Biscuit & Gravy Casserole is a heartwarming and indulgent dish that blends the classic comfort of Southern-style biscuits and gravy into a convenient and family-friendly casserole form. This dish starts with a base of fluffy, buttery biscuits, which are often pre-made from a mix or prepared from scratch using ingredients like flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. These biscuits are either layered or broken into pieces and spread across the bottom of a baking dish, forming a tender and golden crust once baked.
The next layer is the rich and creamy gravy, a hallmark of Southern cuisine. This gravy is typically made with breakfast sausage, cooked until browned and crumbly. Flour is then sprinkled over the sausage, serving as a thickener, and milk is gradually added, creating a thick and savory sauce. Seasonings like black pepper, a touch of cayenne, and sage are often added for depth and warmth. The gravy is poured over the biscuit layer, seeping into the nooks and crannies, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
In some variations, additional ingredients like scrambled eggs or cheese are added to the casserole, providing extra layers of texture and taste. The eggs, if used, are whisked and lightly cooked until just set before being layered in. Cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, can be sprinkled on top for a gooey, melty finish.
The casserole is then baked in an oven until the biscuits are fully cooked and the top is golden brown, often resulting in a crisp exterior with a soft, gravy-soaked interior. The top layer of the casserole forms a slightly crunchy crust, contrasting beautifully with the creamy gravy and tender biscuit layers beneath.
Served hot, Biscuit & Gravy Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish, often enjoyed for a hearty breakfast or brunch. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and novel, combining the beloved flavors of biscuits and gravy in a format that’s easy to serve and share. The casserole’s rich, savory flavors and varied textures make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a special weekend treat. It pairs well with sides like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a light salad to balance its richness.
Ingredients:
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
1 pound ground breakfast sausage
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 and 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Brown sausage in a skillet; scatter in the baking dish.
Make a roux with flour and sausage grease. Add milk, and simmer to thicken.
Season gravy with salt and pepper, then pour over sausage.
Cut biscuits into quarters; arrange on top of gravy.
Bake for 25 minutes until biscuits are golden. Add cheese in the last 5 minutes, if using.
Let sit for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Variations & Tips:
Lighten it up with turkey sausage and almond milk.
Add shredded cheese to the gravy for a cheesy twist.
Spice it up with cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
Leftovers reheat well for quick breakfasts.
This Biscuit and Gravy Casserole is like a warm, savory hug on a plate, embodying the essence of a Midwest morning. Enjoy this comforting dish and stay cozy!”
