Are you craving a comforting, soul-warming meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe brings you a taste of home-style cooking, inspired by the legendary Dolly Parton herself. Imagine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits smothered in a creamy, savory gravy – pure comfort food heaven! This easy recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or any time you need a little bit of that Dolly Parton magic in your life. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, and one of the best recipes you'll ever try.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups cooked sausage (optional, for a heartier gravy)
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it to about 1-inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits.
- Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Gravy:
- While the biscuits are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). If adding sausage, stir it in now.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over the warm biscuits.
Tips for the Best Biscuits and Gravy:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for creating flaky biscuits.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
- Let the gravy simmer: Allowing the gravy to simmer gently helps it thicken and develop its rich flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Cheese Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough.
- Herb Gravy: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the gravy.
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a kick.
- Vegetarian Gravy: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your biscuits and the amount of gravy used. However, a typical serving provides roughly 350-450 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. This is a hearty and satisfying meal, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This recipe easily adapts to a healthy meals plan by using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of butter and sausage.
This easy recipe for Dolly Parton's Biscuit and Gravy is a true taste of Southern comfort food. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion! It's a simple pleasure, guaranteed to warm your heart and your belly. Share this quick dinner idea with your friends and family – it's a recipe everyone will love.