Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy is a hearty and indulgent breakfast dish that showcases the comforting charm of Southern cuisine. Flaky, golden biscuits served with creamy, peppered sausage gravy create a warm and satisfying meal perfect for lazy weekends or brunch gatherings. This timeless classic is as flavorful as it is filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way.
  • Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Made from pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
  • Great for Gatherings: Perfect for family brunches or potlucks.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the biscuits and gravy can be prepped in advance.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors or use alternative ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Biscuits:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cold unsalted butter
  • Buttermilk

For the Sausage Gravy:

  • Breakfast pork sausage
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Make the Biscuits:
    • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.
    • Turn the dough onto a floured surface, gently knead, and roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
    • Cut out biscuits using a round cutter and place on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  2. Make the Sausage Gravy:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
    • Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer.
    • Continue cooking until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve:
    • Split the warm biscuits and ladle sausage gravy generously over the top.
    • Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot breakfast sausage or add red pepper flakes.
  • Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese once the gravy has thickened.
  • Herbed Biscuits: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the biscuit dough.
  • Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free milk for a meatless option.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftover biscuits and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Warm the gravy on the stovetop or microwave, stirring in a splash of milk if needed.
  • Freezing: Freeze biscuits in a zip-top bag. Gravy can be frozen in containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What type of sausage is best for the gravy?

Classic pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but feel free to use turkey or plant-based sausage.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the biscuits ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I keep the gravy from getting lumpy?

Whisk constantly when adding milk to the flour-coated sausage to ensure a smooth consistency.

Can I use a biscuit mix instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, biscuit mix works in a pinch and still tastes great with the sausage gravy.

Can I double the gravy recipe?

Absolutely! It’s easy to scale up if you’re serving a larger group.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the biscuits?

Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness, but you can substitute with regular milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

What can I serve with biscuits and gravy?

Scrambled eggs, hash browns, or a side of fruit make great accompaniments.

How thick should the gravy be?

It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Adjust with milk if it gets too thick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for both the biscuits and gravy.

Do I need to use whole milk in the gravy?

Whole milk yields the richest gravy, but you can use any milk or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy is a timeless dish that brings comfort and Southern charm to any breakfast table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family brunch or craving a warm and filling start to your day, this classic recipe delivers every time with its flaky biscuits and savory, creamy gravy.

Print

Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Flaky, buttery biscuits topped with creamy, peppery sausage gravy—this Southern-style breakfast is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend brunch or a down-home morning meal, this dish delivers all the warm, comforting vibes you could ask for.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop (gravy), Baking (biscuits)
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus more for brushing)

For the Sausage Gravy:

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp black pepper (or more, to taste)

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

Make the Biscuits:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

  4. Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.

  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold it over itself 2–3 times, then pat out again and cut into biscuits using a round cutter.

  6. Place biscuits on the baking sheet so they just touch. Brush tops with buttermilk.

  7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Sausage Gravy:

  1. While the biscuits bake, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and fully done.

  2. Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir until the flour is absorbed, about 1 minute.

  3. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

 

To Serve:
Split warm biscuits and spoon sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the folding step for the biscuits—it gives them those nice flaky layers.

  • You can use pre-made biscuits in a pinch, but homemade really takes it up a notch.

  • Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can be used for a lighter version.

 


Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star