There’s nothing quite like a Southern-style breakfast to warm the soul. And among all the iconic dishes, few are as hearty and comforting as biscuits and gravy. This classic is usually served as individual biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy, but when you need to feed a crowd—or just want something easy and make-ahead-friendly—the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole becomes the ultimate go-to recipe.
Whether you’re prepping for a cozy weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option, this casserole delivers all the flavor of the traditional version with added convenience. It’s rich, creamy, savory, and loaded with flaky biscuit goodness in every bite. Let’s dive deep into how to make this satisfying comfort food, explore why it works so well, and learn how to adapt it for different tastes and dietary needs.
What Is Biscuits and Gravy Casserole?
This dish is essentially a layered breakfast casserole. Imagine buttery biscuits nestled into a casserole dish, covered in a thick, peppery sausage gravy, and often topped with cheese or eggs for added richness. As it bakes, the biscuits soak in the flavorful gravy, resulting in a dish that is both fluffy and decadent. It’s filling, simple, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients Breakdown (US Cup Measurements)
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to create a traditional Biscuits and Gravy Casserole:
For the Biscuits:
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1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated flaky biscuits (or homemade biscuit dough)
For the Sausage Gravy:
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1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups whole milk
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Add-Ons:
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
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6 large eggs, beaten (for an egg layer)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stage 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Stage 2: Cook the Sausage
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbly.
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Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small bits as it cooks.
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Once browned, drain excess fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Stage 3: Make the Gravy
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Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir to coat evenly.
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Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Cook and stir until thickened, about 5–8 minutes. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon.
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Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Stage 4: Layer the Casserole
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Cut each biscuit into quarters and spread half across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Pour sausage gravy evenly over the biscuit layer.
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If using eggs, pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top.
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Layer the remaining biscuit pieces on top.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over everything (if using).
Stage 5: Bake
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
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If biscuits start to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Stage 6: Cool and Serve
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Slice into squares and serve warm.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Calories
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Calories (per serving, serves 8): ~420 kcal
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole succeeds because of the layering technique. The biscuits bake up golden and tender while soaking in the savory sausage gravy, making every bite satisfying. The added eggs create a fluffy, quiche-like layer if included, and cheese adds richness. It’s a one-pan breakfast that saves time, minimizes cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor.
Variations and Customizations
1. Vegetarian Option
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Replace sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms.
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Use vegetable broth instead of sausage grease to make the gravy.
2. Spice It Up
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Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy sausage for a kick.
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Pepper jack cheese makes a great substitution for cheddar.
3. Lighter Version
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Use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk.
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Opt for low-fat biscuits or make homemade Greek yogurt biscuits.
4. Egg-Free Version
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Skip the egg layer entirely for a more biscuit-forward bake.
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Still incredibly rich and comforting.
5. Deluxe Style
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Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or hash browns between layers.
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Finish with a sprinkle of chives or parsley for color and flavor.
Serving Ideas
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Serve with a side of fresh fruit for contrast.
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Pair with a green salad or roasted asparagus to balance richness.
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A mimosa or a cup of strong coffee goes perfectly with it for brunch.
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Add hot sauce or gravy on the side for serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
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Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate.
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In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Storage:
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices.
Freezing:
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Freeze baked casserole in portions. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips for Success
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Don’t overbake or the biscuits will become too dry—watch for golden tops.
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Stir the gravy constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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If using canned biscuits, avoid overhandling them; too much kneading makes them tough.
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Let the casserole rest before slicing—it sets up and becomes easier to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade biscuits?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut them into small chunks so they bake evenly.
Can I skip the sausage?
Yes. You can substitute mushrooms, soy crumbles, or your favorite plant-based protein.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and makes a perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Use the oven for the best texture, but a microwave works for individual portions.
Final Thoughts
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is everything you love about a Southern breakfast rolled into one warm, bubbly, oven-baked dish. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat and impressive enough for a holiday brunch. With just a few ingredients and endless flexibility, this casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you serve it to guests or just want a hearty start to your own day, it never disappoints.