Introduction:
Experience the comforting flavors of a classic Southern breakfast with our irresistible Biscuits and Gravy Casserole recipe. This hearty dish combines flaky biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, and savory breakfast staples for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or craving a cozy breakfast at home, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this deliciously indulgent dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage Gravy:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook the gravy, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the biscuit package.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the prepared sausage gravy over the biscuits, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the gravy layer.
3. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake according to the biscuit package instructions, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
- Serve the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole hot, with additional gravy on the side if desired.
Benefits of Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: This casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional biscuits and gravy in a convenient and shareable format. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or for a cozy breakfast or dinner at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite biscuit and sausage varieties.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
- Family Breakfast: Serve Biscuits and Gravy Casserole hot and fresh from the oven as the centerpiece of a hearty family breakfast or brunch.
- Brunch Buffet: Include the casserole as part of a brunch buffet spread alongside other breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
- Side Dish: Serve smaller portions of the casserole as a savory side dish alongside fried or scrambled eggs for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Biscuits and Gravy Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions of the casserole in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal. Alternatively, reheat the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Portioning: Consider portioning the casserole into individual servings before freezing for easier reheating and serving.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Biscuits and Gravy Casserole anytime, whether freshly baked or reheated from leftovers.
Variations of Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Substitute vegetarian breakfast sausage or plant-based sausage crumbles for the traditional ground breakfast sausage to create a meatless version of the casserole. Ensure the gravy is made with vegetable broth or milk for a fully vegetarian dish.
- Southwestern Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Add diced green chilies, chopped bell peppers, and black beans to the sausage gravy mixture for a Southwestern twist. Top the casserole with shredded pepper jack cheese and garnish with sliced jalapeños and cilantro for added flavor and heat.
- Loaded Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Layer cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked breakfast sausage on top of the biscuit layer before pouring the gravy over the casserole. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes for a hearty and flavorful variation.
- Herb and Cheese Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Mix chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and chives into the biscuit dough before baking for a fragrant and flavorful twist. Incorporate shredded Parmesan or Gruyere cheese into the biscuit dough for added richness and depth of flavor.
- Egg and Cheese Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
- Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper to create a custard-like mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the biscuit layer before adding the sausage gravy. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the eggs are set for a delicious breakfast casserole variation.
FAQs:
1. Can I use homemade biscuits instead of refrigerated biscuits?
- Yes, you can use homemade biscuits for this casserole. Simply prepare your favorite biscuit dough recipe and cut it into quarters before placing it in the baking dish.
2. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
- Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to pork sausage without sacrificing flavor. Cook the turkey sausage until browned and crumbled before making the gravy.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the casserole is heated through.
4. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Yes, leftover Biscuits and Gravy Casserole can be frozen for later enjoyment. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese for topping the casserole?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses for topping the casserole. Shredded mozzarella, Gouda, or Swiss cheese would all work well in this recipe.
6. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
- Yes, you can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage gravy mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I use a different type of gravy for this casserole?
- While sausage gravy is traditional for Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, you can certainly experiment with different types of gravy. Try using country gravy, mushroom gravy, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce for a unique twist.
8. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuit dough and ensuring that the sausage gravy is thickened with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
9. Can I add additional herbs or spices to the gravy for more flavor?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the gravy by adding herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary, as well as spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder, to suit your taste preferences.
10. Can I serve this casserole with additional condiments?
- Yes, you can serve Biscuits and Gravy Casserole with additional condiments such as hot sauce, ketchup, or salsa for extra flavor and variety.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Biscuits and Gravy Casserole recipe. With its flaky biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether enjoyed for brunch, breakfast, or dinner, this casserole is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this classic Southern favorite!