Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole! This recipe transforms classic biscuits and gravy into a deliciously convenient, bake-able masterpiece, perfect for weekend brunches, busy weeknights, or any time you need a dose of pure comfort food. Forget soggy biscuits and messy plates; this casserole delivers all the flavor in a beautiful, easy-to-serve dish. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Get ready to experience a new level of breakfast bliss!
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk
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). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Gradually stir in the milk until just combined. Don't overmix! A slightly lumpy batter is okay.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Sausage Gravy:
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the gravy.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Season & Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Pour Gravy: Carefully pour the sausage gravy over the baked biscuits in the baking dish.
- Bake (Optional): For extra bubbly goodness, you can bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for another 5-7 minutes. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a nice touch!
Tips and Variations:
- For fluffier biscuits: Use cold ingredients and avoid overmixing the dough.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for extra heat.
- Cheese please!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the biscuits before adding the gravy.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sausage gravy for a heartier dish.
- Make it ahead: You can bake the biscuits and make the gravy ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on sausage and milk choices)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for a quick and easy meal that satisfies all your cravings. The combination of flaky biscuits and rich, savory gravy is simply irresistible! Enjoy!