Sausage Gravy Casserole is a super tasty dish that mixes thick sausage gravy with the easy–bake style of a casserole. It’s great for breakfast or brunch and people seem to really love it. The soft biscuits soaked in creamy sausage gravy and covered in melty cheese make mornings feel way more special. It easy to see why it hold a special place in many homes and tummies.
The start of sausage gravy come from Southern cooking where folks needed something simple and filling. Back then, people served it over biscuits for a quick breakfast, and it caught on fast. Now in casserole form you can just throw it all together and bake, so it’s perfect for big family meals, potlucks, or lazy weekends. In Southern homes sausage gravy isn’t just a breakfast, it’s also a sign of welcome and warmth.
More than just good taste, Sausage Gravy Casserole shows off the friendly spirit of Southern brunches. Whether it’s a slow Sunday morning or a holiday get-together, this dish brings folks to the table to eat, talk, and laugh. Its hearty layers and comfy flavors mean everyone walks away full and happy. With how easy it is and how amazing it taste, Sausage Gravy Casserole will probably become your new go-to breakfast star.
Understanding Sausage Gravy
Sausage gravy is a thick and creamy sauce you often see at breakfast in the South. It starts with breakfast sausage that you crumble and brown in a pan, making that rich, salty base. Then you add:
- Sausage: Gives most of the flavor and richness.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce so it’s not runny.
- Milk: Makes it smooth and creamy so you can’t stop eating it.
Over time people changed it up by using turkey or chicken sausage for lighter taste, or tossing in spices like cayenne pepper for some heat. Some cooks even drop in onions or peppers to add more flavor.
The Appeal of Casseroles
Casseroles are awesome because you can make them before anyone wakes up, then pop them in the oven later. That’s super helpful on busy mornings or when you got a crowd at home. You don’t have to scramble around and everyone gets a hot, homemade meal.
Sausage Gravy Casserole is perfect for big groups—potlucks, brunches, or just family. All the layers bake into each other, giving you a little bit of biscuit, gravy, and cheese in every bite. Even picky kids usually eat it up.
Ingredients Overview
Every part of this casserole pulls its weight. Here’s what you need:
- Breakfast Sausage: The main star, pick a good brand so it taste even better.
- Flour: Helps the gravy stick to the biscuits instead of sliding off.
- Milk: Makes the whole thing smooth and rich.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: These puff up and soak up the gravy underneath.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts on top to give it that gooey finish everyone loves.
If you need gluten-free, swap flour and biscuits for gluten-free versions. For a lighter meal, try low-fat sausage or non-dairy milk—you can still get that comforting taste.
Detailed Recipe Section
Ingredients List
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz refrigerated biscuits
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish so nothing sticks. - Cooking the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook sausage till it’s browned. Drain off extra fat. - Making the Gravy:
Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes so it loses that raw taste. Slowly whisk in milk to keep it lump-free. Season with salt and pepper. Cook till it thickens. - Assembling the Casserole:
Cut biscuits into quarters and spread them in the dish. Pour gravy over them, making sure they’re covered. Sprinkle cheese on top and add green onions if you want. - Baking the Dish:
Bake 20–25 minutes until biscuits are golden and cheese is bubbly. - Serving Suggestions:
Let it sit a few minutes to set up before you cut and serve.
Cooking Tips and Advice
Whisk nonstop when you add milk so you don’t get lumps. Taste and adjust salt and pepper while it cooks. To store leftovers, cool it all the way then seal in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven so the biscuits stay crisp instead of getting soggy like in a microwave. Serve with fruit, hash browns, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Variations on Sausage Gravy Casserole
You can tweak this casserole any way you like:
- Vegetarian Options: Use plant-based sausage or mix in mushrooms and spinach.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour and biscuits for gluten-free ones.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
- Spicy Variations: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for heat.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve Sausage Gravy Casserole with:
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad for some sweetness.
- Hash browns or roasted sweet potatoes for extra comfort.
- A light salad to cut through all that richness.
For drinks, strong coffee is classic, or you could go festive with mimosas to make it brunch-ready.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is about 400–500 calories, depending on portions and brands you use. It usually has:
- Carbs: Around 30–35g from biscuits.
- Fats: About 25–30g from sausage and cheese.
- Proteins: About 15–20g from sausage and cheese.
It is kinda rich, so watch the sodium from processed sausage. Going lean or low-sodium helps keep it healthier without losing flavor.
FAQs Section
What is sausage gravy casserole?
It’s a comforting bake with layers of biscuits, sausage gravy, and melted cheese made for breakfast or brunch.
Can I make it ahead?
Sure, you can prep everything then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
What if I don’t have breakfast sausage?
Try turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or mix different ground meats.
Can I freeze it?
Yep, wrap it tight and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
How long do leftovers last?
It’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Sausage Gravy Casserole is pure comfort food that’s perfect for any morning gathering. With all the ways you can change it up, you’ll never get bored. Invite your friends and family, sit down together, and enjoy a warm, homemade meal that brings everyone closer—because good food makes great memories!
sausage gravy casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough About 16 ounces.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, cut the biscuit dough into quarters and gently mix in half of the shredded cheese.
- Pour the sausage gravy mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the biscuit dough pieces evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
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