Few dishes evoke Southern comfort quite like the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe – A Southern classic. Known for its creamy, peppery gravy and buttery, flaky biscuits, this breakfast staple has long been a favorite across the Southern United States.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner (brinner), this hearty, budget-friendly dish is easy to make and impossible to forget. You’ll find it at home tables, diners, and brunch buffets alike.
Want to understand the magic of sausage? The National Sausage and Hot Dog Council offers a deep dive into types of sausage, flavor profiles, and pairings that help bring this dish to life.
To fully appreciate this dish’s Southern roots, the Southern Foodways Alliance provides stories and oral histories that give context to how this dish became a Southern classic.
🧾 History of the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe – A Southern Classic
The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe – A Southern classic has its roots in the Appalachian region after the Civil War. With limited ingredients and lots of mouths to feed, cooks turned to milk, flour, sausage drippings, and baking powder biscuits to create a simple yet satisfying meal.
Unlike many modern dishes, this one wasn’t born in restaurants. It was created in working-class kitchens, and over time, it evolved into a brunch favorite — still deeply tied to its humble, rustic origins.
🧂 Ingredients for Southern-Style Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
You only need a handful of pantry staples to master this Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe – A Southern classic.
- 1 lb ground country sausage (avoid Italian sausage)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3½ cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 homemade or store-bought buttermilk biscuits
Looking for something to serve on the side? Consider pairing with these classic beef and eggs with toast and hash browns for a full Southern breakfast spread.
🍳 How to Make the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe – A Southern Classic
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Cook the ground sausage in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Break it into crumbles and cook until no pink remains. Don’t drain the grease — it adds richness to the gravy.
Step 2: Build the Roux
Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the flour until combined with the fat, forming a smooth roux.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and continue stirring until it thickens.
Step 4: Season the Gravy
Add pepper, sage, and optional red pepper flakes for a kick. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Split your biscuits in half and ladle the hot sausage gravy over top.
Need a cozy dinner dish to round out your week? Pair this with homemade turkey pot pie for a full comfort-food feast.
🔥 Pro Tips for Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Success
- Use full-fat milk for the creamiest gravy.
- Don’t over-thicken. If needed, add a splash of milk to adjust.
- Avoid spicy or Italian sausage, which clashes with the gravy’s mild flavors.
Looking for additional morning favorites? Check out our best breakfast recipes for more ideas that pair perfectly with Southern classics.
🍽️ What to Serve with Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe – A Southern classic is versatile enough to pair with:
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Fried green tomatoes
- Hash browns
- Fresh fruit or yogurt
- Coffee or sweet iced tea
For a gourmet twist, pair it with this fennel and potato gratin for a rich and creamy side.
🥡 How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if too thick.
- Biscuits can be wrapped in foil and toasted for best results.
🧑🍳 Variations on the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe – A Southern Classic
- Spicy Version: Use hot sausage and double the red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms instead of sausage.
- Make-Ahead Casserole: Layer biscuit dough, sausage, and gravy in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
❓ FAQs About Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Can homemade sausage gravy be made ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a day early and reheat with a little milk to refresh the texture.
What’s the difference between sausage gravy and country gravy?
Country gravy contains no meat, while sausage gravy is meat-based.
What goes with biscuits and sausage gravy?
Try fried eggs, hash browns, or fruit salad.
Can I freeze sausage gravy?
Absolutely. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stove while stirring.
How do you thicken sausage gravy?
Simmer longer or add more flour during the roux stage.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why This Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe is a Southern Classic
The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe – A Southern classic is more than just a breakfast dish — it’s a symbol of heritage, hospitality, and hearty eating. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s easy to see why this recipe has stood the test of time.
So whether you’re new to Southern cooking or revisiting your roots, give this classic dish a place at your table.
🥣 Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb ground country sausage not Italian
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3½ cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Pinch of salt to taste
For the Biscuits:
- 12 buttermilk biscuits homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Brown the sausageIn a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Do not drain all the grease for best flavor.Add butter and flourStir in butter and allow it to melt. Add the flour and mix well into the sausage to form a roux.Pour in milkGradually add the milk while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.Season the gravyStir in black pepper, sage, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (5–10 minutes).ServeSplit biscuits in half and spoon sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thinner gravy, add more milk as needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne or swap sage for thyme for a flavor twist.
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