Why You’ll Love these Southern Biscuits & Gravy
If you’ve never tried transforming the classic Southern combo of biscuits and gravy into a hearty casserole, you’re in for a treat. This dish takes everything you love about traditional biscuits and gravy and turns it into a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead masterpiece.
I’m obsessed with how the fluffy biscuits soak up that rich, savory gravy while the sausage adds the perfect hint of spice. Can you imagine a better weekend breakfast? The melted cheese creates an irresistible pull when you serve it, and those crispy biscuit edges provide wonderful texture contrast. Trust me, this casserole version makes serving a group so much simpler than making individual plates. Plus, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. No standing over the stove stirring gravy while everything else gets cold.
What Ingredients are in Southern Biscuits & Gravy?
Southern biscuits and gravy casserole combines all the classic flavors of the beloved breakfast dish into one convenient, crowd-pleasing baked creation. This hearty casserole transforms traditional biscuits and gravy into a layered delight that’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or when you need to feed a hungry crowd. The rich, savory gravy, fluffy biscuits, and melty cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience.
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters for this classic Southern dish. Look for a good-quality pork sausage—the kind with a bit of spice works wonderfully to flavor the entire casserole. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly. And don’t skimp on the beef base—it adds tremendous depth to the gravy that ordinary bouillon cubes just can’t match. You might also consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat in your morning meal.
- 1 can (16 1/3 ounce) jumbo biscuits
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Colby-Jack works great)
- Sausage drippings (reserved from cooking)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons beef base
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make these Southern Biscuits & Gravy
To start this comforting casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F and butter or spray a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of pork sausage over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s thoroughly cooked. Drain the sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease, but save those flavorful drippings in the pan—they’re liquid gold for your gravy. If you enjoy breakfast variety, consider getting a premium waffle maker to complement your Southern breakfast spread on special occasions.
Now for the star of the show—that luscious, creamy gravy. To the drippings in your skillet, add 1/4 cup of butter and 4 tablespoons of flour, creating a roux that will thicken your gravy beautifully. Slowly pour in 2 1/2 cups of milk while whisking constantly over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens to a gorgeous gravy consistency. Stir in 2 tablespoons of beef base and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, cut the can of jumbo biscuits (16 1/3 ounces) into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer on the cooked sausage crumbles, 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion, and sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the top. The final touch is to whisk together 8 large eggs and pour them over the assembled casserole before baking until golden and bubbly.
Southern Biscuits & Gravy Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Southern biscuits and gravy casserole has its classic charm, you’ll love how versatile this recipe can be with a few simple swaps. Don’t have pork sausage? Turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based crumbles—just add extra seasonings like sage and thyme to boost flavor.
The cheese is another playground for creativity. Sharp cheddar adds tang, while pepper jack brings a spicy kick. Feeling fancy? Try Gruyère for nutty depth.
For the biscuits, you can use homemade instead of canned (who doesn’t love that fresh-baked taste?), or swap in sweet potato biscuits for a Southern twist. Dairy-free? Unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter make a surprisingly creamy gravy that nobody will question.
What to Serve with Southern Biscuits & Gravy
Although this hearty casserole stands perfectly well on its own, I’m a firm believer that the right side dishes can elevate your Southern biscuits and gravy from simply satisfying to absolutely memorable.
Fresh fruit makes a perfect counterpoint to the richness—think juicy berries or citrus segments. A light green salad with vinaigrette cuts through all that delicious creaminess, giving your palate a welcome break between bites.
Want something warm? Crispy hash browns or home fries complement the soft texture of the casserole beautifully.
For beverages, strong coffee is non-negotiable in my book, but sweet tea is equally appropriate for true Southern style. And if you’re serving this for brunch, why not add a mimosa or Bloody Mary? Balance is everything.
Final Thoughts
My obsession with this Southern Biscuits & Gravy Casserole runs deep, y’all. There’s something magical about the way those jumbo biscuits soak up all that savory sausage gravy, creating little pockets of breakfast heaven in every bite. Can you think of a more comforting way to start your day?
This recipe transforms a classic diner breakfast into a sharable centerpiece that’ll have everyone lingering around the table just a bit longer. The beauty lies in its versatility—make it ahead for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights when cooking ambition runs low but hunger runs high. Trust me, once this casserole becomes part of your cooking repertoire, your reputation as the breakfast MVP will be sealed forever.
