Start your day on a delightful note with our Biscuit & Gravy Casserole, a comforting fusion of flaky biscuits and savory sausage gravy that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend morning or hosting a brunch gathering, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a hearty breakfast masterpiece that will leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring effortless cleanup later.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground breakfast sausage until it’s thoroughly cooked, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, retain about 2 tablespoons of sausage grease. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the grease and whisk them together to form a roux. Cook for approximately a minute, allowing the roux to develop a rich flavor and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Gravy: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk until it thickens to the desired consistency of gravy.
- Season and Pour: Season the gravy with black pepper and salt, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated. Pour the gravy evenly over the sausage in the baking dish, creating a luscious blanket of flavor.
- Add Biscuit Pieces: Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough into individual biscuits and cut each one into quarters. Scatter the biscuit pieces over the gravy in the baking dish, distributing them evenly for a delightful texture in every bite.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the biscuits turn a glorious golden brown. If you opt for cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, irresistible finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. For a touch of freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, elevating the visual appeal of this delectable dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the Biscuit & Gravy Casserole while it’s still warm from the oven. The aroma and flavors are at their peak when served fresh.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate the presentation by garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Pair with Sides: Complement the casserole with your favorite breakfast sides such as fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs for a well-rounded morning meal.
- Reheating Instructions: If you have leftovers, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and convenient breakfast option. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover Biscuit & Gravy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Freezing Option: If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the original instructions.
- Portion Control: If you’re serving a smaller crowd or looking to manage portion sizes, consider cutting the casserole into individual servings before storing. This makes it easier to grab and reheat as needed, reducing food waste.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra cheese, spices, or even vegetables like bell peppers or onions to make it your own signature dish.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meat-free option, substitute the ground breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk for the gravy base, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a touch of heat to your casserole by incorporating spicy breakfast sausage or mixing in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also top the casserole with a drizzle of hot sauce or serve it alongside sliced fresh chili peppers for those who enjoy extra spice.
- Cheesy Delight: Take the cheesiness up a notch by mixing shredded cheddar cheese directly into the biscuit dough or sprinkling extra cheese between the layers of gravy and biscuits. Consider using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor of your casserole by incorporating fresh or dried herbs into the gravy. Experiment with herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for a savory twist. You can also sprinkle chopped herbs on top of the casserole before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Egg Addition: Amp up the protein content by adding beaten eggs to the gravy mixture before pouring it over the sausage. This creates a rich and creamy custard-like texture throughout the casserole. Alternatively, serve the casserole with fried or scrambled eggs on the side for a hearty breakfast feast.
- Sweet and Savory Fusion: For a unique flavor combination, drizzle maple syrup or honey over the biscuit pieces before baking to add a touch of sweetness to the savory dish. You can also incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon into the sausage gravy for a decadent sweet and salty contrast.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Give your casserole a Tex-Mex flair by using chorizo sausage instead of breakfast sausage and adding diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder to the gravy. Top with sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa for a festive garnish.
- Italian Inspiration: Transform the classic casserole into an Italian-inspired dish by using Italian sausage and marinara sauce instead of breakfast sausage and gravy. Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to the biscuit dough for a deliciously different flavor profile.
With these creative variations, you can customize our Biscuit & Gravy Casserole to suit your taste preferences and culinary adventurousness, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience tailored just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated dough? Yes, you can definitely use homemade biscuit dough for this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as the refrigerated dough and adjust baking time if needed.
- Is it necessary to use breakfast sausage, or can I use a different type of sausage? While breakfast sausage is traditional for this dish, you can experiment with different types of sausage such as spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage to personalize the flavor to your liking.
- Can I make the casserole ahead of time and bake it later? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake it the next day as per the recipe instructions.
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast comfort with our Biscuit & Gravy Casserole, a divine combination of hearty sausage, creamy gravy, and flaky biscuits that will enchant your taste buds with every bite. Whether enjoyed on a lazy weekend morning or shared with loved ones during a brunch gathering, this crowd-pleasing recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the comforting aroma and irresistible flavors of this breakfast delight.