biscuits and gravy recipe

Southern Comfort: A Complete Guide to Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

If you’ve ever been to the South, then you know that biscuits and gravy are a breakfast staple. Homemade biscuits and gravy are an undeniable comfort food that has been enjoyed by Southerners for generations. If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a hearty, delicious meal, then this complete guide to homemade biscuits and gravy recipe will be your go-to resource.

Introduction

Biscuits and gravy are more than just a meal in the South; they’re a cultural icon. The dish has roots going back to the 1600s when English settlers brought it over to America. Today, it’s a beloved dish that has several variations across the country but remains true to its southern origins.

Making homemade biscuits and gravy might seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely doable with the right guidance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process from ingredients to serving suggestions and everything in between.

Ingredients

Before we start making our biscuits and gravy, let’s take a look at all the necessary ingredients for both components:

Biscuits Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter
• Buttermilk (or milk)

Each component plays an essential role in creating the texture, flavor, and rise of your biscuits. It’s essential to pay attention to each ingredient and take care when measuring them.

The most significant difference between homemade and store-bought ingredients is the quality. Homemade versions of each component will always be superior in both taste and nutrition. For instance, using freshly ground flour for your biscuits can result in a richer flavor profile, firmer texture, and more nutritional value compared to store-bought flour.

Gravy Ingredients

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (or any milk substitute)
• Salt & black pepper

The main ingredients for gravy are straightforward. You need flour and fat (usually butter) to create a roux, which is used to thicken the milk mixture to create the gravy. It’s best to use whole milk as it gives a creamier texture and richer flavor than lower fat alternatives.

Preparing The Biscuits

Making homemade biscuits might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! Following these steps will ensure your biscuits come out with melt-in-your-mouth flaky layers every time.

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Preheat your oven to 450 F. It’s important to make sure that your oven is fully heated before placing the biscuits inside. This helps ensure proper rising and overall mouthfeel of the biscuit layer.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure that there are no lumps left in this mixture before moving on to the next step. Lumps of baking soda or powder can lead to uneven dough risen during baking.

Step 3: Cut The Butter And Add To Dry Ingredients Mixture

Cut your cold butter into small cubes using a pastry cutter or two knives. This will prevent them from melting too quickly when you add them to the dough mixture. Add the butter pieces to the dry ingredients and mix with your hands until a coarse texture is achieved.

Step 4: Mix The Wet Ingredients

Pour the buttermilk or regular milk over the dry mixture and, using a spatula, gently stir until a soft dough is formed (Don’t knead the dough too much).

Step 5: Cut Dough And Bake Biscuits

Dump the dough onto a flat surface and press it down to about ¾-inch thickness. Cut out the biscuits using a sizeable round cookie cutter or glass-dipped in flour. Place them on an un-greased baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each biscuit for even baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.

Tips For Perfect Biscuits

• Don’t overwork your dough: Overworking your dough will lead to less flaky biscuits and dense, heavy layers.
• Cut The Butter: Make sure you use cold butter sliced into small pieces to maintain texture consistency during preparation
• Bake At High Temperature: Setting your oven at high temperature (450 F) will help biscuits achieve desired puffiness (Southern-style biscuits are all about being light and fluffy).

Making The Gravy

Gravy might seem like something that’s best left to grocery store shelves, but it’s actually pretty straightforward to make yourself! In this guide, we’ll cover three different types of gravies that you can easily make at home.

Step-By-Step Gravy Preparation Instructions

Traditional Gravy

Ingredients Needed

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or other alternative milk)

Prepartation Process

1. Melt the butter into a skillet set over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour using a whisk and continue mixing until a paste (roux) is formed.
2. Pour 2 cups of milk slowly into the skillet. Continuously stir with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste (a pinch of nutmeg will add extra flavor if you prefer).
4. Cook until the gravy is thick and bubbling, stirring continuously for an even texture (3-5 minutes).

Sausage Gravy

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of whole milk (or other milk substitute)

Preparation Process:

1. Brown your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula during continuous stirring.
2. Mix flour into the pan with browned sausage. Stirring constantly, slowly pour 2 to 3 cups of milk into the skillet.
3. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens or until it reaches your preferred consistency, then add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer over low heat stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes.

Vegetarian Gravy

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (or other milk substitute)

Preparation Process:

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet and then add in garlic. Cook for one minute or until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and mix it with a whisk until it’s fully blended with the olive oil.
3. Slowly pour the milk into the pan while mixing with a whisk to avoid lumps from forming.
4. Add salt and pepper as needed, then simmer on low for about 5-10 minutes.

Tips For Perfect Gravy

• Whisking Constantly: Whisking while adding milk or during cooking will help avoid having lumps in your gravy
• Stirring Consistently: Continous stirring helps perfect texture evenly across the mix.
• Cooking Duration: The longer you cook your gravy, the thicker it becomes. So, adjust cook time based on desired thickness.

Classic Biscuit & Gravy Recipe

The classic style of biscuits and gravy is the most common amongst Southerners. This recipe creates a savory, filling meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups milk (or milk substitute of your choice)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Biscuits Preparation Process

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until fully blended.
2. Add in sliced butter and mix with your hands until there are no longer any large chunks of butter remaining.
3. Slowly pour in buttermilk and fold gently until a dough forms (DO NOT overwork the dough).
4. Cut dough into circles with a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving adequate spacing between each for even rising.

   P.S.: Brush the tops with extra milk before placing them in the oven makes them golden brown.

   Gravy Preparation Process:

   1. Brown sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as you cook.
   2. Add flour to the skillet of sausage and mix well until there are no lumps left. Cook for a few minutes to let the mixture brown lightly.
   3. Gradually add milk while whisking frequently, and then simmer and stir until the gravy thickens. Add Salt & pepper to taste ( a pinch of nutmeg can also add savory flavor).

   Serving Biscuits And Gravy

   Once biscuits have been baked and the gravy is fully prepared, gently place the biscuits onto the plate, cut them in half, and pour generous amounts of gravy over them.

   Healthy Options

   Incorporating healthy swaps into your biscuit and gravy recipes will keep foods fresh, rich, enjoyable while making them more nutritious. One way is by using coconut oil or ghee instead of butter when preparing your dough or using almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour to give more nutritional benefits.

   Biscuits and Gravy Across America

   If you’re a fan of biscuits and gravy, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several variations located throughout the country:

   • Northeastern-style gravy often has a red-eye twist and includes diced ham in their mixes usually added for thicker texture added with natural coloring from ham meat juices.
   • In Louisiana, they add creole seasonings, seafood or gumbo ingredients to their mixes for an extra kick during breakfast hours.
   • Hawaiian culinary establishments even serve their version with pineapple jelly!

   Serving Suggestions

   Biscuits and gravy can be served any time of day. They pair especially well with:

   • Fried or scrambled eggs
   • Breakfast sausage or bacon
   • Grilled Steak or Fried Chicken

   Troubleshooting Your Recipe

   Making homemade biscuits and gravy is a bit of an art form, and there are some common issues you might run into during the process. Here are some tips to help you fix any problems that may arise:

   • If the dough is too sticky: Add more flour until you achieve your desired texture.
   • If the biscuits do not rise: Check that you used fresh baking powder.
   • If the gravy is runny: Cook it longer until it thickens to the desired consistency.

   Final Thoughts

   Homemade biscuits and gravy might take a little time and effort, but they’re undoubtedly worth it. With all the variations to explore, You can never run out of options of this classic Southern dish to explore. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for guests or just treating yourself to a delicious meal at home, homemade biscuits and gravy will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

   Recipe Card

   Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

   Ingredients:

   2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into cubes 3/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk (plus extra for brushing) 1/2 pound breakfast sausage 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy) 2 cups milk (or milk substitute of your choice) Salt & pepper to taste

   Instructions

   Preheat oven to 450°F Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until blended. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms, Do not overmix the dough Step. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently six times. Roll to a thickness of about 3/4 in. Use biscuit cutter to cut out the dough circles P.S.: Brush the tops with extra milk before placing them in the oven makes them golden brown.

   Frequently Asked Questions About Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

   1. What is a biscuits and gravy recipe?

   A biscuits and gravy recipe is a southern-style dish made with savory, creamy sausage gravy poured over freshly baked biscuits. It’s a breakfast staple that is loved by many.

   2. What do I need to make biscuits and gravy?

   • All-purpose flour
   • Baking powder
   • Salt
   • Butter or shortening
   • Milk or buttermilk
   • Ground sausage
   • Milk or cream for the gravy

   3. How do I make the perfect biscuit for biscuits and gravy?

   The perfect biscuit for biscuits and gravy should be light, fluffy, and slightly crispy on the outside. To achieve this, you need to use cold butter or shortening and handle your dough gently.

   4. Can I make biscuits and gravy ahead of time?

   You can make the biscuits ahead of time and freeze them for up to a month. However, it’s best to make the sausage gravy right before serving to ensure its freshness.

   5. How long does it take to make biscuits and gravy?

   It takes about 30 minutes to make biscuits and gravy from scratch.

   6. Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for the gravy?

   Yes, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter option. However, keep in mind that it may alter the taste of the dish slightly.

   7. Can I make biscuits and gravy without milk or cream?

   You can make a dairy-free version of biscuits and gravy by substituting the milk or cream with soy, almond, or coconut milk. However, keep in mind that it may alter the taste of the dish slightly.