The Best Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Introduction:

When it comes to hearty, comforting breakfasts, few dishes can rival the satisfaction of homemade biscuits and gravy. This classic Southern dish combines the fluffiness of biscuits with the savory richness of creamy sausage gravy. In this article, we'll guide you through a simple yet delightful recipe for crafting this breakfast masterpiece. Not only will you learn the step-by-step process, but we'll also dive into the nutritional information and share tips for making this dish your own.

Why make homemade biscuits and gravy?

Fresh, Quality Ingredients:

• When you make biscuits and gravy from scratch, you have control over the quality of ingredients. You can choose fresh, high-quality products, ensuring a tastier and healthier outcome compared to some store-bought alternatives.

Customization:

• Homemade recipes allow for customization to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the level of seasoning, choose a specific type of sausage, or even experiment with alternative flours for a unique twist.

No Artificial Additives:

• Store-bought biscuits and gravy mixes often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. By making it yourself, you eliminate these additives, creating a meal that's both wholesome and free from unnecessary chemicals.

Satisfaction of Cooking from Scratch:

• There's a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from creating a dish entirely from scratch. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits and the sight of homemade gravy simmering on the stove add to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Family and Social Bonding:

• Cooking together can be a great way to bond with family and friends. Making homemade biscuits and gravy can become a shared activity, creating memories and traditions around the preparation and enjoyment of this delicious comfort food.

Nutritional Awareness:

• Crafting your own biscuits and gravy allows you to be more aware of the nutritional content of your meal. You can control portion sizes and make adjustments to meet specific dietary requirements, whether it's reducing calories, incorporating whole grains, or adding more vegetables.

Versatility:

• Homemade recipes offer the flexibility to experiment with different variations and add personal touches. Whether you want to make a healthier version, accommodate dietary restrictions, or simply try new flavor combinations, the possibilities are endless.

Cost-Effective:

• In many cases, making biscuits and gravy from scratch can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made or restaurant versions. Basic pantry staples can be used to create a delicious and satisfying breakfast without breaking the bank.

Freshness and Warmth:

• There's something special about enjoying biscuits straight from the oven and ladling warm, homemade gravy over them. The freshness and warmth of a homemade meal contribute to a delightful eating experience that's hard to replicate with pre-packaged options.

Ingredients:

Before we embark on our biscuit and gravy adventure, gather the following ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced

• 3/4 cup milk

For the Gravy:

• 1 pound ground sausage

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Biscuits:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold diced butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently. Pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
6. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.

For the Gravy:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Sprinkle flour over the sausage, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information:

Now, let's take a closer look at the nutritional content of this homemade biscuits and gravy dish:

For one serving (2 biscuits with gravy):

Biscuits (per serving):

• Calories: 200

• Total Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 24g

• Protein: 4g

Gravy (per serving):

• Calories: 180

• Total Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 300mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 8g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Benefits of Homemade Biscuits and Gravy:

Quality Ingredients:

• Homemade recipes allow you to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients, resulting in a tastier and healthier meal compared to pre-packaged options.

Customization:

• Tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, adjusting the seasoning, type of sausage, or even experimenting with alternative flours for a unique twist.

No Artificial Additives:

• Eliminate preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium present in store-bought mixes, promoting a healthier and more natural dining experience.

Satisfaction of Cooking from Scratch:

• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from creating a meal entirely from scratch, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Family and Social Bonding:

• Cooking together fosters bonding with family and friends, creating shared memories and traditions around the preparation and enjoyment of this classic comfort food.

Nutritional Awareness:

• Be more aware of the nutritional content of your meal, allowing you to control portion sizes and make adjustments to meet specific dietary needs.

Versatility:

• Experiment with different variations, adding personal touches and trying new flavor combinations to suit your preferences.

Cost-Effective:

• Making biscuits and gravy from scratch can often be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made or restaurant versions, especially when using basic pantry staples.

Freshness and Warmth:

• Enjoy the delightful experience of freshly baked biscuits straight from the oven, paired with warm, homemade gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips for Homemade Biscuits and Gravy:

Start with Quality Ingredients:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, including good-quality sausage, fresh herbs, and high-grade flour, for the best flavor.

Buttermilk for Tender Biscuits:

• Opt for buttermilk in your biscuit recipe for a tnder and flavorful result. The acidity of buttermilk helps activate the baking powder, contributing to a light and fluffy texture.

Cold Butter for Flaky Biscuits:

• Keep the butter for the biscuits cold, and cut it into small cubes. This helps create a flaky texture in the biscuits as the cold butter melts during baking.

Proper Biscuit Handling:

• Handle biscuit dough gently. Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Knead the dough only as much as necessary to bring it together.

Choose the Right Sausage:

• Select a flavorful and well-seasoned sausage for the gravy. The sausage is a key component of the dish, so choose one that complements the overall flavor.

Adjust Gravy Consistency:

• Control the consistency of the gravy by adjusting the amount of flour and milk. If it's too thick, add more milk; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Seasoning is Key:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the gravy before serving. Salt and pepper are essential, and you can also add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Experiment with Additions:

• Get creative with additional ingredients. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor profile of your biscuits and gravy.

Serve Immediately:

• Biscuits and gravy are best enjoyed immediately after preparation while the biscuits are fresh and the gravy is warm. This ensures the optimal dining experience.

Store Gravy Properly:

• If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to maintain the desired consistency.

People also ask:

What are the key ingredients for homemade biscuits and gravy?

For biscuits, you'll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. The gravy typically includes sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add spices like sage or thyme for extra flavor.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can! Prepare the biscuit dough, cut them into shapes, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw, just bake from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Can I make sausage gravy without using pork sausage?

Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. Adjust seasonings accordingly to match the flavor profile you prefer.

How do I prevent my gravy from becoming lumpy?

To avoid lumps in your gravy, make sure to whisk the flour into the sausage drippings thoroughly before adding the milk. If lumps do form, you can use a fine-mesh strainer or continue whisking vigorously to smooth them out.

What are some creative variations for homemade biscuits and gravy?

Conclusion:

With this homemade biscuits and gravy recipe, you're not just making breakfast; you're creating a warm, comforting experience. Whether you're serving it to family on a lazy Sunday morning or impressing guests with a Southern-inspired brunch, this dish is sure to leave everyone craving more. Enjoy the simple joy of crafting this classic comfort food in your own kitchen, and savor every bite!

Enjoy your Homemade Biscuits and Gravy! 😋