There’s something truly magical about a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug from the inside out, isn’t there? For me, a hearty Biscuits and Gravy Casserole perfectly captures that feeling. It’s a dish that transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting symphony of flaky biscuits, savory sausage, and creamy gravy, all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of breakfast that promises a good day ahead, making ordinary mornings feel extraordinary.
My love for comforting bakes started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of her morning biscuits always meant warmth and togetherness. I remember watching her nimble hands work the dough, and it taught me that the best food isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about the love and care poured into every step. This casserole brings back those cherished memories, but in an easy-to-manage format that’s perfect for sharing.
This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole isn’t just incredibly easy to assemble, making it a fantastic family-friendly meal, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable for any gathering, from a casual weekend brunch to a festive holiday morning. A little tip from my kitchen to yours: always make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure those biscuits get perfectly golden and fluffy!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful casserole calls for everyday heroes like refrigerated biscuits, rich ground breakfast sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a medley of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. I always say, simple ingredients, when given a little love, can create the most memorable dishes, and this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a testament to that. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Whipping up this comforting Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a breeze! You’ll start by browning your savory sausage, then quickly whip up a rich, creamy gravy right in the same pan. Layer your refrigerated biscuits in a baking dish, pour over that luscious gravy, sprinkle with plenty of cheese, and then bake until everything is wonderfully golden and bubbly. It’s a process that feels incredibly rewarding, promising a delicious result with minimal fuss.
Hearty Cheesy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Open the cans of biscuits and, on a cutting board, cut each biscuit into quarters. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan. Set the cooked sausage aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet (if you didn’t leave enough sausage fat, add additional butter to make 1 tablespoon). Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk as the gravy comes to a gentle simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season the gravy with salt, black pepper, and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Stir the cooked sausage back into the gravy until well combined.
- Spread half of the quartered biscuits evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the sausage gravy mixture over the biscuits, spreading it to cover. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers: place the remaining biscuit pieces over the cheese, then top with the rest of the sausage gravy mixture. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, the biscuits are cooked through and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy this hearty Biscuits and Gravy Casserole!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Getting that perfect, comforting bake every time is all about a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole truly shines when you pay attention to these small details.
For the flakiest biscuits, don’t overcrowd them in the baking dish. Giving them a little room to expand means they’ll bake up beautifully, with golden edges and soft centers that soak up all that delicious gravy.
My Secret Trick: I always like to slightly crisp my refrigerated biscuits in a hot, dry skillet for a minute or two before layering them into the casserole. This gives them an extra layer of texture and ensures they don’t get soggy in the gravy. It’s a game-changer!
When making your gravy, be sure to whisk constantly as you add the milk. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth, creamy texture that coats every bit of sausage and biscuit perfectly. It’s all about patience and a gentle hand.
Don’t be shy with the sharp cheddar cheese! A generous layer creates a golden, bubbly crust and adds a fantastic tang that complements the savory sausage and rich gravy. I always save a little extra to sprinkle on top halfway through baking for maximum melty goodness.
Fun Variations for Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
One of the joys of home baking is making a recipe truly your own, and this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole offers so many opportunities for creative twists!
Spice It Up
If you love a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sausage as it cooks, or even a dash more cayenne pepper to the gravy for a spicier breakfast experience. My friend, Mark, always asks me to add jalapeños to his portion!
Meat Swaps
While ground breakfast sausage is classic, feel free to experiment with other meats. Crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute could bring a delightful new flavor profile to your Biscuits and Gravy Casserole.
Cheese Please!
Sharp cheddar is wonderful, but feel free to swap it out for other cheeses. A Monterey Jack would offer a milder, creamier melt, while a Colby-jack blend could provide a lovely balance. For a gourmet touch, a sprinkle of smoked gouda could be divine!
What to Serve With Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
While this hearty Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is certainly a meal in itself, I love creating a full breakfast spread around it. It’s like setting the stage for a wonderful morning!
I often pair it with a simple side of fresh fruit salad, like mixed berries or sliced oranges, to add a bright, refreshing contrast to the savory richness. The natural sweetness and acidity really cut through the richness of the gravy.
For those who love a bit of green, a light side salad with a simple vinaigrette can be a surprisingly lovely accompaniment, adding a touch of freshness without overpowering the main dish.
And of course, no comforting breakfast is complete without a warm beverage. A strong cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot tea creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. My mom always had a pot of coffee brewing when we had a big breakfast like this.
How to Store Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
One of the best things about making a big, hearty bake like this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is enjoying the leftovers! With a little care, you can keep it tasting fresh and delicious.
Refrigerator Storage
To store leftover Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, allow it to cool completely, then transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating for Best Flavor
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover it loosely with foil and warm in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until hot. My personal tip for reheating is to add a tiny splash of milk or a pat of butter to the gravy before microwaving to help restore its creamy texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole offers a satisfying start to your day, packed with protein from the ground sausage and whole milk, which helps keep you feeling full and energized. It’s a wonderful example of how comfort food can also be a substantial and nourishing treat, combining simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Biscuits and Gravy Casserole (minus baking) the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for starting from cold.
Faq 2
What kind of sausage works best?
Ground breakfast sausage, either mild or hot, works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use a mixture or even a vegetarian breakfast crumble for a meat-free Biscuits and Gravy Casserole.
Faq 3
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is ready when the biscuits are golden brown and puffed up, and the gravy is bubbly around the edges. A quick peek with a fork should show a thoroughly heated center.
Faq 4
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can! While sharp cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Colby-jack, or even a mild provolone would also melt beautifully in this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, offering slightly different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Baking this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is more than just making a meal; it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and cherished memories right in your own kitchen. This recipe proves that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can come together to create a truly magical treat that brings smiles and brings people together. I hope you’ll embrace the joy of creating this hearty, home-baked delight and share its comforting goodness with those you love. Happy baking, my friends!