A Comforting Southern-Style Brunch Classic You Can Make Ahead
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Makes This Casserole Special?
- Ingredient Overview
- Best Biscuits for Breakfast Casseroles
- How to Make the Sausage Gravy from Scratch
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Customization Ideas (Eggs, Cheese, etc.)
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- FAQs
- Nutrition & Portion Advice
- Final Thoughts
1. Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing, and truly satisfying breakfast option, this Easy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole should top your list. It’s a Southern-inspired favorite that layers fluffy biscuits over savory sausage gravy, baked into one golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry weekend crew, hosting brunch, or planning an easy meal prep breakfast that reheats well—this casserole delivers the nostalgic flavors of the South in every bite. And the best part? It takes minimal effort to assemble and can even be made ahead of time.
2. What Makes This Casserole Special?
Unlike traditional biscuits and gravy, where each component is made and plated separately, this dish is fully baked as one unified casserole. That means:
- Less cleanup
- Fewer pans
- Easier to transport and store
- Perfect consistency—crispy biscuit tops, tender bottoms soaked in gravy
It’s perfect for potlucks, Sunday breakfasts, holidays, and even dinner if you’re craving something hearty and familiar.
3. Ingredient Overview
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters.
🧾 Core Ingredients
- Biscuits: Store-bought or homemade, they form the pillowy top layer. Refrigerated biscuits are time-saving; homemade ones offer personal flair.
- Sausage: Pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but turkey or plant-based versions work well too.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sausage gravy.
- Whole milk: Delivers richness and a creamy texture.
- Butter: Enhances the gravy’s depth and smoothness.
- Salt & black pepper: Basic but essential seasoning.
- Parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
✅ Pro Tip: Want an added layer of indulgence? A sprinkle of shredded cheddar between the gravy and biscuits brings bold flavor.
4. Best Biscuits for Breakfast Casseroles
The biscuit layer is more than just a topping—it plays a vital structural role in the dish.
🍞 Store-Bought Biscuits
- Choose large, fluffy buttermilk-style biscuits.
- Cut into halves or quarters so they bake evenly.
- Brands like Pillsbury Grands work well in a pinch.
🥣 Homemade Biscuits
- Use a thick, fluffy recipe with cold butter for lift.
- Avoid thin drop biscuits—they may dissolve into the gravy.
- Refrigerate dough before baking to help with rise.
🧠 Pro Insight: If using frozen biscuits, thaw slightly before layering to prevent undercooked centers.
5. How to Make the Sausage Gravy from Scratch
This isn’t just any sausage gravy—it’s the heart of the dish, and here’s how to make it beautifully balanced.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles.
- Do not drain all the fat—leave about 2 tablespoons to mix with the flour.
- Stir in the flour, cooking it for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly.
- Add butter and simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
📌 Texture Check: Gravy should coat the back of a spoon but not be gluey.
6. Step-by-Step Instructions
📋 What You’ll Need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or whisk
- Preheated oven (375°F or 190°C)
🔪 Steps:
Step 1 – Prepare the Gravy
Follow the gravy method above until thick and creamy.
Step 2 – Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole
Pour the sausage gravy into the dish evenly.
Cut the biscuits and arrange them gently on top, leaving slight gaps.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes. Biscuits should be golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 5 – Garnish and Rest
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated cheese if desired.
7. Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This dish is meal-prep-friendly. Here’s how to do it smartly:
✅ Make-Ahead (Refrigerator Method)
- Assemble the casserole but do not bake.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if cold.
❄️ Freezer Method
- Assemble and wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as normal.
8. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Looking to round out your meal?
🥗 Light Sides:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey and granola
- Cucumber-mint lemonade or fresh-squeezed orange juice
☕ Drink Ideas:
- Hot coffee with cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chai tea or iced tea
- Spiced apple cider in colder months
9. Customization Ideas
🧀 Add Cheese
- Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack between layers
🥚 Add Eggs
- Scrambled eggs layered between gravy and biscuit
- Cracked raw eggs on top (shakshuka-style)
🌿 Add Veggies
- Sautéed spinach
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
🌶 Make It Spicy
- Use hot sausage
- Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños
10. Storage and Reheating Instructions
🧊 Storing Leftovers
- Cool completely before covering.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Store in airtight containers for best results.
🔥 Reheating
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: 60–90 seconds per portion
❄️ Freezing Leftovers
- Slice into individual servings
- Wrap and freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
11. Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Biscuits undercooked | Bake longer or cover with foil to avoid burning tops |
| Gravy too thin | Simmer longer before assembling |
| Gravy too thick | Add a splash of milk before layering |
| Biscuits soggy | Don’t press them deep into the gravy |
| No rise on biscuits | Use fresh dough and leave space between pieces |
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned gravy?
Yes, but ensure it’s thick enough or the biscuits may sink.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—use plant-based sausage and dairy-free milk.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two pans and rotate them halfway through baking.
Q: Can I use almond or oat milk?
Yes, though flavor and thickness may vary. Use unsweetened versions.
Q: Can I bake it in a cast iron skillet?
Definitely! It creates a rustic look and extra-crispy biscuit bottoms.
13. Nutrition & Portion Advice
🔍 Approximate Per Serving (1 of 8)
- Calories: 370–420 kcal
- Protein: 15–18g
- Carbs: 25–30g
- Fat: 22–28g
- Fiber: 1–2g
Note: Adjust based on added ingredients like cheese or eggs.
14. Final Thoughts
This Easy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm memory waiting to be made. Simple, satisfying, and full of down-home flavor, it’s the perfect dish to gather loved ones around the table, morning or night.
Whether you stick to the basics or jazz it up with cheese, eggs, and spice, the outcome is always comforting, filling, and worth every bite.
