Southern Biscuits and Gravy

Southern Biscuits and Gravy: A Hearty and Comforting Breakfast Classic

Southern biscuits and gravy are the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy morning. This dish consists of soft, flaky biscuits smothered in rich, savory sausage gravy. It’s a classic Southern breakfast that has been loved for generations, and for good reason! Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, biscuits and gravy are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish, including advanced techniques, storage tips, and more.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Southern biscuits and gravy from scratch is simple and requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s how to make this classic dish:

Ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk (add a little more if needed)

For the Gravy:

1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Instructions:

For the Biscuits:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add the Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Form and Bake Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Gravy:

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, crumble and cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Make the Roux: Once the sausage is browned, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well to combine. Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve: Split the warm biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

To take your Southern biscuits and gravy to the next level, try these advanced tips:

1. Use Buttermilk for Fluffy Biscuits:

For the best biscuits, always use buttermilk. Its acidity helps activate the baking soda and baking powder, creating a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

2. Add Herbs to the Biscuits:

For extra flavor in your biscuits, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dough. These herbs pair well with the sausage gravy and add a subtle depth of flavor.

3. Customize the Sausage Gravy:

For a more flavorful sausage gravy, experiment with adding sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the sausage while it cooks. You can also add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist.

4. Make Gravy with Sausage Drippings:

For a more traditional Southern flavor, make your gravy using the sausage drippings instead of butter. The sausage fat adds a rich, savory depth that will enhance the flavor of the gravy.

5. Add Cheese to the Gravy:

For a cheesy sausage gravy, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese once the gravy has thickened. This will give your gravy a creamy, cheesy texture and add an extra layer of flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Southern biscuits and gravy are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Here’s how to store and reheat the dish:

How to Store:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the biscuits and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing. Keep the gravy and biscuits separate to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The gravy will keep for 2-3 days, and the biscuits will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the sausage gravy and biscuits separately. For the gravy, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Biscuits can be frozen by wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat the gravy, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to adjust the consistency. Reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to get them back to their original texture. You can also microwave individual portions of the gravy and biscuits, but be mindful not to overheat them.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you need to make dietary adaptations for Southern biscuits and gravy, there are plenty of options to make it suit your needs:

1. Gluten-Free Version:

To make gluten-free biscuits, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure your flour blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. You can also use cornstarch as a thickening agent in the gravy instead of flour.

2. Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk for the gravy. Coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor to the gravy.

3. Leaner Version:

To make a leaner version of this dish, opt for turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage. You can also reduce the amount of butter used for the biscuits or swap it out for a healthier fat, like olive oil or coconut oil.

4. Vegan Version:

For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage and non-dairy butter and milk. You can also use flaxseed meal or chia seeds as a binder in the biscuit dough instead of butter.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I make biscuits and gravy ahead of time?

You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the biscuits are best made fresh. You can make the biscuits ahead of time and freeze them, then reheat them before serving.

2. Why are my biscuits tough?

Biscuits become tough when they are overworked. Be sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your biscuits will be.

3. Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?

Yes! Both biscuits and gravy can be frozen separately. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing and store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, reheat them gently to maintain their texture.

4. Can I make this recipe without sausage?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by using plant-based sausage or substituting the sausage with mushrooms or lentils for a similar texture. The gravy can also be made without sausage, using just milk and seasonings.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Southern biscuits and gravy are the ultimate comfort food—flaky, buttery biscuits topped with a savory, creamy sausage gravy. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering a filling and flavorful start to your day. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this Southern classic at home, and customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking to make it healthier or experiment with new flavors, biscuits and gravy will always remain a timeless favorite.

Southern Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic