Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is a classic comfort food that brings the warmth and hospitality of the South to your breakfast table. This hearty dish combines flaky biscuits with rich, savory sausage gravy, creating a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special weekend breakfast or just craving a taste of Southern cuisine, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make perfect Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits from scratch.
Ingredients
For the gravy:
- 1 lb Breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4-5 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or shortening (optional, if needed)
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup Crisco
Instructions
Making the Sausage Gravy
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning 1 lb of breakfast sausage in a pan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures that the sausage is evenly cooked and well-distributed in the gravy.
Step 2: Add Fat if Necessary
Once the sausage is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Check the pan to see if there is enough fat from the sausage. If the sausage is lean and there isn’t much fat, add a tablespoon or two of butter or shortening to the pan. This fat is necessary to create the roux, which will thicken the gravy.
Step 3: Add Flour and Cook
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked sausage and fat. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps to develop the flavor of the gravy.
Step 4: Add Milk Gradually
Slowly add whole milk to the sausage and flour mixture, about a cup at a time. Stir well after each addition to ensure that the milk is fully incorporated and the gravy is smooth. As the mixture begins to thicken, continue to add more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Typically, you will need between 4-5 cups of milk.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the gravy has reached the desired thickness, taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the sausage already contains some salt, so taste before adding too much.
Making the Biscuits
Step 1: Mix Buttermilk and Shortening
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of buttermilk and ¼ cup of Crisco. Mix together well until the shortening is fully incorporated into the buttermilk.
Step 2: Add Flour
Add 2 cups of self-rising flour to the bowl. Gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing the dough can result in dense biscuits, so mix just until the flour is incorporated.
Step 3: Fold the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently fold the dough over itself 2-3 times to create layers. This step helps to create flaky layers in the biscuits.
Step 4: Cut the Biscuits
Using a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into rounds. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can use a glass or a cup. Place the biscuit rounds onto a greased Blackstone or a baking sheet.
Step 5: Cook the Biscuits
Place the biscuits on a Blackstone griddle set to low heat. Cook the biscuits for 2-3 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Flip the biscuits and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. When the biscuits are nicely browned and cooked through, remove them from the griddle and wrap them in a towel to keep warm.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place the warm biscuits on a plate and ladle the hot sausage gravy over them. The combination of the flaky biscuits and creamy, savory gravy is simply irresistible. Enjoy this Southern classic with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea for a true taste of the South.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Use Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is a key component of this dish, so use a high-quality breakfast sausage for the best results.
- Don’t Skimp on the Fat: The fat from the sausage (and additional butter or shortening if needed) is essential for creating a rich and creamy gravy.
- Gradually Add Milk: Adding the milk gradually and stirring well helps to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Avoid Overmixing the Biscuit Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense biscuits. Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated.
- Fold the Dough: Folding the dough helps to create layers, resulting in flaky biscuits.
Variations
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: For a spicier version, use a hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Biscuits: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, into the biscuit dough for added flavor.
Conclusion
Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is a beloved dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking. With its rich, creamy gravy and tender, flaky biscuits, it’s a meal that brings joy to any breakfast table. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a delicious and satisfying breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the South with this classic comfort food.
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Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits: A Classic Comfort Food
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is a classic comfort food breakfast dish popular in the Southern United States. This hearty meal features flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, this dish is sure to satisfy and warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg