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Biscuits and Gravy

5 from 5 votes

Posted by Dan from Platter Talk

Updated Aug 17, 2024

Sausage Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a hearty breakfast on a cozy Saturday morning. This creamy, savory dish, made with simple ingredients, is a staple in Southern cuisine, often served over warm, flaky homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Whether you’re new to making gravy or a seasoned cook, this simple recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Read on and I’ll show you how easy this Southern recipe is made!

About this Sausage Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Sausage gravy, also known as country sausage gravy or sawmill gravy, is a rich and flavorful sauce made from pork sausage, flour, and milk.

This classic Southern dish is traditionally served over hot biscuits, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any special occasion or casual breakfast.

We’re proud to showcase this southern recipe along side of some of the others we have featured in the past. You’ll find this southern sausage gravy to be just as delicious as our old-fashioned giblet gravy, this recipe for southern cornbread dressing, and of course our southern chicken fried steak!

Sausage Gravy Ingredients

To make the best sausage gravy, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish.

• Ground Pork Sausage: Provides a savory base and plenty of flavor. For an extra touch, try using sage or spicy varieties like Jimmy Dean.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Use a couple of tablespoons of flour to achieve the right consistency.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency. Use three cups of milk, or for a thicker gravy, you can substitute with heavy cream.
• Dried Sage: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the sausage.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a mild garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to the gravy.

How to Choose the Best Sausage for This Recipe

Growing up on our self-sufficient dairy farm, we raised just about everything that my. mom made to feed our family.

This is included pigs which we butchered in the fall and enjoyed many delicious pork recipes from. One of favorite pork recipes was our homemade sausage. It came from a Mennonite recipe handed down through generations of German cooks. It was the best sausage ever!

Back then I didn’t even know that people bought sausage from the store. I guess I assumed that everyone raised their own chickens, pigs, and beef like our family did.

A lot has changed since then and I no longer have the luxury of knowing the source of all of our food. But, I have learned a few things about what to look for when choosing sausage. Here are some hints that I think you’ll find helpful.

How to Make Sausage Gravy

You don’t need anything fancy to create this delicious gravy.

1. Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Break it up with a large wooden spoon until it is fully cooked and golden brown.
3. Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir it up to incorporate. Cook it for 3-5 minutes to eliminate the taste of raw flour.
4. Gradually add the milk.
5. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Season the mixture with sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Let the gravy simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
• Use Buttermilk: We serve this Southern sausage gravy with buttermilk biscuits. Go all the way and use buttermilk for the sausage recipe as well!
• Different Sausages: Try using turkey sausage, sausage links, or even hot sausage for a spicier kick.
• Additional Flavors: Add a splash of bacon grease for a richer flavor or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Common Questions about this Recipe

How to Serve Sausage Gravy

Serve sausage gravy hot over warm, buttery biscuits or toast.

It’s a versatile dish that can also be paired with duck fat air fryer potatoes or grilled grits. For the best results, use homemade buttermilk biscuits (see the recipe below) or canned biscuits for a quick alternative.

What Goes with Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of breakfast items. Consider serving it with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a side of crispy bacon. I also love to serve this delicious gravy with our Amish breakfast casserole.

For a complete breakfast experience, add a glass of milk or fresh-squeezed orange juice. Don’t forget to garnish with a little butter and freshly cracked black pepper for the best sausage gravy recipe.

This simple recipe is a great way to start your day, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether it’s your first time making sausage gravy or you’re perfecting your favorite recipe, this guide will help you create a delicious dish every time. Enjoy the best sausage gravy with your loved ones and make it a staple in your breakfast rotation!

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Sausage Biscuits and Gravy

5 from 5 votes

Discover the best sausage gravy recipe made with simple ingredients like pork sausage, all-purpose flour, and whole milk. This creamy, southern sausage gravy is perfect for serving over warm biscuits, making it a favorite breakfast dish.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Yield: 6 people

By: Dan from Platter Talk

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Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

Sausage Gravy Recipe

• ▢ 1 lb. sausage, ground pork
• ▢ 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 3 cups whole milk
• ▢ 1 tsp dried sage
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1/4 tsp paprika

for the biscuits

• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon table salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, 1 stick, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• ▢ 1 cup cold buttermilk

Instructions 

for the biscuits

• Heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
• Whisk together the measured flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl to aerate and combine.
• Add the butter pieces and toss to just coat them in the flour mixture. Place the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.
• Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, and working quickly so as not to soften the butter, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it’s in pea-size pieces.
• Drizzle in the buttermilk and stir just until a moist, shaggy dough comes together.
• Generously dust a work surface with flour. Scrape the dough out onto the surface and dust the top with more flour. Using floured hands, gently pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick circle.
• Using a 2-1/2-inch round cutter (a drinking glass works well) dipped in flour, cut out as many biscuits as possible.
• Transfer the biscuits to a baking sheet prepared with non-stick coating. Space them at least 1 inch apart.
• Gather the scraps into a ball, pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle, and cut out more biscuits.
• Repeat as needed until you have 8 total.
• Bake until the biscuits have risen and are golden brown on top, about 15 to 16 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, make the gravy.

Sausage Gravy Instructions

• In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
• Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage. Stir and cook for a few minutes.
• Gradually add the milk and stir constantly to help prevent lumps.
• Add sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
• Simmer and stir frequently, for about 10 minutes or until you get your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• To serve, split the biscuits in half horizontally and top with the sausage gravy.
• Garnish with paprika.

Notes

Essential Tips for Making Sausage Gravy

1. Brown the Sausage Thoroughly: Cook the sausage over medium-high heat until it is completely browned and slightly crispy. This ensures that you develop a deep, savory flavor base for your gravy.
2. Gradually Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while constantly stirring to prevent lumps from forming. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy gravy consistency.
3. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the gravy as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings accordingly. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of bacon grease can enhance the overall flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 641kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 41g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 114mg, Sodium: 1440mg, Potassium: 622mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 830IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 274mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

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