Are you craving that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of First Watch's famous biscuits and gravy? Forget the weekend brunch rush! This recipe lets you recreate this delicious dish at home, any day of the week. It's surprisingly easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers that same comforting flavor you love. Get ready for a delicious, homemade breakfast (or any meal, really!) that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Shape & Bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Sausage Gravy:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Add Milk Gradually: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
Serving:
Split the warm biscuits and generously pour the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade First Watch-inspired breakfast!
Tips and Variations:
- For Flaky Biscuits: Use very cold ingredients and handle the dough gently to prevent the gluten from developing too much.
- Make it Ahead: Biscuits can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sausage gravy for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Please: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuits before baking for extra flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the biscuit dough or gravy for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving of this recipe might contain around 400-500 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient measurements.
This recipe delivers a hearty, delicious, and surprisingly easy-to-make meal. It's perfect for a weekend brunch, a comforting weeknight dinner, or any time you're craving a taste of that famous First Watch experience. Enjoy!