Introduction
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day? Look no further than the Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole. This recipe combines the classic flavors of biscuits and gravy into a convenient and mouthwatering casserole that is perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked biscuits, smothered in a rich and creamy sausage gravy. The combination of fluffy biscuits and savory gravy is a match made in breakfast heaven. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just enjoying a lazy morning at home, this casserole is sure to impress.
Biscuits and gravy have a long-standing tradition in Southern cuisine and are often associated with comfort and indulgence. This recipe takes that tradition and elevates it to a whole new level. With layers of tender biscuits, flavorful sausage, and creamy gravy, each bite is a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious breakfast on the table in no time.
Not only is this casserole quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover biscuits or sausage, making it a budget-friendly option.
Another reason to love this recipe is its sheer comfort factor. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm and hearty breakfast that fills you up and keeps you going throughout the day. This casserole delivers on that front, with its fluffy biscuits and savory gravy that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
To make this Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredient substitutions:
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the sausage with crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Roll the dough out into a rectangle that is roughly 1/2 inch thick.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
- Add the flour to the skillet with the sausage drippings and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked sausage.
- Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut the rolled-out dough into biscuits and place them in the greased baking dish. Pour the sausage gravy over the biscuits.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole turns out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is cold when adding it to the biscuit dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Handle the biscuit dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough. Overmixing or kneading too much can result in dense biscuits.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the biscuit dough.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra milk.
- For a golden brown and crispy top, brush the biscuits with melted butter before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
While this Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole is delicious as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Add shredded cheese on top of the biscuits before pouring the gravy for a cheesy twist.
- Include sautéed onions and bell peppers in the sausage gravy for added flavor.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the biscuit dough.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with some complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Scrambled eggs
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Steaming hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to bake it for a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought biscuits instead of making them from scratch?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought biscuits if you’re short on time. Simply follow the package instructions for baking and then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole is a breakfast delight that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. With its fluffy biscuits and creamy sausage gravy, it’s a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch or hosting a special occasion, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Casserole: A Hearty Breakfast Delight
A hearty and delicious breakfast casserole that combines the classic flavors of biscuits and gravy into a convenient and mouthwatering dish perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead it a few times, and roll it out to 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Remove the sausage, leaving the drippings.
- Add flour to the skillet with the drippings, whisk until smooth, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the gravy thickens.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper, then stir in the cooked sausage.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into biscuits and place them in the greased baking dish. Pour the sausage gravy over the biscuits.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
