Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
The Ultimate Southern Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Few dishes capture the heart of Southern comfort food like Biscuits and Gravy Recipe. This hearty breakfast classic combines golden, flaky biscuits with rich, creamy white gravy, delivering a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a cozy family brunch, this recipe is a must-have in every cook’s repertoire.
Whether you’re searching for the best biscuits and gravy recipe or need a foolproof gravy recipe for biscuits, this blog will guide you through creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe?
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this dish in less than 30 minutes.
- Customizable: From adding sausage to making the biscuits extra buttery, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner, biscuits and gravy are always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
For the White Gravy:
- 1/2 pound ground breakfast sausage (optional for sausage gravy)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or fat rendered from sausage)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (plus more for thinning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor boost)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. - Add the Buttermilk:
Slowly pour in the buttermilk, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits light and fluffy. - Shape and Cut:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Re-roll scraps as needed. - Bake:
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with buttermilk, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 2: Make the White Gravy
- Cook the Sausage (If Using):
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. - Make the Roux:
Add the butter to the skillet (or use the rendered fat from the sausage). Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden. - Add the Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken, about 3–5 minutes. - Season the Gravy:
Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). For sausage gravy, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well. - Adjust Consistency:
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve
To serve, split the warm biscuits in half and ladle the creamy white gravy generously over the top. Add freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of parsley for a finishing touch. Pair it with scrambled eggs or a side of crispy bacon for the ultimate Southern breakfast experience.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
- Cold Butter = Flaky Biscuits: Keep the butter as cold as possible to achieve light, flaky layers.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing the biscuit dough can lead to tough biscuits. Handle the dough gently for the best results.
- Season Gradually: Taste your gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Reheat Gracefully: If making ahead, reheat the gravy gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Variations
- Cheesy Biscuits and Gravy: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough and sprinkle some on top of the gravy for extra indulgence.
- Vegetarian Gravy: Skip the sausage and use plant-based butter and milk for a vegetarian-friendly white gravy.
- Herbed Biscuits: Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the biscuit dough for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Use hot breakfast sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The gravy can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove with a little milk to loosen it. Bake the biscuits fresh for the best texture.
Q: Can I use pre-made biscuits?
Absolutely. Store-bought biscuits work well if you’re short on time, but homemade biscuits provide unmatched flavor and texture.
Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This best biscuits and gravy recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality. With tender, buttery biscuits and a rich, creamy gravy, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
Few dishes offer the cozy satisfaction of homemade biscuits and gravy. Whether you’re perfecting your weekend breakfast spread or trying your hand at a Southern classic, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With flaky biscuits and a silky white gravy, it’s a meal that warms the heart and fills the stomach.
So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a breakfast experience that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this dish has remained a timeless favorite for generations.