Southern Style Drop Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Southern-style drop biscuits paired with creamy sausage gravy is a classic comfort food that captures the heart of Southern cuisine. This dish is the ultimate breakfast or brunch choice, combining buttery, flaky biscuits with a rich and savory sausage gravy that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a weekend brunch, or just craving something hearty, this meal brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern-style drop biscuits and sausage gravy recipe is a perfect example of Southern comfort food at its finest. The drop biscuits are soft, tender, and easy to make, requiring no rolling or cutting, which means you can enjoy homemade biscuits in less time. The sausage gravy is creamy, flavorful, and packed with savory sausage that complements the biscuits beautifully.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional biscuit recipes that require rolling dough, these drop biscuits are simple to prepare and require minimal effort.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of tender biscuits and rich sausage gravy makes for a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level of the sausage gravy to your liking, or swap the sausage for other proteins if preferred.
• Perfect for Brunch: This dish is great for feeding a crowd, making it an ideal choice for weekend brunches or holiday breakfasts.
• Classic Comfort Food: The creamy gravy and soft biscuits offer a taste of nostalgia and tradition that will transport you straight to a Southern kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Drop Biscuits:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Buttermilk

For the Sausage Gravy:

• Ground breakfast sausage
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Directions

For the Drop Biscuits:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger chunks of butter should remain, as they will help make the biscuits flaky.
4. Add the buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the mixture and gently stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
5. Form the biscuits: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart for soft, tender biscuits. For crispier edges, space them farther apart.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

For the Sausage Gravy:

1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the pan if needed.
2. Make the gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to keep the gravy smooth.
4. Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes or garlic powder if desired. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary. The gravy should be creamy, flavorful, and slightly thick.
5. Serve: Once the gravy has reached the desired thickness, remove from heat. Spoon the sausage gravy generously over the warm drop biscuits and serve immediately.

Variations

• Vegetarian Sausage Gravy: For a meatless version, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms in place of the breakfast sausage. The mushrooms will provide a hearty, savory flavor that mimics the richness of sausage.
• Spicy Sausage Gravy: Add a little extra heat by including more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños into the gravy. You can also use spicy sausage to bring the flavor to the next level.
• Cheese Biscuits: Add shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist. This adds a delicious richness to the biscuits that complements the gravy even more.
• Herbed Biscuits: Stir in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the biscuit dough for an aromatic flavor boost.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Drop Biscuits: Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Sausage Gravy: Store the sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Biscuits: To reheat biscuits, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Sausage Gravy: To reheat the gravy, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the biscuits in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

Can I freeze the drop biscuits?

Yes, drop biscuits freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the biscuits?

While buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps the biscuits rise, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to the milk to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Is sausage gravy spicy?

The sausage gravy is typically not spicy unless you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level by controlling the seasonings.

Can I use a different type of sausage for the gravy?

Yes, feel free to swap the breakfast sausage for another type of sausage, such as Italian sausage or turkey sausage, for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make both the drop biscuits and sausage gravy gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your sausage gravy’s flour substitute is suitable for thickening.

Can I use non-dairy milk for the gravy?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk, like almond milk or oat milk, for the whole milk in the sausage gravy. Be sure to use an unsweetened variety for the best results.

How do I prevent the gravy from getting too thick?

If your sausage gravy gets too thick while cooking, simply add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir constantly to keep it smooth.

Can I make the gravy in advance?

Yes, sausage gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Can I make the biscuits without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with an equal amount of shortening or a dairy-free butter alternative if you prefer.

Conclusion

Southern-style drop biscuits and sausage gravy are a comforting, classic meal that brings warmth and flavor to any table. The tender, flaky biscuits combined with creamy, savory sausage gravy make this dish a standout for any brunch or breakfast. With its simplicity and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or making it for a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint. Try it out, and indulge in a taste of Southern hospitality!

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