Easy Southern Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Southern Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

Have you ever wondered how to capture the soul of a Southern breakfast in one hearty dish? Many think that biscuits and gravy are too time-consuming or tricky to master at home — especially when feeding a crowd. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of traditional Southern biscuits and sausage gravy in a single, casserole dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for brunch gatherings? This Southern biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is just the recipe you need to bring that comforting, homestyle meal to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

This recipe combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with rich, creamy sausage gravy baked to golden perfection alongside eggs and cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy nostalgic cravings while giving you the flexibility to customize it for your family’s taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Southern Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

1 can (16 oz) refrigerated flaky biscuits (or use homemade biscuits for a special touch)
1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, depending on preference)
2 cups whole milk (or milk alternative like almond or oat milk)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
1 tsp salt
6 large eggs
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free cheese alternative)
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish and added freshness)

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Alternatives:

Biscuits: Use gluten-free biscuits or homemade biscuits made with almond flour for a grain-free option.
Sausage: Swap pork for chicken or plant-based sausage to reduce saturated fat.
Milk: Use unsweetened non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk for lactose intolerance.
Cheese: Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds provide a dairy-free substitute.

Timing: Prep and Cook for Perfect Texture

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

From the sizzling sausage browning in the pan to the biscuits rising and browning on top of the creamy gravy, the aromas alone will have your mouth watering. This comforting bake finishes with a cheesy crust while the eggs set beneath — creating a rich and indulgent flavor experience, perfect for weekend mornings or festive brunches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary. This step is essential for building the savory base of your gravy. Chef’s Tip: Use a mix of spicy and sweet sausage for a subtle kick.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir continuously for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens to a creamy gravy consistency, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. This velvety gravy is the heart of the dish, binding the ingredients together.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Layer

Separate the biscuits into individual dough rounds and cut each into halves or quarters. Arrange these biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, forming a bed for your casserole.

Step 4: Mix the Egg Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces, allowing it to soak down into the biscuit dough.

Step 5: Add the Gravy Layer

Pour the warm sausage gravy evenly over the egg and biscuit mixture. This ensures every bite has that signature creamy texture paired with the fluffy biscuit.

Step 6: Bake and Sprinkle Cheese

Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the biscuits are golden and cooked through. For a bubbly crust, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8)

Calories: ~380
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g (Saturated fat: 10g)
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 650mg

This dish provides a satisfying balance of protein and carbs to keep you fueled for hours, with the rich fat content from sausage and cheese lending indulgent mouthfeel and flavor.

Healthier Alternatives for a Nutritious Twist

Looking to lighten up this hearty Southern classic? Try these ingredient swaps:

Use lean ground turkey sausage to reduce saturated fat.
Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk to cut calories.
Choose whole wheat or gluten-free biscuits to boost fiber content.
Add chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole to increase vegetable intake.
Reduce cheese quantity or use part-skim cheese to lower fat content.

These simple tweaks maintain the comforting essence while making the casserole more nutrient-dense and diet-friendly.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Morning Meal

This casserole pairs perfectly with a range of sides and beverages to create a memorable breakfast or brunch:

Fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries and melon for a refreshing contrast.
Crispy bacon strips or breakfast sausage links to amp up the protein.
A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness with peppery freshness.
Classic Southern sweet tea or a robust cup of coffee to wash it down.
For a festive brunch, add avocado slices or dollops of homemade salsa on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this dish, avoid these frequent pitfalls to ensure delicious results every time:

Skipping the roux step: Not cooking the flour with the sausage prevents the gravy from thickening properly.
Using too much flour: Leads to a gummy or pasty texture — use the flour quantity exactly.
Overbaking: Can result in dry biscuits; check for doneness as soon as eggs are set.
Not stirring the gravy constantly: This can create lumps or cause burning on the bottom.
Using cold milk: Always use room temperature milk to help the gravy thicken smoothly.

Following these tips will keep your casserole luscious and perfectly textured.

Storing Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in 30-second increments to retain moisture.

This casserole does not freeze well because the biscuit texture can become soggy after thawing, so fresh is best if you can!

Conclusion

This Southern biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole captures the essence of a time-honored Southern breakfast with ease and comfort. By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s full of creamy sausage gravy and fluffy biscuits, perfect for any occasion. Ready to try it yourself? Leave a comment below or share your photos on social media—we love seeing your kitchen creations!

FAQs

Q1: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning without thawing, adding extra baking time if necessary.

Q2: What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Homemade biscuit dough or frozen biscuits thawed before use work wonderfully. You can also substitute with buttermilk biscuits or quick breads for a different texture.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written due to the flour and biscuits. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the gravy and gluten-free biscuits.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend seamlessly with the savory flavors and add nutrition.

Q5: What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack add delicious flavor variations.

For more comforting breakfast ideas, don’t miss our Classic Shrimp and Grits or Southern Buttermilk Pancakes. Happy cooking!