Hello there and welcome to our latest recipe blog post! Today, we’re going to share with you the ultimate biscuits and gravy recipe. This classic dish is an absolute favorite at brunch, and it’s perfect for those weekends when you want a satisfying meal without having to leave the house. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to your liking.
Flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich and creamy sausage gravy – what’s not to love? This dish is the epitome of comfort food, and we guarantee that once you try it, you’ll be hooked! So, without further ado, let’s get started on this delicious recipe.
The Best Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Biscuits and gravy is a classic dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch or even dinner. Here is a delicious recipe that will give you flaky, buttery biscuits and creamy gravy that will make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
For the biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the bowl and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
- Add the buttermilk to the bowl and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this will result in tough biscuits.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat or roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on the top.
For the gravy:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the flour has been completely absorbed into the sausage fat.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the gravy for 5-10 minutes or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
To serve, split the biscuits in half and spoon the gravy over the top. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- For a different twist, try using sage sausage instead of regular breakfast sausage.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until it has thickened and curdled slightly.
- For fluffier biscuits, make sure the butter is cold and cubed before adding it to the flour mixture, and be careful not to overwork the dough. You want to see small bits of butter throughout the dough, as this will help create air pockets and flakiness.
- If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more milk. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry made from equal parts flour and cold water or milk. Simply whisk the flour and liquid together until smooth, then slowly stir it into the simmering gravy.
Variations on the Classic Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Sausage Gravy
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor and protein to your biscuits and gravy, sausage gravy may be just the variation you need! To start, you’ll need to cook some sausage, either in a separate pan or in the same pan you’ll use to make the gravy. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, melt some butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for a minute or two, then gradually whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking over medium heat until the gravy thickens, whisking frequently to prevent lumps. You can season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Finally, add the cooked sausage back into the pan and stir to combine. Serve the sausage gravy over warm biscuits and enjoy the extra flavor and texture!
Biscuit Flavors
While the classic biscuits and gravy recipe features plain biscuits, you can easily switch up the flavor profile by adding different ingredients. For example, you could add shredded cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist, or add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
To make garlic biscuits, simply mince some garlic and mix it into the dough before baking. You could also try using different types of flour, like whole wheat or cornmeal, for a unique texture and flavor. Let your creativity guide you and experiment with different biscuit variations until you find your perfect match for biscuits and gravy!
Serving Suggestions
While biscuits and gravy are a delicious breakfast or brunch option on their own, there are plenty of ways to round out the meal with additional sides and flavors. For example, serving the biscuits and gravy with some crispy bacon or scrambled eggs can provide extra protein and texture. You could also add a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad to balance out the rich flavors of the gravy.
If you’re serving biscuits and gravy for a brunch or larger gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar where guests can customize their own plates. Offer toppings like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, hot sauce, and sliced jalapeños for a fun and interactive breakfast option. No matter how you choose to serve it, biscuits and gravy are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
The History of Biscuits and Gravy
Origins
Biscuits and gravy, a popular Southern dish in the United States, originated during the time of slavery. Slaves often received scraps of leftover meat and gravy from their owners, which they would mix together and serve over biscuits for a hearty meal.
The dish, however, did not gain popularity until the early 1900s when commercial yeast and baking powder became widely available, making biscuits easier to make. As a result, biscuits and gravy became a cheap and easy meal for people living in rural areas or those on a tight budget.
Popularity
Biscuits and gravy grew in popularity in the Southern United States, particularly in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. The simplicity of the dish and the fact that it could be easily prepared using basic ingredients found in most households were factors in its popularity.
Biscuits and gravy also became a staple in diners and cafes across the country as it was a filling and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. The dish soon became a symbol of Southern hospitality and comfort food for many Americans. It even became a popular military dish during World War II as it was an easy meal that could be prepared in large quantities.
Variations Through Time
Throughout time, biscuits and gravy have undergone several variations and adaptations. One popular variation is the addition of sausage or bacon to the gravy, which adds a new level of flavor to the dish. Some people also like to add cheese to the biscuits or the gravy, giving it a nice cheesy flavor.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards healthier versions of biscuits and gravy, with some people using low-fat milk or almond milk to prepare the gravy. Others have adapted the dish to fit a plant-based diet, using mushrooms or vegan sausage as a replacement for meat.
Additionally, biscuits and gravy have become a versatile dish, served not only for breakfast but also for brunch, lunch, and even dinner. Some people even serve biscuits and gravy with a side of fried chicken, creating a classic Southern comfort meal.
In conclusion, biscuits and gravy, though simple in its ingredients and preparation, has a rich history that spans over a century. The dish has become an integral part of Southern cuisine and a symbol of comfort food for many Americans. Its versatility and adaptability have kept it relevant and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Savor the Flavor of a Perfect Brunch
We hope that this Ultimate Biscuits and Gravy Recipe has made your mouth water and inspired you to try it out for yourself. Nothing beats a cozy brunch with delicious food and great company. As you prepare your biscuits and gravy, don’t forget to savor the flavor and enjoy every bite.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope that it has provided you with helpful tips and inspiration for your next brunch. Remember to visit us again for more exciting recipes and articles. Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can. However, it may affect the taste and texture slightly.
2. Can I prep the gravy the night before?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
3. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer.
4. Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but it may affect the texture and taste slightly.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can use vegetarian sausages and vegetable broth.
6. Can I use canned biscuits instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use canned biscuits, but homemade biscuits taste better.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
8. Can I add other herbs and spices?
Yes, you can add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to enhance the flavor.
9. Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Yes, you can add cheese, such as cheddar, to the biscuits or sprinkle it over the gravy.
10. Can I serve this for dinner instead of brunch?
Yes, you can serve this dish for dinner or any meal of the day. It’s a versatile and delicious recipe!