Southern-Style Biscuits & Gravy: A Hearty Family Breakfast Recipe
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Memories Of Sunday Mornings
I remember when I was little, my mother would bake these biscuits for an extra special Sunday breakfast. The smell of the biscuits filling the house was enough to get everyone out of bed with a smile. We’d all gather around the table, share stories, and savor every bite of these fluffy biscuits topped with rich, savory sausage gravy. Those mornings were filled with laughter, warmth, and the comforting taste of a meal made with love. I carried on the tradition, making these biscuits and gravy for my own family on those days that I was feeling somewhat nostalgic and wanted to recreate those wonderful days growing up, and here I will share this tasty recipe with you.
Did You Know?
Biscuits and gravy is a traditional Southern breakfast dish in the United States. The origins of this dish date back to the American Revolutionary War when food was scarce, and meals needed to be simple and hearty. The term "biscuits" in American English refers to soft bread, unlike the British version, which is similar to what Americans call cookies!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Biscuits:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup milk
Sausage Gravy:
1 pound ground breakfast sausage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Make the Biscuits:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Personal Tip: The secret to extra fluffy biscuits is using cold butter. Keep it in the fridge until the last minute, and work quickly so it stays cold while you prepare the dough.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Personal Tip: For the best texture, be sure to measure your flour properly—too much can make the biscuits dense.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
Personal Tip: Don’t overmix the dough. You want to stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together to avoid tough biscuits.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds.
Personal Tip: Use a sharp biscuit cutter and press straight down without twisting to ensure the biscuits rise evenly.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Personal Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Prepare the Sausage Gravy:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
Personal Tip: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop a deep, savory flavor. Take your time with this step; it really makes a difference in the taste.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken the gravy.
Personal Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning the flour, which can give the gravy a bitter taste.
Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Personal Tip: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
Top the biscuits with sausage gravy and serve warm.
Personal Tip: Serve the biscuits fresh out of the oven, topped with the warm, creamy gravy. If you have extra, store them separately and reheat just before serving to keep everything tasting fresh.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories, 550 | Protein, 20g | Carbohydrates, 40g | Fiber, 2g | Net Carbohydrates, 38g | Fat, 35g | Saturated Fat, 15g | Cholesterol, 100mg | Sodium, 1000mg | Sugars, 5g | Glycemic Index, Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:
- Using Cold Butter: The key to fluffy biscuits is using cold butter. This creates steam during baking, which helps the biscuits rise and become light and airy.
- Homemade Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Consistent Biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter for evenly sized biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure they rise evenly.
- Gravy Variations: For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk in the gravy. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Freezing Biscuits: Make a double batch of biscuits and freeze the extras. Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Using Leftover Gravy: Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to thin if necessary.
- Bulk Buying: Purchase flour, butter, and sausage in bulk to save money. These items have a long shelf life and are used in many recipes.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the flour mixture for extra flavor in the biscuits.
- Reducing Waste: Use any leftover sausage in breakfast burritos, casseroles, or soups. It adds a flavorful and protein-rich element to many dishes.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Look for sales and discounts on baking supplies. Using store-brand ingredients can cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Why This Dish Brings Back Memories
Biscuits and gravy have a way of turning an ordinary morning into something truly special. I think it’s got to do with the aroma and the process. For me, it's the kind of dish that brings comfort no matter the season. I love how the simple act of making these biscuits—measuring the flour, cutting in the butter, and watching them rise in the oven—feels like a nod to the past. But it's not just about the nostalgia; it's about the present, too. There’s something magical about sitting down to a warm, hearty breakfast with those you care about. It's the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy good company. Whether it's a quiet weekend morning or a bustling family gathering, biscuits and gravy always seem to set the right tone—cozy, welcoming, and full of love.