Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice)
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (preferably a loose variety)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it comes together (about 5-6 times). Pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- Cut out biscuits using a floured biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy
- While the biscuits are baking, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If it gets too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Step 3: Serve
- Split the biscuits in half and place them on plates.
- Generously ladle the sausage gravy over the biscuits.
- Serve with scrambled eggs on the side for a complete breakfast.
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast:
- Gravy Consistency: If you prefer thicker gravy, use less milk. For a thinner gravy, add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Biscuits: For flaky biscuits, make sure to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Additions: Feel free to add sautéed onions or peppers to the sausage gravy for extra flavor.
Enjoy!
This meal is sure to be a hit, and while it might not win any beauty contests, the comforting flavors and warmth of Southern cooking make it a favorite. And as you said, who cares what the cardiologist thinks? Enjoy every bite!