Introduction
Indulge in a comforting and hearty dish that combines the best of breakfast flavors with a delectable twist. This sausage and gravy casserole paired with fluffy biscuits and cheesy eggs is the perfect way to start your day or serve at brunch gatherings. With a mix of savory sausage, creamy gravy, and layers of delicious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sausage and Gravy:
1 pound regular or mild pork breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean brand)
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided into 1-tablespoon pats
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2¾ cups whole milk
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Biscuits and Eggs:
1 package (8 count) Grands Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Refrigerated Biscuit Dough
6 large eggs
⅓ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups freshly grated mild cheddar cheese, divided
Melted butter for brushing the tops of the biscuits (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
3. Prepare the Gravy: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Transfer half of the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate; leave the remaining half in the skillet. Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
– Place half of the biscuit pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
– Sprinkle the reserved cooked sausage over the biscuit layer.
– In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, ⅓ cup milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Pour this egg mixture over the sausage layer.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the egg layer.
– Spoon the prepared sausage gravy over the cheese layer.
– Arrange the remaining biscuit pieces over the gravy layer.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer of biscuits is golden brown and the eggs are puffed up. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out with a trace of gravy. If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
7. Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
3. Prepare the Gravy
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Transfer half of the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate; leave the remaining half in the skillet. Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Biscuits
Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Place half of the biscuit pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cooked sausage over the biscuit layer. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, ⅓ cup milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Pour this egg mixture over the sausage layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the egg layer. Spoon the prepared sausage gravy over the cheese layer. Arrange the remaining biscuit pieces over the gravy layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer of biscuits is golden brown and the eggs are puffed up. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out with a trace of gravy. If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
7. Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Ingredient Options
You may substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Cheese Considerations
Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, for added flavor.
Make Ahead
This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast.
Leftovers Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Cook techniques
Cooking the Sausage
Use a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat to cook the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Ensure the sausage is fully browned for optimal flavor.
Making the Gravy
After browning the sausage, reduce the heat to medium-low. Use the rendered fat to cook butter and flour, whisking continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until the gravy thickens.
Preparing the Biscuits
Cut each biscuit from the refrigerated dough into six equal pieces. This allows for easier layering in the casserole and ensures even baking.
Assembling the Casserole
Layer half of the biscuit pieces in the baking dish, followed by sausage, an egg mixture of beaten eggs and seasonings, and grated cheddar cheese. Top with gravy, additional biscuit pieces, and more cheese before baking.
Baking the Casserole
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown, and the center is slightly firm yet moist.
Resting before Serving
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the pork breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage alternatives if preferred.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the recipe?
You can use 2% milk, almond milk, or any other milk substitute, though the consistency and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Gravy Biscuit Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the classic flavors of breakfast into a comforting, hearty meal. With a rich and savory gravy, fluffy biscuits, and cheesy scrambled eggs, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or as a special weekend treat. The ease of preparation and the delicious outcome make it a favorite in any household.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole
Swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms, and use plant-based cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Chorizo and Cheese Biscuit Bake
Replace the sausage with spicy chorizo for a kick of flavor and add pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of spice.
Ham and Cheese Biscuit Casserole
Use diced ham instead of sausage and incorporate Swiss cheese for a savory twist perfect for brunch.
Sweet Potato and Kale Breakfast Bake
Add roasted sweet potatoes and fresh kale to the casserole for a nutritious and packed breakfast option.
Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes into the egg mixture with Mexican cheese for a southwestern flair.
