Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: Simple and Delicious Homemade Comfort Food
Biscuits and gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast dish loved by many. This comfort food has been warming hearts and delighting taste buds for generations. With homemade biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy, it’s a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch.
Making your own biscuits from scratch might seem intimidating, but it’s simpler than you’d expect. Sausage gravy, too, can be easily prepared with a few basic ingredients, like ground sausage, flour, butter, and milk. Once you’ve whipped up these two components, all that’s left is to serve them together and enjoy the satisfying meal you’ve created. Don’t hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients – spice things up with herbs, or try a different type of sausage for a new twist on this beloved classic.
Homemade Biscuits
In this section, we will discuss how to make various types of homemade biscuits that pair perfectly with gravy. Whether you prefer buttermilk, fluffy, or canned biscuits, we have you covered.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic choice for biscuits and gravy. To make buttermilk biscuits, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking soda: ¼ teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Cold butter: 6 tablespoon
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you have coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the buttermilk until the dough comes together. Put the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead it just until the dough is no longer sticky. Roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut your biscuits. Place the biscuits on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Fluffy Biscuits
If you prefer your biscuits light and fluffy, try this recipe:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 3 teaspoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Shortening or cold butter: ¼ cup
- Milk: 1 cup
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening or cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring until the dough comes together. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out to 3/4-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut your biscuits, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake your biscuits for roughly 10-12 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
Canned Biscuits
If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of canned biscuits, they can still be a delicious option for biscuits and gravy. Simply follow the baking instructions on the can and serve them with your favorite homemade gravy recipe.
Remember that making homemade biscuits for your biscuits and gravy dish doesn’t have to be complicated, and with these recipes, you can easily make a variety of biscuits depending on your preferences.
Sausage Gravy Preparation
Homemade Sausage Gravy
To prepare your homemade sausage gravy, start by browning your choice of pork or breakfast sausage in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 10 minutes.
After your sausage is cooked, use a paper towel to blot out most of the grease from the pan. This step is crucial to avoid greasy gravy. Now it’s time to create a roux. Add some butter to the skillet and let it melt. Gradually whisk in the flour, making sure there are no lumps and creating a smooth paste.
Creamy Sausage Gravy
Now that your roux is ready, start adding milk to the skillet. Pour the milk in gradually, while continuously whisking to ensure that your mixture remains smooth. Keep cooking and stirring the gravy mix over medium-low heat until it thickens.
While your gravy simmers, season it with your preferred spices. Common ingredients include thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, take it off the heat.
There you have it – your very own homemade creamy sausage gravy, perfect for serving over fresh, warm biscuits. Enjoy your delicious meal, and remember that you can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Health Considerations
When it comes to enjoying biscuits and gravy, you might be concerned about the calories and nutritional values in this comfort food. Fear not! You can still indulge in this delicious dish while keeping your health in mind.
Low-Calorie Gravy
First, let’s take the gravy. Traditional sausage gravy can be high in fat and calories. However, you can make some simple substitutions to create a healthier version. Consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, as it is lower in fat and calories. In addition, try using milk or even almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, lower-calorie gravy.
Healthier Biscuit Options
With regards to the biscuits, there are several ways to make them healthier as well. One option is to use whole wheat or einkorn flour instead of all-purpose flour. These flours offer more fiber and nutrients, making your biscuits more wholesome. Additionally, you can use nonfat yogurt as a substitute for butter, which will reduce the overall fat content in your biscuits.
Added Flavor
Now, if you want to add a little extra flavor to your biscuits and gravy, consider using bacon grease. However, be cautious with the amount you use, as it can be high in calories and saturated fats. Just a small amount will go a long way in adding that savory flavor you love.
Comparison
Here’s a quick overview of how these changes can affect the calorie content in your biscuits and gravy:
- Traditional Biscuits and Gravy: Approximately 450-600 calories per serving
- With Turkey Sausage: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving
- With Whole Wheat or Einkorn Flour: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving
- With Nonfat Yogurt: Approximately 250-350 calories per serving
Remember, these are just general estimates and your actual calorie count may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
In conclusion, with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can still enjoy the classic taste of biscuits and gravy without compromising your health. Give these suggestions a try and relish this comfort food favorite with a healthy twist!
Helpful Tips and Tools
When making biscuits and gravy, there are some helpful tips and tools to make the process easier.
Browning the Sausage
First, when browning the sausage, make sure to cook it over medium heat. This will help to achieve a nice, even browning and the desired crumbly texture.
Biscuit Essentials
For making the biscuits, a biscuit cutter is an essential tool. It helps you create perfectly shaped biscuits every time. Before you start, preheat your oven and have a baking sheet ready to place the biscuits on. A pastry blender can help to incorporate the fats (like butter or shortening) into the dry ingredients, creating a nice crumbly texture in your biscuits.
Gravy Making
Lastly, when making the gravy, don’t forget to brown the sausage in the pan before adding the other ingredients. This adds a depth of flavor and ensures an even distribution of sausage throughout the gravy.
Following these tips and using these tools will help you achieve a delicious and satisfying biscuits and gravy dish. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the perfect additions to enhance your biscuits and gravy meal? You’ve come to the right place! Here are a few friendly suggestions to help make your breakfast experience even better – and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Classic Breakfast Items
Elevate your biscuits and gravy with classic breakfast items, like bacon and eggs. Not only do they provide extra protein, but they also add a delicious, savory touch to your meal. Don’t forget a fork to make your eating experience more enjoyable!
Beans and Greens
Pair your biscuits and gravy with staple sides like beans and greens. For a simple veggie option, try roasted asparagus or wilted spinach. These delicious veggie sides will offer extra nutrients to your breakfast.
Poached Eggs
For a fancier twist, consider adding poached eggs to the mix. The runny yolk will beautifully complement the creamy gravy and create a fantastic flavor combination.
French Toast
Want to add a sweet touch to your dish? Include some French toast alongside your biscuits and gravy to create a delicious contrast of flavors. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful breakfast duo.
Hot Sauce
Spice up your meal with a drizzle of hot sauce. A few drops will bring a new dimension of flavor to your biscuits and gravy. Plus, it’s Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget to snap a picture before digging in!
Remember, the key here is to have fun and try new combinations. Enjoy experimenting and finding the perfect accompaniments for your biscuits and gravy breakfast!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sausage gravy?
To make a delicious sausage gravy, start by browning your preferred ground sausage in a large saucepan. Once it’s cooked, use a paper towel to blot out most of the grease from the pan. Add flour and butter, stirring to combine, and then pour in milk or half & half. Cook the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens. Lastly, season your gravy with salt, pepper, and optional spices like thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes. Serve this savory gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a satisfying meal.
How do I make biscuits and gravy without sausage?
If you want to enjoy biscuits and gravy without sausage, you can create a creamy white gravy instead. In a saucepan start by melting butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until it forms a paste, and cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with any preferred herbs or spices. Serve this delightful white gravy over warm biscuits for a tasty, sausage-free version of the classic dish.
What are some authentic Southern biscuit and gravy recipes?
For a truly authentic Southern biscuit and gravy experience, you can try making cream biscuits topped with white sausage gravy. To make cream biscuits, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium bowl. Use a cheese grater to grate cold butter into the mixture, and stir until combined. Bake the biscuits in a preheated 475°F oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare your white sausage gravy by following the steps outlined in the first question. Serve your sausage gravy over the warm cream biscuits for an indulgent and comforting Southern breakfast.
Key Takeaways
- Biscuits and gravy is a comforting, classic breakfast dish made with homemade biscuits and savory sausage gravy.
- Making biscuits and gravy from scratch is easier than it may seem, with just a few essential ingredients needed.
- Experiment with different variations to find your perfect biscuits and gravy recipe and don’t forget to enjoy the delightful flavors it offers.