Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of biscuits and gravy. This classic Southern dish is popular for breakfast but is just as good any time of day, especially for brunch. If you’ve ever wondered how to make it from scratch, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make biscuits and gravy at home like a pro.
The Ultimate Guide to Making Biscuits and Gravy Like a Pro
Learning to make biscuits and gravy is an essential skill. It’s a filling and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for those days when you need a comforting breakfast or lunch. The first step to making biscuits and gravy from scratch is understanding what ingredients and tools are required.
Basic Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- 1 lb of breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 cups of whole milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools and Equipment Needed for Making Biscuits and Gravy:
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Whisk
Steps to Making Biscuits and Gravy
- Preheat your oven to 425 F.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture appears like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the mixture until it forms a slightly sticky dough.
- Form the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and appear fluffy.
- As biscuits are baking, crumble the breakfast sausage in a large skillet or saucepan and cook until browned.
- Add flour to the skillet or saucepan containing the cooked sausage and mix well until combined.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve biscuits hot and topped with warm gravy. Enjoy!
Easy Biscuits and Gravy Recipe for Beginners
This easy recipe is perfect for beginners looking for simple instructions to follow. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can create a delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- 1 lb of breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 cups of whole milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 F.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture appears like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the mixture until it forms a slightly sticky dough.
- Form the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and appear fluffy.
- As biscuits are baking, crumble the breakfast sausage in a large skillet or saucepan and cook until browned.
- Add flour to the skillet or saucepan containing the cooked sausage and mix well until combined.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve biscuits hot and topped with warm gravy. Enjoy!
Tips for Beginners:
- Ensure that the butter is cold when you use it; this will help prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
- Use a fork to pierce the tops of the unbaked biscuits to allow steam to escape. Doing so makes them less likely to become tough or soggy while baking.
- When measuring the flour, avoid packing it down; loosen it up with a spoon or fork before measurement to ensure an accurate flour amount.
- Whisk the gravy mixture continuously when cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Do not over-mix your biscuit dough, or the biscuits will be tough.
- Handle biscuit dough gently, or it becomes too thin.
- Unattended gravy can quickly overcook and burn.
Southern Comfort Food: How to Make Classic Biscuits and Gravy
Classic biscuits and gravy are a staple breakfast dish among many southern states. This recipe is perfect if you want to prepare an authentic southern breakfast meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- 1 lb of breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 cups of whole milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 F.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture appears like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the mixture until it forms a slightly sticky dough.
- Form the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the biscuits for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and appear fluffy.
- As biscuits are baking, cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet or saucepan until browned.
- Add flour to the skillet or saucepan containing the cooked sausage and mix well until combined.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve biscuits hot and topped with warm gravy. Enjoy!
Tips for getting the perfect texture and flavor:
- For a tender biscuit, handle the dough as little as possible.
- For a lighter consistency, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make sure your biscuits are the same size and thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use a cast-iron pan to cook the sausage; this will help add additional flavor to your gravy.
Common Variations of Classic Biscuits and Gravy:
- Add herbs such as thyme or sage for additional flavor.
- Swap the breakfast sausage for ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Use vegan or gluten-free ingredients to make the dish suitable for different dietary requirements.
10 Tips for Perfecting Your Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Making biscuits and gravy is a straightforward process, but there are still a few things you can do to perfect your recipe.
Tips for Making Your Biscuits and Gravy Taste Even Better:
- Use cold ingredients in your biscuit recipe like butter, milk, etc. This will help the biscuits remain flaky and tender.
- Use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour for the biscuits. It adds to the flavor and tends to make them a little lighter.
- Season the gravy with your preferred spices. Black pepper, garlic, and onion powder provide a savory taste that complements the sausage and biscuits.
- Serve with a side of bacon or eggs for a traditional breakfast meal.
- Serve with fresh fruit to balance the richness of the gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Avoid over-mixing the biscuit dough or kneading it too much, or biscuits will come out tough and dense.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when making your sausage. Overcrowding causes meat to steam instead of brown, and the texture won’t be perfect.
- Do not overcook the gravy as it can quickly burn.
- Do not add salt to the biscuit dough as most sausage is salty enough.
A Healthier Spin on Biscuits and Gravy: Tips and Tricks for Making it Lighter
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to classic biscuits and gravy, here are a few tips to help make it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
A Few Adjustments to the Classic Recipe:
- Use whole-wheat flour for the biscuits instead of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour provides an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Use organic and lean turkey or chicken sausage to make the recipe lighter.
- Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk for making the gravy. It is a perfect lower-fat substitute if you’re lactose intolerant and searching for an alternative to regular milk.
- Mix chicken broth with the milk to make the gravy richer and tender.
Tips for Making Your Biscuits and Gravy Lighter:
- Use organic and fresh ingredients to make the dish healthier overall.
- Replace butter with olive oil, which is an excellent source of healthy fats.
- Use herbs and spices such as oregano, rosemary, or thyme to add flavor to your dish.
- Swap out regular breakfast sausage with a low-fat breakfast sausage like turkey or chicken sausage; it can also be seasonal for vegetarian sausage.
- Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the gravy to add a further nutritional element.
Healthier Substitutes for Common Ingredients:
- Use Greek yogurt as a substitute for the buttermilk; it provides a similar consistency and adds protein to your dish.
- Substitute almond flour for traditional all-purpose flour. Not only is almond flour a good source of healthy fats, but it’s also gluten-free.
- Use beef or vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
- Use coconut oil or olive oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
Biscuits and Gravy for Brunch: How to Impress Your Guests with Your Homemade Recipe
If you’re looking to take your biscuit and gravy game to the next level, you’ll want to read this section on how to impress your guests by making it for brunch.
Ideas for Using Biscuits and Gravy in a Brunch Setting:
- Pair with Eggs Benedict for a classic American breakfast combo.