If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty breakfast dish that combines the best of all breakfast worlds, look no further than this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. With fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, creamy gravy, and melted cheese all baked together, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and ready to start the day.
Ingredients:
- 8-count package refrigerated biscuit dough (use large biscuits, such as Grands)
- 1 pound bulk sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (2 3/4-ounce) package peppered gravy mix (makes 2 cups)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until completely browned. Drain off the fat and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and spread them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the cooked sausage over the biscuit pieces, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage.
- Mix the Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper to taste, then pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Prepare the Gravy: Prepare the gravy according to the package instructions. Pour the prepared gravy over the entire casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it is puffed up and golden brown on top.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes to set before slicing and serving.
- Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a side of hash browns for a complete breakfast feast.
- Portion Control: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into even portions. A serving size of about 2-inch squares works well for most appetites.
- Toppings: Consider topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which may take about 30-40 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it according to the instructions. This makes it an excellent option for busy mornings or when hosting guests.
Variations:
- Herb Addition: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the egg mixture for added flavor.
- Bacon and Sausage: Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sausage for an extra savory treat.
- Bacon and Sausage Combo: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon with the sausage for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Southwestern Style: Add a can of drained diced green chilies and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy Southwestern twist. You can also add some black beans and corn for extra heartiness.
- Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and a blend of Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) to the sausage while it cooks for a savory garlic herb flavor.
- Veggie Delight: Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Cheddar and Broccoli: Add small broccoli florets along with shredded cheddar cheese for a classic cheddar and broccoli combination.
- Sausage Gravy: Replace the peppered gravy mix with homemade sausage gravy for a richer and more personalized touch.
- Maple Sausage: Use maple-flavored sausage for a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the dish.
- Cajun Style: Season the sausage with Cajun seasoning and add diced tomatoes and green bell peppers for a Cajun-inspired casserole.
- Ham and Cheese: Substitute the sausage with diced ham and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a ham and cheese casserole.
- Breakfast Pizza Style: Top the casserole with a handful of crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of hot sauce after baking for a breakfast pizza flavor.
- Pesto and Mozzarella: Add dollops of pesto and use shredded mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired casserole.
- BBQ Sausage: Mix BBQ sauce with the cooked sausage and use smoked cheddar cheese for a BBQ-flavored casserole.
- Mediterranean: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Buffalo Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce instead of sausage, and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy buffalo chicken version.
- Greek Yogurt and Herbs: Replace the milk with Greek yogurt for a tangier, creamier egg mixture, and add fresh dill and chives for an herby kick.
- Chorizo and Pepper Jack: Substitute sausage with spicy chorizo and use pepper jack cheese for a Mexican-inspired version.
- Apple and Cheddar: Add small diced apples to the sausage for a sweet and savory combination, paired with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Biscuits and Gravy Pizza: Roll out the biscuit dough to form a crust-like base, then layer with sausage, cheese, and gravy, and bake as a breakfast pizza.
FAQs :
- Can I use a different type of biscuit dough? Yes, you can use any type of refrigerated biscuit dough, but large biscuits like Grands work best for this recipe.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning according to the instructions.
- Is it necessary to pre-cook the sausage? Yes, cooking the sausage beforehand ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
- How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy? Ensuring the casserole is baked until golden brown and puffed up helps prevent sogginess. Also, avoid over-mixing the egg and milk mixture.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Can I use homemade gravy? Yes, homemade gravy can be used instead of the peppered gravy mix. Just ensure you have about 2 cups of prepared gravy.
- What if I don’t have a 13×9-inch baking dish? You can use a different size baking dish, but cooking times may vary. Ensure the casserole is baked until golden brown and set in the center.
This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a delightful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With its layers of fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, creamy gravy, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a cozy weekend breakfast, or simply to enjoy a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy.
With easy make-ahead options, versatile variations, and simple storage tips, you can customize and enjoy this casserole to fit your needs. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Enjoy your meal and the compliments that are sure to follow! 🍽️✨