When it comes to quintessential American breakfasts, biscuits and gravy is as classic as it gets. This hearty, filling dish combines fluffy, tender biscuits with savory sausage gravy, resulting in a meal that satisfies both hunger and nostalgia. While most closely associated with the Southern United States, the appeal of biscuits and gravy extends across the country, beloved for its simplicity, flavor, and comfort-food status.
Whether you’ve enjoyed this dish your entire life or are just now discovering it, this guide will take you through its rich history, diverse regional variations, nutritional facts, and step-by-step instructions on how to make it. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about American biscuits and gravy.
What Are American Biscuits?
Before we get into the specifics of the dish, let’s talk about biscuits themselves. For those unfamiliar with American biscuits, they are soft, flaky, buttery bread rolls—completely different from what people in the UK or other parts of the world may call “biscuits,” which are more like cookies. American biscuits are leavened with baking powder or baking soda, making them light and airy on the inside and golden-crisp on the outside.
They are typically made from a simple dough of all-purpose flour, butter or shortening, buttermilk, and baking powder, mixed just enough to bring the ingredients together. The result is a pillowy bread that pairs perfectly with gravies, fried chicken, or as a breakfast sandwich base.
The Origin of Biscuits and Gravy
The history of biscuits and gravy is rooted in the hardships and resourcefulness of Southern settlers in the United States during the 19th century. Food was often scarce for working-class families, and cooks had to find ways to make meals from inexpensive ingredients. Biscuits made from flour and water were an affordable and easy-to-make staple. To add flavor and sustenance, cooks used the drippings from pork or sausage to create a basic gravy.
This combination of biscuits and gravy soon became popular across the South. The dish was particularly favored because it could be prepared with just a few pantry staples while still providing enough energy to fuel long days of labor. Over time, the recipe was refined with ingredients like buttermilk in the biscuits and milk in the gravy, evolving into the beloved dish we know today.
What Is American Sausage Gravy?
Gravy is a broad term that can apply to several types of sauces made from meat drippings, flour, and liquid (usually stock or milk). In the context of biscuits and gravy, the gravy typically consists of ground pork sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings like black pepper. The sausage adds rich flavor, while the milk creates a smooth, creamy texture. Some variations may include red pepper flakes for a little heat or a touch of cayenne pepper.
The process is simple: the sausage is cooked first, and then flour is added to absorb the fat and form a roux. Next, milk is whisked in to create a thick, rich sauce. This gravy is then ladled over the top of freshly baked biscuits.
How to Make Biscuits and Gravy from Scratch
Now that you understand what goes into the dish, let’s walk through the process of making biscuits and gravy from scratch.
Ingredients for Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
Ingredients for Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions:
1: Prepare the Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and brush the tops with buttermilk for extra browning. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
2: Prepare the Sausage Gravy
- While the biscuits are baking, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage and leave the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the flour to the drippings and whisk to combine, forming a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the gravy begins to thicken. This should take 5-7 minutes. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, season with black pepper and seasoned salt, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
3: Serve
Split the freshly baked biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy over the top. For a little extra kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Regional Variations of Biscuits and Gravy
While biscuits and gravy is a beloved dish in the South, you’ll find different versions across the United States. Here’s a look at how it varies by region:
Southern Style
The traditional Southern biscuits and gravy use buttermilk biscuits and a simple pork sausage gravy. It’s seasoned primarily with black pepper, and the gravy is served generously over warm biscuits. Some Southerners also enjoy serving the dish alongside scrambled eggs or bacon.
Midwestern Twist
In the Midwest, the dish often incorporates ground beef or pork instead of breakfast sausage. The gravy is typically thicker and heartier, sometimes served over toast or mashed potatoes instead of biscuits. Midwesterners are also known for adding mushrooms or onions to the gravy.
Northeast Version
In the Northeast, biscuits and gravy is not as common, but when found, it’s sometimes made with white gravy that includes chives or scallions for a more herbal flavor. The biscuits may also be denser, closer to a scone, and served with a side of eggs or even fish cakes.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Biscuits and gravy is undeniably delicious but also indulgent. A single serving can pack around 600-700 calories, most of which come from the sausage, butter, and milk used in the recipe. It’s also high in sodium due to the sausage and seasoning.
If you’re watching your calorie or sodium intake, there are ways to enjoy the dish with a lighter twist:
- Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage to reduce fat content.
- Swap whole milk for skim milk or even plant-based milk alternatives to cut calories.
- Limit portion size by using smaller biscuits and serving with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.
For more ways to make comfort food healthier, check out our guide on healthy comfort food recipes.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Biscuits and Gravy
While biscuits and gravy can stand alone as a filling breakfast, it pairs beautifully with other traditional breakfast items:
- Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs are a great protein-rich side.
- Bacon or sausage patties: If you need extra protein, serve crispy bacon or sausage patties on the side.
- Hash browns: Adding a serving of crispy hash browns provides a crunchy contrast to the softness of the biscuits and gravy.
- Fruit: For a lighter option, serve the dish with a fresh fruit salad or slices of melon to balance the richness of the gravy.
- Coffee or juice: A strong cup of black coffee or a glass of orange juice makes for a perfect beverage pairing.
Innovative Twists on Biscuits and Gravy
While traditional biscuits and gravy is perfect as it is, there’s always room to experiment! Here are a few modern variations:
- Spicy Sausage Gravy: Add cayenne pepper or use spicy Italian sausage for a bold, fiery twist.
- Vegetarian Gravy: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or use a plant-based sausage for a meat-free alternative.
- Cheddar Biscuits: Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the biscuit dough to add extra flavor and richness.
- Bacon Gravy: Instead of sausage, fry up bacon and use the drippings to make the gravy. Crumble the cooked bacon back into the gravy for a smoky flavor.
FAQs About Biscuits and Gravy
What is the difference between American biscuits and British scones?
While they may look similar, American biscuits are fluffier and less sweet than British scones. Biscuits are often served with savory items like sausage gravy, while scones are typically enjoyed with jam and cream.
Can biscuits and gravy be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the gravy a day ahead and reheat it when needed. The biscuits are best served fresh, but they can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Simply reheat the biscuits in the oven before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Biscuits can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container.
Can you freeze biscuits and gravy?
Absolutely! Gravy freezes well for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. You can also freeze the biscuits after baking and reheat them in the oven.
Conclusion: Why Biscuits and Gravy is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Biscuits and gravy is much more than just a meal—it’s a slice of American culinary history, a dish that has comforted generations with its simple ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you enjoy it the classic Southern way or put your own spin on it, this dish will never fail to satisfy.
Give it a try at home, and you’ll see why biscuits and gravy has earned its place as one of America’s most beloved breakfasts.