Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe

Biscuits and gravy casserole is the ultimate comfort food that takes the classic breakfast dish to a new level. Imagine soft, flaky biscuits baked in a creamy sausage gravy, topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection. This dish is special because it combines two beloved breakfast staples biscuits and gravy into a hearty, one-pan casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. In this article, you’ll learn how to make biscuits and gravy casserole from scratch, with tips on how to customize it and make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistible about biscuits and gravy, but transforming this classic dish into a casserole makes it even better. The beauty of biscuits and gravy casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a one-pan dish, making it easy to prepare and clean up. The creamy sausage gravy is the star, enveloping the fluffy biscuits and making every bite indulgent and comforting.

What sets this casserole apart is the ease of preparation. Unlike traditional biscuits and gravy, where the gravy and biscuits are served separately, this casserole allows everything to bake together, infusing the biscuits with the savory flavors of the gravy. Plus, the addition of cheese on top adds a creamy, melty layer that takes the dish to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or looking for a hearty breakfast for a busy family, this casserole is sure to please.

Recipe Details

Biscuits and gravy casserole takes all the elements of a traditional biscuits and gravy meal and bakes them into a warm, satisfying dish. The base of the casserole is made up of fluffy biscuits, which are cut into pieces and layered in a baking dish. The sausage gravy, made from breakfast sausage, milk, and seasonings, is poured over the biscuits and allowed to soak in. The casserole is then baked until the biscuits are golden brown, the gravy is bubbling, and the cheese has melted perfectly on top.

This dish is versatile, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. You can use pork sausage for the gravy, or switch it up with turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Adding extra seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, can also elevate the flavor of the gravy. Some people enjoy adding extra ingredients, like sautéed onions or bell peppers, to the casserole for added texture and flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and you can easily make it ahead of time. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or a holiday brunch where you don’t want to spend the entire morning in the kitchen. The casserole can also be made the night before and baked in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Nutritional Information

Biscuits and gravy casserole is a rich and indulgent dish, packed with calories and fat. A single serving contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. The breakfast sausage provides a good amount of protein and fat, while the biscuits and gravy contribute carbohydrates and additional fat. The cheese adds both flavor and richness to the casserole.

Although this dish is hearty and filling, you can make it a little lighter by using lean sausage or even turkey sausage. You can also swap out the regular cheese for a lower-fat version or skip the cheese altogether if you want to reduce the calorie count. For a healthier version of this casserole, try using whole wheat biscuits or adding more vegetables to the gravy, like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

For Customization:

• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup sautéed onions (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional, for extra crunch)

These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful casserole. The biscuits provide the base of the dish, soaking up the savory sausage gravy. The sausage gravy is made with simple ingredients like milk, flour, and seasonings, and it’s thickened to a creamy consistency. The cheese adds richness and melts beautifully over the casserole. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the dish your own!

Equipment Needed

To prepare biscuits and gravy casserole, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish (for assembling the casserole)
• A skillet for cooking the sausage and making the gravy
• A spatula for stirring
• A whisk (for mixing the flour into the gravy)
• A knife (for chopping the biscuits and optional vegetables)

A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this casserole, as it allows enough space for the biscuits to bake and the gravy to spread evenly. A skillet is essential for cooking the sausage and making the gravy, while a spatula helps stir and ensure the sausage is browned properly. The whisk is used to incorporate the flour into the milk, creating the thick and creamy consistency for the gravy. A sharp knife helps slice the biscuits and any vegetables you may want to add.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Use Fresh Biscuits: For the best texture, use fresh, refrigerated biscuit dough. Pre-baked biscuits won’t absorb the gravy as well, resulting in a less flavorful casserole.
2. Cook the Sausage Well: Ensure that the sausage is cooked through and browned before adding the milk. This helps release the flavors and creates a rich, flavorful gravy.
3. Thicken the Gravy Properly: Be sure to cook the flour for a minute or two before adding the milk. This will prevent the gravy from being too thin and help it thicken to the right consistency.
4. Customize the Gravy: Add extra seasonings or spice up the gravy with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs. If you like your gravy extra creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream instead of all milk.
5. Don’t Skip the Cheese: Topping the casserole with shredded cheese adds a nice melty layer on top and makes the dish even more indulgent. You can use any cheese you like—cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great options.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange the biscuit pieces in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine. Slowly add the milk while continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sausage gravy over the biscuit pieces in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the biscuits are fully covered. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the biscuits are golden brown.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm, topped with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Use a plant-based sausage for the gravy and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to make the casserole hearty and vegetarian-friendly.
2. Spicy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Add extra heat to the gravy by stirring in some hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or using a spicy sausage blend. You can also top the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking.
3. Cheesy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: For an extra indulgent dish, add a layer of shredded cheese between the biscuits and gravy or on top of the casserole. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both.
4. Bacon Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: For a smoky twist, add cooked bacon bits to the gravy or sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking. Bacon adds crunch and extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

This biscuits and gravy casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. If you want to make the casserole ahead of time, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

This biscuits and gravy casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like fresh fruit, crispy hash browns, or a light salad. For a more indulgent meal, serve it with scrambled eggs or a side of sautéed greens. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
2. Can I use frozen biscuits?
   Yes, you can use frozen biscuits instead of refrigerated dough. Just make sure to thaw and cut them into quarters before using.
3. How can I make the casserole spicier?
   Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy sausage to the gravy to give it an extra kick.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even bacon for the gravy.
5. How can I make the gravy thicker?
   If the gravy is too thin, cook it a little longer or add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it.

Conclusion

Biscuits and gravy casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Its rich flavors and simple ingredients make it an easy, satisfying choice for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With a few customizable variations, this casserole can be made to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or vegetarian. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a breakfast favorite that’s always worth making!

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