Hello, breakfast fans! Today, we’re diving into the world of a truly comforting breakfast the classic homestyle biscuits and gravy. Perfect for starting your day on the right note or satisfying a craving for comfort food, biscuits and gravy never disappoint.
My husband is a die-hard fan of biscuits and gravy; it’s his breakfast of champions, no questions asked. As northerners, this dish was as foreign to me as surfing in Siberia. But love makes you do crazy things, like attempting to whip up his favorite Southern comfort food. Let’s just say my first try was less ‘Southern comfort’ and more ‘Northern discomfort.’ The gravy was a pasty mess that screamed ‘flour power!’ I was on a mission now – I vowed to conquer the biscuits and gravy! So, here it is.
Quick and Easy Biscuits
For those mornings when you crave homemade goodness but are short on time, refrigerator biscuits are the perfect solution. These pre-made biscuits offer convenience without sacrificing taste or texture.
Tips for Baking Store-Bought Biscuits:
- Preheat Your Oven: First, follow the instructions on the package, typically preheating to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
- Even Spacing: Next, place the biscuits on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow for proper rising and browning.
- Golden Finish: Then, brush the tops with melted butter before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Doneness Check: Finally, bake until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, usually around 10-15 minutes depending on the brand.
Using refrigerator biscuits cuts down on prep time while still delivering warm, flaky goodness that’s perfect for soaking up savory gravy.
Crafting the Ideal Gravy
Gravy is the soul of this dish, and its preparation can vary based on personal preference. Here, we’ll explore a classic sausage gravy; however, feel free to experiment with other types like mushroom gravy for a vegetarian option.
Instructions for Sausage Gravy:
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Next, sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Secrets to Smooth Gravy:
- Stir constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more
Suggestions
Serve your biscuits and gravy hot, with the gravy generously ladled over the biscuits. For a complete breakfast experience, pair them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit. Additionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations and Twists
While the classic sausage gravy is a favorite, there are numerous ways to put a unique spin on this dish:
- Mushroom Gravy: Substitute sausage with a variety of sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Gravy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Biscuits: Incorporate shredded cheese into your biscuit dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Biscuits and gravy is a dish that invites warmth and comfort into any kitchen. By following these tips and techniques, you can recreate this beloved meal at home, adding your own personal touch to make it truly special. We’d love to hear how your biscuits and gravy turn out—share your experiences and any unique variations you’ve tried in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Banana Cake
Equipment
- 1 Stand Mixer of Handmixer
- 2 8" or 9" Round Pans
- 1 Potato Masher
- 1 Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 375 Grams All-purpose Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 170 Grams Butter
- 300 Grams Granulated Sugar
- 150 Grams Eggs (Approximately 3 large eggs)
- 2 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 242 Grams Buttermilk
- 115 Grams Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °. Prepare the baking pans by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
- Peel and chop the bananas. Add them to a bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork.
- Allow the butter, eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream to come to room temperature. Your ingredients must be at room temperature so that they will incorporate properly when you are mixing the batter.
- Measure out all of your ingredients. Sift all of the dry ingredients together: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fit with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the butter and your sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes, halfway through stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. This process helps make your cake rise and keeps it very light and tender.
- On low speed, add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, and mix until they are completely absorbed into the mixture before adding the next egg. During this process, periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl, and once all eggs are added, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure all the eggs are mixed into the mixture.
- Add the vanilla, mashed bananas, and sour cream into the mixture until combined.
- Alternate between the dry ingredients and buttermilk as you add them to your batter. Begin by adding 1/4 of your flour mixture and mix until just absorbed, then add 1/3 of the buttermilk until it is incorporated. Continue this process, alternating between adding dry and wet ingredients to the batter. Always start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Since ovens can vary, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully remove them from the pan and place them on cooling racks. Once the cakes have cooled, proceed to frost them with your favorite frosting. We recommend either a chocolate fudge frosting or a cream cheese frosting.
Easy Classic Homestyle Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern comfort dish made with flaky homestyle biscuits smothered in a rich, savory gravy made with breakfast sausage, butter, flour, milk, and heavy whipping cream. Seasoned with black pepper and salt, this recipe promises a hearty flavor with every bite. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Take six frozen Pillsbury biscuits and place them on the sheet, making sure there is enough space between them for even baking. Put the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and let the biscuits bake for 22-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
You can also use refrigerated biscuits or homemade biscuits. -
While the biscuits are baking, prepare the pork sausage gravy. In a heated skillet over medium heat, add the pork sausage and break it up into small crumb pieces. Cook until the pork is browned, stirring occasionally.
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Once the pork is browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the sausage until it's melted. Then, add flour to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Slowly add milk to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Add pepper to taste and continue to stir the mixture until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
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You can add more milk if the gravy is too thick or let it cook longer if it's too thin. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
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Once the biscuits are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Split each biscuit in half and pour the pork sausage gravy on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Biscuits for biscuits and gravy should be soft, flaky, and buttery. Homemade biscuits are often preferred, but you can also use store-bought biscuits or make drop biscuits for a quicker option
While biscuits are best served fresh, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can make the biscuits ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Biscuits and gravy are often served with traditional breakfast sides such as scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fried potatoes. You can also serve them with fresh fruit or a side of greens for a balanced meal. Additionally, biscuits and gravy make a satisfying brunch or dinner option on their own.
Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan biscuits and gravy. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based sausage or bacon alternatives, and for a vegan version, you can use non-dairy milk and vegan butter or oil for the biscuits.