Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe
If you crave the ultimate comfort food, this Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture flaky, buttery biscuits that practically melt in your mouth, lovingly topped with a rich, savory sausage gravy that’s creamy and packed with flavor. This classic Southern breakfast is perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to spoil yourself and loved ones with something satisfying and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, you only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to whip up this comforting dish. Each item plays a special role—from creating tender, fluffy biscuits to making a luscious gravy that clings perfectly to every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The building block for those soft, fluffy biscuits you’ll adore.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise beautifully for that perfect fluff.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and improves texture alongside the baking powder.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the biscuits.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates flakiness and rich buttery taste when cut into the dough.
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing): Adds tenderness and a slight tang, making the biscuits irresistibly soft.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or plant-based): The hearty, savory component that makes the gravy so comforting.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sausage gravy to creamy perfection.
- 3 cups whole milk: The creamy base for the rich sausage gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle depth to the gravy’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste): Brings a final bit of spice that wakes up the dish.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning the sausage gravy just right.
How to Make Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, so the biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this creates the foundation for your biscuits. Next, cut in the cold butter, using either a pastry cutter or your fingertips, until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this step is what gives your biscuits those flaky layers you’ll love.
Step 2: Form the Biscuit Dough
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir just until you have a shaggy dough; avoid overmixing because that can make the biscuits tough. On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds and repeat twice—this folding technique builds layers that puff up beautifully when baked. Finally, pat the dough to about one-inch thickness and cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter. Place them close together on your baking sheet to encourage soft, fluffy edges.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little extra buttermilk—this helps them brown gorgeously in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell heavenly. While your biscuits are baking, it’s the perfect time to start on the sausage gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Sausage Base
In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks so you end up with tasty crumbles. Once fully cooked, sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and stir it around for a couple of minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the gravy thicken up nicely later.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sausage Gravy
Gradually whisk in the whole milk into the sausage mixture. Keep stirring constantly so the gravy doesn’t stick or clump as it thickens. After 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll see the gravy achieve a creamy, smooth texture—just the right consistency for smothering. Season the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and salt to your taste. Let it simmer for another two minutes for all those flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Split the warm, fluffy biscuits and generously spoon the creamy sausage gravy over the top. Each bite is a juicy, flavorful experience that’s unbeatable for breakfast or brunch comfort food.
How to Serve Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it classic or get a little creative by topping your biscuits and gravy with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika also pairs beautifully, introducing a slight heat that complements the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or even sautéed greens for a balanced breakfast plate. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can turn it into a filling lunch or dinner option as well, making it versatile beyond just brunch time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sausage gravy over mini biscuit sliders with an egg and cheese layer for a fun twist, or use the biscuits to make a breakfast sandwich stack. Another idea is to bake the biscuits in a muffin tin for uniform shapes that are perfect for individual servings at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits and gravy can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Biscuits will keep well for up to 3 days, and the sausage gravy tastes just as delicious if reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the biscuits in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. The sausage gravy can also be frozen, though you might notice slight separation; just whisk well when reheating to bring it back to creamy goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, warm the biscuits in the oven or toaster oven to restore their flakiness, and reheat the sausage gravy slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This prevents scorching and keeps the texture silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a plant-based sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Plant-based sausages work wonderfully in this recipe and will still deliver that hearty, savory flavor that complements the creamy gravy.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make the biscuits dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a cold dairy-free margarine and replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar to maintain tenderness and flavor.
How thick should the sausage gravy be?
Ideally, the gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable so it can generously smother the biscuits without being too runny or too stiff.
Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sausage gravy a day ahead and gently reheat it before serving. Stir occasionally while warming to keep the texture creamy and smooth.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. It’s simple, satisfying, and soul-warming—a dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends anytime you want to bring a little Southern comfort to your table. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every cozy bite!
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Fluffy Southern Biscuits Smothered in Creamy Sausage Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A classic Southern breakfast featuring fluffy, homemade biscuits baked to golden perfection and generously smothered in creamy, savory sausage gravy seasoned with garlic, onion, and black pepper.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
For the Sausage Gravy
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring pockets of butter for flaky biscuits.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until a shaggy dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep biscuits tender.
- Fold the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle, fold it into thirds, and repeat this folding process twice to create flaky layers.
- Shape Biscuits: Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Place the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet for soft sides.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little buttermilk for browning, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and risen.
- Brown Sausage: While biscuits bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
- Add Flour to Sausage: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and start the gravy base.
- Make Gravy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sausage gravy, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season Gravy: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Let the gravy simmer for 2 more minutes to develop flavors.
- Serve: Split the warm biscuits in half and generously smother each with creamy sausage gravy. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Keep the butter and buttermilk cold for the flakiest biscuits.
- Do not overmix the biscuit dough to avoid tough final texture.
- Placing biscuits close together on the baking sheet results in softer sides.
- You can use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy to your preferred taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftover biscuits and gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American