Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern comfort food that has been a breakfast favorite for generations. Originating in the Appalachian region, this hearty dish was designed to provide a filling and inexpensive meal for hardworking farmers. The biscuits are soft and fluffy, while the sausage gravy is rich and savory, making it the perfect combination to start the day. Over time, this dish has become a staple in Southern kitchens and a beloved part of American breakfast culture.
Tips and Tricks:
Cold Butter: For the flakiest biscuits, use very cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and handle it as little as possible to prevent it from melting. This creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in tender, flaky layers.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Gentle Kneading: When kneading the dough, do so gently and minimally. Overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits. Aim to fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers, then pat it out to the desired thickness.
Gravy Consistency: When making the gravy, stir constantly while adding the milk to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
Seasoning: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice touch of heat and flavor.
Serving: Biscuits and gravy are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them hot with a side of scrambled eggs or hash browns for a complete Southern breakfast experience.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect biscuits and gravy, bringing a taste of Southern hospitality to your breakfast table.
Fluffy homemade biscuits topped with a rich and creamy sausage gravy.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For Biscuits:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk
For Gravy:
1 lb breakfast sausage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a rectangle and cut out biscuits.
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine.
Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve gravy over biscuits.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Author:HOLMES COUNTY ADVERTISER
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine:Southern
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 biscuit with gravy
Calories:450
Sugar:3g
Sodium:800mg
Fat:30g
Saturated Fat:12g
Unsaturated Fat:15g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Fiber:1g
Protein:15g
Cholesterol:60mg
Keywords: Biscuits and Gravy, Southern Breakfast, Comfort Food