Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe

The ultimate comfort food experience starts with this Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe, a dish that brings together flaky, buttery biscuits topped with a rich, savory sausage gravy that’s perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch gathering, this classic Southern-inspired recipe hits all the right notes — from the crispy browned bits of sausage to the creamy, peppery gravy that coats every bite. Trust me, once you make this at home, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet crucial to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each one plays a unique role, from creating the biscuit’s flaky layers to adding depth to the gravy’s savory richness.

• Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: The base of this dish, providing tender, buttery layers that soak up the gravy beautifully.
• 1 pound bulk pork breakfast sausage: Choose good quality for robust flavor and those irresistible crispy bits.
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Adds richness and helps create the gravy’s silky texture.
• 1 tablespoon roasted chicken better than bouillon: Boosts the gravy’s savory, meaty taste without overpowering it.
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms the sausage and butter into luscious gravy.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped finely or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the gravy.
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage: Brings earthy warmth that complements the sausage perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle layers of flavor with a hint of floral notes.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt): Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and aroma.
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, up to 1/2 teaspoon): For those who love a gentle spicy kick in their gravy.
• 2 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy base for the gravy.
• 1-2 cups additional whole milk: Adjusts the gravy consistency to your liking, making it perfect every time.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add these if you want to amp up the heat when serving.

How to Make Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Make the Biscuits

Start by preparing your flaky buttermilk biscuits. If time is tight, feel free to use a quick drop biscuit recipe to get your biscuits on the table faster. The biscuits are the heart of this dish because their tender layers soak up the gravy just right, making every bite an absolute delight.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large, 12-inch high-sided pan over medium-high heat. Add your bulk pork sausage, spreading it out to get as much contact with the pan as possible. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve those crispy, browned bits you crave. Flip sections over and continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink. This method takes patience but yields the tastiest crispy texture that makes this gravy special.

Step 3: Lower the Heat

Once cooked through, reduce the heat to medium to prepare for adding the buttery goodness that turns this into a rich gravy.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Add in 1/2 cup butter and the roasted chicken bouillon to the pan with the sausage. Stir it all together so the butter melts, infusing the sausage with incredible flavor and creating a luscious base for your gravy.

Step 5: Add Dry Seasonings and Flour

Sprinkle in the flour, fresh parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste and let it soak up all that buttery goodness. This step thickens the gravy and builds layers of flavor you’ll savor in every spoonful.

Step 6: Slowly Add Milk

Here’s where patience truly pays off! Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk in small increments, stirring constantly. This gradual addition prevents lumps and creates that perfectly smooth and creamy sausage gravy you love. Take your time here — the texture is everything!

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

Continue adding milk a little at a time until your gravy reaches your preferred thickness. Some like it thick to pile high on biscuits, while others prefer it a bit looser for easy drizzling. Either way, you’re in charge.

Step 8: Taste and Season

Give your gravy a taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking. Add extra black pepper for a bold peppery punch, more cayenne for heat, or crushed red pepper flakes if you want to bring some serious spice.

Step 9: Simmer

Let the gravy simmer gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. This melds all the flavors and thickens the gravy just right. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it sits, so be ready to thin it out with more milk if needed.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Split your warm biscuits and spoon generous amounts of sausage gravy over them. Take those enormous, happy bites that make the whole kitchen feel like home. This is truly food for the soul.

How to Serve Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens up the plate and adds a pop of color. For heat lovers, some extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika on the gravy can make each bite exciting. A knob of butter melting on the hot biscuits never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Complement this hearty dish with light, fresh sides like a vibrant green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables. If you want to keep with the Southern comfort vibe, pair it with fried green tomatoes or crispy bacon on the side. Fresh fruit is also a welcome, sweet contrast if you’re serving this for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in miniature cast iron skillets at a brunch party for that rustic, cozy feel. You could also layer the gravy and biscuits in a casserole dish for a make-ahead breakfast bake. Or get fancy by topping the gravy with a fried egg or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese just before serving — a total game changer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store biscuits and gravy separately to keep the biscuits tender and fresh. Biscuits do well in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days or refrigerated after that. The gravy should go into a sealed container in the refrigerator and will stay good for about 4 to 5 days, although it rarely lasts that long in our house because it’s just too good.

Freezing

You can freeze the sausage gravy by placing it in a ziplock freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Biscuits freeze best when flash-frozen on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag, but they are best enjoyed within a month. Alternatively, freeze unbaked shaped biscuit dough for a convenient make-ahead treat that bakes fresh the moment you want it.

Reheating

Reheat gravy gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding milk to restore that perfect creamy consistency. Biscuits thaw at room temperature in a couple of hours and warm beautifully in the microwave, toaster oven, or a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works fine and offers a leaner option. Just remember turkey has less fat, so you might want to add a little butter to keep the gravy rich and luscious.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the biscuits?

No problem! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This brings that tangy flavor and tender texture that buttermilk provides.

How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?

The key is to add the milk slowly and keep stirring constantly as you pour. This step gives the flour time to absorb the liquid evenly and ensures a smooth, creamy gravy without any clumps.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for thickening, you can maintain the texture. Also, check your sausage and bouillon for any gluten additives.

How spicy is this sausage gravy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne and freshly cracked black pepper that adds a gentle warmth without being overpowering. You can adjust the spice to your preference by adding more cayenne or red pepper flakes when cooking or serving.

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe is like inviting a warm hug to your breakfast table. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packed with flavor that comforts and delights in every bite. If you’ve never made sausage gravy from scratch, this recipe is your best place to start — it’s easy to follow and yields restaurant-quality results. Trust me, once you’ve whipped up this classic dish yourself, it’ll become one of those treasured recipes you’ll want to share again and again with family and friends.

Print