Why You’ll Love these Southern Biscuits & Gravy
If you’ve ever craved the ultimate comfort food mashup, this Southern Biscuits & Gravy Casserole will absolutely make your heart sing. I’m talking about flaky, buttery biscuits layered with savory sausage, melty cheese, and rich homemade gravy—all in one magnificent dish.
What makes this recipe special? The convenience, for starters. While traditional biscuits and gravy require you to multitask, this casserole brings everything together in one pan. The contrast of textures is divine: soft biscuits soaking up that peppery gravy, with pockets of browned sausage and sweet onions throughout.
Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd on weekend mornings, or, let’s be honest, those nights when breakfast-for-dinner sounds like the only reasonable solution to life’s problems.
What Ingredients are in Southern Biscuits & Gravy?
Southern biscuits and gravy is pure comfort food—the kind that wraps you in a warm hug and makes everything feel right with the world. This casserole version takes all those traditional flavors and transforms them into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. The ingredients are simple, familiar items you might already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
- 1 (16 1/3 ounce) can jumbo biscuits
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups shredded cheese (such as Colby-Jack)
- Sausage drippings (from cooking the sausage)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons beef base
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the sausage and cheese. A good breakfast sausage will provide the signature flavor for your gravy, so choose one you really enjoy. The beef base adds depth to the gravy, but if you can’t find it, you could substitute bouillon. And while the recipe calls for Colby-Jack cheese, feel free to experiment with other melty varieties like cheddar or a Mexican blend. The beauty of this casserole is its flexibility—you can adjust the seasonings and components to suit your family’s preferences.
How to Make these Southern Biscuits & Gravy
To start this comforting casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 13×9-inch glass baking dish—this little bit of prep saves you from scrambling later. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of pork sausage over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s thoroughly cooked. The sizzle and aroma of cooking sausage might just be the best part of the morning, don’t you think?
Once browned, drain the sausage on paper towels but—and this is indispensable—keep those flavorful drippings in the pan.
Now comes the gravy magic. To those precious drippings, add 4 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 cup of butter, then slowly pour in 2 1/2 cups of milk while whisking continuously. This constant motion prevents lumps and creates that silky-smooth texture we’re after. For best results, use a professional stainless steel skillet that distributes heat evenly and provides excellent temperature control. Once the mixture thickens, stir in 2 tablespoons of beef base and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, cut one 16 1/3-ounce can of jumbo biscuits into 1-inch pieces and arrange them in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage over the biscuits, followed by 1/2 cup of finely chopped sweet onion, and sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese) over everything. The layers in this dish are like a cozy blanket, each one adding comfort to the final result.
Southern Biscuits & Gravy Substitutions and Variations
Several delicious variations of this hearty casserole can transform your breakfast or brunch table in an instant. I’m a firm believer that recipes are just guidelines, meant to be tweaked to your taste.
Don’t have pork sausage? Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage crumbles and vegetable broth for the beef base. Feeling extra indulgent? Try adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham alongside the sausage.
For the cheese, any good melting variety will do—cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss can replace the Colby-Jack. And those biscuits? While jumbo canned ones are convenient, homemade drop biscuits or even torn croissants make for an interesting twist. Who doesn’t love a good breakfast makeover?
What to Serve with Southern Biscuits & Gravy
Wondering what accompaniments can elevate your biscuits and gravy casserole from merely delicious to absolutely memorable? I’m a firm believer that the right side dishes create a complete Southern breakfast experience.
Fresh fruit provides a welcome bright contrast—think juicy berries or sliced melon to cut through the richness. Crispy hash browns or home fries offer textural diversity that makes each bite more interesting. And don’t overlook something green—sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus can balance the meal’s decadence while making you feel slightly virtuous.
For beverage pairings, strong black coffee is non-negotiable in my book. Though if you’re hosting brunch, a spicy Bloody Mary or mimosa transforms this hearty comfort food into a proper weekend celebration.
Final Thoughts
Nostalgia often brings us back to the comfort foods that defined our childhoods, and this Southern Biscuits & Gravy Casserole stands proudly among those treasured recipes. There’s something magical about transforming a classic breakfast into a hearty casserole that feeds the whole family.
Don’t you love how the layers meld together—tender biscuits, savory sausage, and that rich, peppery gravy?
I’m convinced this dish works for any occasion, from lazy Sunday brunches to holiday gatherings. The beauty lies in its simplicity, yet the flavors are anything but simple. Make it your own with hot sausage for a kick, or add some bell peppers for color. Whatever tweaks you make, the essence remains—pure, unadulterated comfort in every bite. Southern cooking at its finest, y’all.
