Easy Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

by

Looking to start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal? Look no further than this easy sausage gravy and biscuits recipe. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious breakfast or brunch that will leave everyone at the table craving more. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting dish that combines flaky biscuits with creamy sausage gravy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits
  • 1 (9.6 ounce) package Jimmy Dean® Original Hearty Pork Sausage Crumbles
  • 0.25 cup flour
  • 2.5 cups milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats up, arrange the biscuits on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown, typically around 13 to 15 minutes.
  2. Cook Sausage:
    • While the biscuits bake, it’s time to prepare the sausage gravy. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Jimmy Dean® Original Hearty Pork Sausage Crumbles until they are thoroughly heated. Stir frequently, ensuring even cooking, for about 5 to 6 minutes.
  3. Thicken the Gravy:
    • Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the flour until it’s well combined with the sausage. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously as you do so. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This process typically takes a few minutes. Once the gravy reaches the desired thickness, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Season and Assemble:
    • Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir the gravy for an additional 2 minutes on medium-low heat to ensure it’s well seasoned and smooth. Now, it’s time to assemble the dish. Split the baked biscuits in half and place two halves on each of 8 plates. Generously spoon about 1/3 cup of the prepared sausage gravy over the biscuits.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories per Serving: *Calories may vary based on serving size and ingredients used

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the sausage gravy and biscuits hot straight from the oven and skillet. The warmth adds to the comforting appeal of the dish.
  2. Garnish Options: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing the dish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. These additions not only add visual appeal but also bring a pop of color and flavor.
  3. Pairing Suggestions: Consider serving this dish alongside some scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread. The savory-sweet combination is sure to please your taste buds.
  4. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gravy may thicken upon cooling, so when reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
  5. Freezing: While the biscuits can be frozen for longer storage, the gravy is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze the biscuits, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven until heated through.
  6. Meal Prep: To save time in the morning, you can prepare the sausage gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy on the stove while you bake the biscuits.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: Swap out the pork sausage for a meatless alternative such as vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms. Cook them with your favorite seasonings for a flavorful vegetarian gravy that still delivers on taste and texture.
  2. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage gravy while it simmers. This variation adds a spicy kick that pairs well with the richness of the gravy.
  3. Cheesy Twist: Take your sausage gravy to the next level by stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese just before serving. The melted cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the gravy, elevating the flavor profile.
  4. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the gravy. Try adding a sprinkle of thyme, sage, or rosemary for a fragrant and herbaceous twist that complements the savory sausage.
  5. Biscuit Alternatives: While traditional buttermilk biscuits are classic, you can switch things up by serving the sausage gravy over other base options. Consider using flaky croissants, toasted English muffins, or even crispy hash browns for a creative take on this comfort food favorite.
  6. Extra Toppings: Get creative with additional toppings to customize your dish. Crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream are all delicious additions that add layers of flavor and texture to the sausage gravy and biscuits.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your personal preferences and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions, craving extra spice, or simply looking to change things up, these variations offer endless possibilities for delicious meals.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use homemade biscuits instead of refrigerated ones?
    • Absolutely! Homemade biscuits can be a delicious alternative. Just make sure they are baked fully before serving with the sausage gravy.
  2. Is it possible to make the gravy ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.
  3. Can I freeze the sausage gravy?
    • While biscuits freeze well, sausage gravy is best enjoyed fresh due to its creamy texture. Freezing may cause the gravy to separate or change in consistency.
  4. What should I do if the gravy becomes too thick?
    • If the gravy thickens too much, simply add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  5. Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties of sausage such as spicy Italian, maple, or chicken sausage to change up the flavor profile.
  6. Is there a dairy-free alternative to milk for the gravy?
    • Yes, you can use alternative milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version of the gravy. Just be aware that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
  7. What can I serve alongside sausage gravy and biscuits?
    • This dish pairs well with a variety of breakfast sides such as scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, hash browns, or fresh fruit.
  8. How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
    • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
  9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy. Additionally, ensure the sausage crumbles and biscuits are certified gluten-free.
  10. Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
    • You can use lean turkey sausage and low-fat milk to reduce the fat content of the dish. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a breakfast or brunch masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. This easy sausage gravy and biscuits recipe combines the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking with the convenience of quick preparation. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish and savor the flavors of a classic comfort food.