This Best Biscuit and Gravy Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that combines flaky biscuits with creamy sausage gravy. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
If you love comfort food, this dish will make your taste buds sing! I like to top it with a sprinkle of cheese for an extra tasty twist. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Refrigerated Flaky Biscuits: These make for a quick and easy base. If you prefer homemade, you can use a homemade biscuit recipe. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own with gluten-free flour.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its rich flavor, but turkey sausage is a lighter option if you’re watching your fat intake. You can even use vegan sausage for a plant-based twist!
All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the gravy beautifully. If you need a gluten-free option, cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work well. Just mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water before adding!
Milk: I usually go for whole milk for creaminess, but 2% works fine too. You could even use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version; just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid strange flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Topping it with cheese adds a nice cheesy bite! If you don’t have cheddar, any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella works. You could skip it for a lighter dish!
How Do I Get the Gravy to Be Smooth and Lump-Free?
Creating a smooth gravy is key to a delicious casserole, and it’s easier than you think! Pay special attention when whisking the milk into the sausage mixture. Here’s how:
- Start with cooked sausage: Ensure it’s fully browned. This adds flavor.
- Sprinkle flour evenly: This helps prevent clumping. Mix well for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk: Whisk constantly while pouring in the milk to prevent lumps.
- Cook until thickened: Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until it bubbles.
Taking your time at this step makes all the difference in texture. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Best Biscuit and Gravy Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky biscuits
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Stir it around until it’s fully browned and crumbled. If there’s any excess grease, make sure to drain it off to keep your casserole from being too greasy.
3. Make the Gravy:
Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over it and mix well until the sausage is coated. Cook this mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb some of the flavors. Then, gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring to break up any lumps. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
While your gravy is thickening, take the biscuits and cut them into quarters. Place these biscuit pieces evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Once the gravy is ready, pour it evenly over the biscuit pieces, making sure they’re all covered.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
If you love cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of the casserole for an extra layer of flavor. Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. If you like, garnish it with some freshly cracked black pepper to add a bit of flair. Dig in and enjoy your hearty biscuit and gravy casserole!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to season well, as different meats have different flavor profiles.
What Can I Use Instead of Refrigerated Biscuits?
If you want to make your casserole from scratch, you can use homemade biscuit dough! Alternatively, you can use tater tots for a fun twist, or even crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. Just adjust your baking time according to the instructions for the substitute you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.