Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish
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Biscuits and Gravy is a beloved Southern breakfast dish that combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with a rich, creamy sausage gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting, savory treat. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating this iconic dish, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients for Biscuits and Gravy
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers, then cut out biscuits using a round cutter or a glass.
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Preparing the Sausage Gravy:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and crumbled. Do not drain the fat, as it adds flavor to the gravy.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Serving Biscuits and Gravy:
- Split the warm biscuits in half and place them on a plate.
- Generously spoon the sausage gravy over the biscuits.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this classic Southern comfort food!
Tips for Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
- Use cold butter and buttermilk for flaky, tender biscuits.
- For extra flavor, try using spicy sausage or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the gravy.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more milk.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of savory sausage, creamy gravy, and fluffy biscuits. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste, making it a favorite for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
