This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole that’s perfect for a crowd. Made with savory sausage, creamy gravy, and warm, fluffy biscuits, this dish is everything you love about Southern comfort food in one easy-to-make casserole. It’s the perfect meal for weekend brunch or any time you want to enjoy a filling, satisfying breakfast with minimal effort. With only 15 minutes of prep, it’s a breeze to make, and it can even be assembled ahead of time for convenience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
- 1 can (16 oz) frozen Southern-style biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Remove the mixture and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, and continue cooking until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and the shredded pepper Jack cheese until the cheese melts and the gravy becomes smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture to the gravy. Mix well and then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cut the biscuits into quarters and arrange them on top of the sausage and gravy mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the biscuits. Sprinkle the casserole with minced chives. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrients
- Calories: 480 kcal (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
A Comforting Start to Your Day
When you think of Southern comfort food, biscuits and gravy are some of the first dishes that come to mind. The fluffy, buttery biscuits and rich, creamy sausage gravy create the perfect combination of textures and flavors that have made this breakfast duo a staple in homes across the country. This casserole takes everything you love about the traditional dish and turns it into a warm, hearty meal that’s ideal for serving to family or guests.
The casserole’s savory sausage gravy is made from ground pork sausage, simmered with onions, and thickened with a simple roux, creating a rich, creamy base. The gravy is then poured over the Southern-style biscuits, which bake to golden perfection while soaking up all the delicious flavors of the gravy. This one-pan dish delivers all the satisfying elements of a full breakfast, making it a go-to option for busy mornings when you want something both filling and comforting.
The Savory Sausage and Gravy Filling
The heart of this casserole lies in the sausage and gravy filling. Ground pork sausage, cooked with finely chopped onions, creates the foundation of this savory dish. As the sausage cooks, it releases its fats, which blend with the onions to create a flavorful base. The addition of butter and flour creates a roux, which thickens the gravy, making it smooth and creamy. Then, whole milk is slowly whisked in to give the gravy its rich consistency.
What makes this gravy stand out is the shredded pepper Jack cheese that’s stirred in at the end. As the cheese melts, it adds a layer of creaminess and a touch of spice, giving the gravy a smooth, velvety texture with a slight kick. This combination of savory sausage, rich gravy, and creamy cheese creates a filling base that perfectly complements the fluffy biscuits.
Fluffy Biscuits as the Perfect Base
The biscuits are the star of the show when it comes to texture. In this casserole, you’re using Southern-style biscuits, which are known for their flaky, tender crumb. The buttery biscuits provide the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy gravy. The biscuit dough is flaky and soft, and when baked, it soaks up the gravy, making each bite both satisfying and indulgent.
While this recipe calls for store-bought frozen biscuits, you can certainly use homemade biscuits if you prefer. The beauty of this casserole lies in its convenience—using frozen biscuits eliminates the need for extra prep time, making it an ideal dish for those who want to enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade biscuits and gravy without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Simple Casserole, Packed with Flavor
What makes this casserole so great is its simplicity. The recipe requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a budget-friendly and easy option for anyone looking to prepare a hearty breakfast. The ground pork sausage, onions, and biscuits are the key components, and the gravy is made from pantry staples like flour, butter, and milk. This simplicity means that you can make this dish with minimal effort, yet it delivers big on flavor.
The addition of fresh chives as a garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, balancing out the richness of the gravy. If you want to add more flavor, you can experiment with other herbs or seasonings, like thyme or crushed red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat.
Convenience and Versatility
Another great thing about this biscuits and gravy casserole is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to serve it. This makes it a perfect choice for weekend brunches, holidays, or family gatherings. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning for a warm, comforting breakfast without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Additionally, this casserole can easily be adapted to suit dietary preferences. For example, you can swap out the pork sausage for turkey sausage or even vegetarian sausage if you’re looking for a leaner or meatless option. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Perfect for a Crowd
One of the standout features of this dish is its ability to serve a crowd. The biscuits and gravy casserole can feed a large group, making it perfect for brunch parties, family breakfasts, or even holiday celebrations like Christmas or Easter. The casserole format allows you to easily slice and serve, ensuring that everyone gets a generous portion of the savory, cheesy goodness.
If you’re hosting a large crowd, this casserole can be made in advance and baked just before serving, which minimizes the stress of cooking and allows you to focus on enjoying the time with your guests. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual breakfast or a festive brunch.
Nutritional Benefits: Comfort with a Balanced Twist
While this casserole is undeniably indulgent, it also provides a good balance of nutrients. The ground pork sausage offers a hearty source of protein, while the biscuits provide carbs to keep you full. The addition of cheese and butter adds richness, but you can adjust the amount of cheese or use lower-fat options if you prefer a lighter dish.
The dish is a great source of protein and fat, which can help to keep you satisfied longer, making it a perfect breakfast to fuel your day. The chives on top provide a bit of freshness and a small amount of fiber, and the onions in the sausage mixture offer antioxidants and vitamins.
Conclusion: A Comforting Southern Breakfast Classic
In conclusion, Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that takes the best elements of a classic Southern breakfast and turns them into a convenient casserole. With its layers of savory sausage, creamy gravy, and fluffy biscuits, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Not only is it perfect for feeding a crowd, but it’s also customizable and easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, holiday celebration, or as a satisfying weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. So, next time you’re craving a comforting breakfast, give this biscuits and gravy casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!
