Okay, grab your apron, girlfriend! Let’s talk about a breakfast that’s pure comfort food: homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy. I can almost smell it now – the savory sausage, the creamy gravy, and those warm, fluffy biscuits just begging to be slathered. I remember the first time I attempted it – it was a total disaster! The gravy was lumpy, the biscuits were flat as pancakes, and my husband politely ate it while the kids stared at their plates. But don’t worry, I’ve come a long way since then, and I’m going to share all my secrets for perfect homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy every single time.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a cozy weeknight breakfast-for-dinner. My kids go absolutely bonkers for it, especially when they help make it. I first started messing around with this recipe when my youngest was just a toddler. He loved helping me stir, even if half the flour ended up on the floor! It’s really blossomed into one of our go-to meals on a chilly morning. My version of homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy is simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, once you try this homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy recipe, you’ll never buy those frozen biscuits again!
Ingredients for the Best Biscuits and Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!
For the Drop Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached for my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (I prefer a mild or regular sausage for my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy, but hot works too!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter (I always use salted butter for my easy biscuit gravy recipe)
When making homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy, you can find high-quality sausage at your local butcher shop. And here’s a homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy trick I learned from my mom: freeze the butter for about 15 minutes before cutting it into cubes. This helps create those flaky layers in the biscuits. I also like to keep a bag of pre-cooked sausage crumbles in the freezer, especially for those busy weeknights. I love saving on time without sacrificing the quality of my southern sausage gravy.
The all-purpose flour I use is a great cost-saving option for my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy, I will often buy large bags when they are on sale, and store them in airtight containers in my pantry. As for storage for these ingredients, I would always recommend storing leftover flour in an airtight container, and freezing any sausage that will not be used in the next couple days!
How to Make Homemade Drop Biscuits and Sausage Gravy: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
- Get Started with the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed. Don’t worry if your bowl is a little small; just make sure you can mix everything without making a huge mess!
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (my preferred method!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier your biscuits will be!
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix! The batter will be lumpy, and that’s okay. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits. I learned the hard way with homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy that a little patience goes a long way.
- Drop the Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. I usually use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop. I find it helpful to wet the spoon to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Biscuits: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. In my kitchen, homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy usually takes about 13 minutes, but every oven is different. I check for a beautiful golden brown color! While the homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy biscuits are baking, I get started on the gravy.
- Brown the Sausage: While the biscuits are baking, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Your homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy should smell like savory sausage heaven!
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps create a roux, which will thicken the gravy. I learned the hard way with homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy that this step is crucial to avoid a lumpy gravy.
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened. Remember to stir frequently!
- Season the Gravy: Stir in the pepper and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. While the homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy is cooking, I like to hum along to some music – makes the time fly!
- Add Butter to Gravy: Stir in butter, this will add shine and smoothness to your gravy.
- Serve: Serve the biscuits warm, topped with the sausage gravy. Enjoy your homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy!
Serving Suggestions
Serving is an art! Here are some tips to make your homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy experience even better.
The kids love our homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy when I let them build their own plates. I put the biscuits and gravy in separate bowls, and they get to customize their perfect bite. I also love serving this with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness. A simple green salad also works wonders! This homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. I’ve even been known to whip it up for a potluck – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
For presentation, I like to arrange the biscuits on a platter and then ladle the gravy over them, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you have extra homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy, you can store the biscuits and gravy separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and warm the biscuits in the oven or toaster. For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the gravy during the holidays.
My friends always ask for this homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy recipe, and now you have it too! My family and I also love to turn this into biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole, where we will mix together biscuits with sausage gravy and cheese, and bake for a hearty breakfast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common issues and solutions for making the perfect homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy.
- Why are my biscuits flat? If your biscuits are flat, it could be because your baking powder is old, you overmixed the dough, or your oven wasn’t hot enough. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, mix the dough gently, and preheat your oven properly. You know what I do when my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy biscuits are flat? I still eat them! They might not be pretty, but they still taste delicious.
- Why is my gravy lumpy? Lumpy gravy is usually caused by not whisking the flour into the sausage thoroughly enough or by adding the milk too quickly. Make sure to cook the flour with the sausage for at least a minute before gradually adding the milk, whisking constantly. A tip I heard was to blend with an immersion blender until smooth if all else fails!
- Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely! I prefer using ground pork sausage for my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy, but you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even Italian sausage. Just adjust the seasonings accordingly. My family prefers a mild sausage, but I’ve used spicy sausage before, and it was a big hit!
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can make the biscuits and gravy ahead of time, but they’re best served fresh. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the biscuit dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The gravy can also be made ahead of time and reheated. One time, I prepped everything the night before a big family brunch, and it saved me so much time in the morning!
- Can I freeze the biscuits or gravy? Yes, you can freeze both the biscuits and the gravy. Let the biscuits cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container. The gravy can be frozen in a freezer-safe container. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing creamy sausage gravy makes it last longer, but it does have a little impact on texture.
- What can I substitute for milk in the gravy? If you’re dairy-free, you can use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk in the gravy. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I’ve tried it with oat milk, and it worked really well! Just be sure to use unsweetened, so the gravy doesn’t become too sweet.
- How do I make sure the gravy is thick enough? The key to thick gravy is to cook the flour with the sausage for long enough and to simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. If your gravy is still too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the gravy. Another method I learned was to add a bit of cream cheese to my easy biscuit gravy recipe!
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
This homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of all the cozy mornings spent with my family. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s more than just food; it’s a tradition and a memory in the making.
Here are my homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy Pro Tips:
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to flaky biscuits.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Seasonings are important, especially in the gravy!
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Cheddar Biscuits: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist.
- Jalapeño Gravy: Add diced jalapeños to the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Maple Sausage Gravy: Use maple-flavored sausage for a sweeter gravy.
My son loves the cheddar biscuits, while my daughter prefers the classic southern sausage gravy. My husband, well, he loves them all!
I encourage you to make this homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or add-ins. I hope your homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy cooking experience is as enjoyable as mine. The most important thing is to have fun and create memories with your loved ones.
This recipe is like the one for my Sausage Maple Waffle Bake, since both are cozy and comforting breakfasts perfect for lazy mornings, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Sausage Maple Waffle Bake as much as you’ll enjoy this homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy! It’s also very similar to my chicken sausage broccoli and orzo skillet where it brings family together to enjoy a hardy meal. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’m confident that you’ll love this homemade drop biscuits and sausage gravy as much as my family does.
PrintHomemade Drop Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe
These are the best drop biscuits I’ve ever made! They are flaky, buttery, and so easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes! I’ve included a simple sausage gravy recipe as well, but you can use any gravy you like. This recipe is seriously amazing!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot with sausage gravy.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter before baking.