Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: the ultimate comfort food reimagined! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of golden-brown biscuits nestled in a creamy, savory gravy, all baked to bubbly perfection. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a dish that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Biscuits and gravy, in its classic form, has deep roots in the American South, born out of necessity and ingenuity. It was a hearty, affordable meal that fueled hardworking families. Over time, it evolved from a simple staple to a beloved culinary tradition, passed down through generations. Now, we’re taking that tradition and giving it a modern twist with this easy-to-make casserole.

What makes Biscuits and Gravy Casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The fluffy, slightly sweet biscuits provide a delightful contrast to the rich, peppery gravy. It’s also incredibly convenient. Forget standing over the stove flipping biscuits and stirring gravy separately. This casserole allows you to prepare everything in one dish, freeing up your time and making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a brunch with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Get ready to experience the magic of biscuits and gravy in a whole new way!

Ingredients:

• For the Biscuits:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• For the Sausage Gravy:
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer spicy!)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• For the Casserole Assembly:
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for greasing the dish
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
• Optional: Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Making the Biscuits:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best rise!
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter – these are what create flaky layers!
3. Add the Buttermilk: Gradually add the cold buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
4. Turn Out and Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, then pat it back into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Repeat this folding process 3-4 times. This creates even more layers!
5. Cut Out the Biscuits: Using a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
6. Chill the Biscuits (Important!): Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the biscuits from spreading too much during baking. You can even chill them overnight for an even better result!

Making the Sausage Gravy:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a paper towel to soak up the extra grease.
2. Make a Roux: Add the butter to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
3. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until all the milk is incorporated and the gravy is smooth.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season to Taste: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the sausage is already seasoned, so you may not need much salt.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the melted butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes it easier to serve.
3. Arrange the Biscuits: Arrange the chilled biscuits in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. They can be close together, but try not to overlap them too much.
4. Pour on the Gravy: Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the biscuits, making sure to cover them completely.
5. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the gravy.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is bubbly.
7. Let Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy! This casserole is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the Butter Cold: This is crucial for flaky biscuits. Cold butter creates steam as it bakes, which separates the layers of dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Cold Buttermilk: Just like the butter, cold buttermilk helps keep the dough cold and prevents the gluten from developing too much.
• Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Customize the Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the gravy, such as mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. You can also use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
• Make Ahead: You can make the biscuits and gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for the gravy.
• Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of sausage. You can also add some chopped celery and carrots to the gravy for extra flavor.
• Spicy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Add more red pepper flakes to the gravy or use a spicy sausage. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the casserole.
• Cheesy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Add more cheese to the casserole, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack. You can also add some cheese to the biscuit dough.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve scrolled this far because something about this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole whispered sweet nothings of comfort food into your soul. And I’m here to tell you, it’s even better than it sounds! This isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a warm, hug-in-a-dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, potlucks, or even a surprisingly satisfying weeknight dinner. The flaky, buttery biscuits nestled amongst the creamy, savory gravy are a match made in culinary heaven, and the ease of preparation makes it a total winner in my book.

Why This Casserole is a Must-Try

Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s quick to assemble, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). The beauty of this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole lies in its simplicity. It’s a classic dish reimagined for modern life, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Forget standing over a hot stove flipping individual biscuits – this casserole bakes everything together in one glorious pan, freeing you up to enjoy your morning coffee or spend quality time with loved ones. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or use a spicy sausage. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the biscuits before baking for an extra layer of gooey goodness. Want to sneak in some veggies? Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the gravy. For a truly decadent experience, try adding a layer of crispy bacon crumbles between the biscuits and the gravy. You could even top it with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy masterpiece! Serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even some crispy hash browns for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I truly believe this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, and simply makes you feel good. It’s the perfect embodiment of comfort food, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed! I’m confident that this recipe will be a hit with your family and friends. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how much you enjoyed this delicious and easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Happy cooking!

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