
- Add salt and pepper to the mixture and whisk to combine. These simple seasonings enhance the sausage’s flavor without overwhelming it.
- Add Milk and Thicken:
- Pour in your milk slowly while whisking continuously. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up so it doesn’t burn or stick. The gravy will begin to thicken and bubble after a few minutes, signaling it is ready.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour the thickened sausage gravy into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Biscuit Pieces:
- Tear the canned biscuits into smaller chunks and scatter them across the gravy. This creates a rustic, homey look while allowing biscuits to bake to golden perfection.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuit tops are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop portions onto plates while still warm and dive into a satisfying breakfast.
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My favorite ingredient is the Jimmy Dean sausage. It imparts a delicious savory richness that really elevates the gravy. One chilly morning, my kids and I sat down together to eat this casserole, and it felt like we had all returned home from a long trip. The warm flavors made the meal feel like a hug.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave so the biscuits remain soft and the gravy stays creamy. For longer storage, cut the casserole into portions and freeze individually wrapped.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the milk for a lower-fat or dairy-free option such as almond or oat milk, but the texture of the gravy may be less creamy. Sausage choices like turkey sausage or spicy varieties work well too if you want a twist. For biscuit topping, homemade biscuit dough can be used instead of canned, just adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the richness of the casserole. A simple green salad with a crisp vinaigrette adds brightness for a weekend brunch. Coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
Cultural Context
Sausage gravy and biscuits are a beloved staple in Southern United States cuisine, often associated with hearty breakfasts that fuel long workdays or lazy Sundays. This casserole makes the traditional dish easier to share with a group and brings the comfort food into a new format without losing any of the original charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Regular pork sausage with moderate fat, like Jimmy Dean roll sausage, adds great flavor and moisture.
- → How do I thicken the gravy properly?
Cook the flour in the sausage fat to form a roux before gradually whisking in milk until it bubbles and thickens.
- → Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned ones?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough torn into pieces adds a fresh texture and buttery flavor.
- → What oven temperature is best for baking?
350°F allows the gravy to bubble gently while the biscuit topping turns golden without burning.
- → How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake the assembled dish for 20-25 minutes until the biscuit pieces are puffed and golden brown.