🇺🇸 USA · Food
Classic Southern Biscuits and Gravy
By eatmundo · July 3, 2026
🇺🇸 USA beloved Southern breakfast staple, Biscuits and Gravy features fluffy, tender homemade biscuits drenched in a rich, savory sausage gravy. This comforting and hearty dish is perfect for starting your day with true American comfort food.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- 2
Cut 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter into small pieces and cut into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until crumbly.
- 3
Pour in 3/4 cup cold buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar), mixing until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with a floured 2.5-inch round cutter.
- 4
Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and risen. Set aside.
- 5
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook 1 lb breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 2 tbsp in the skillet.
- 6
Whisk 1/4 cup all-purpose flour into the sausage grease and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and cook, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot biscuits split open, topped generously with sausage gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to achieving light and flaky biscuits, not dense ones?+
Use very cold butter cut into small pieces and avoid overworking the dough. Minimal handling keeps the butter from melting and creates steam pockets for flakiness.
What type of pork is best for making traditional Southern sausage gravy?+
Opt for a high-quality, unseasoned or mild breakfast pork sausage with a good fat content. The rendered fat is crucial for creating the roux base for the gravy.
How can I prevent my sausage gravy from becoming lumpy?+
Gradually whisk in cold milk to the roux, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continuously whisk as the gravy thickens to maintain a smooth consistency.
How do I know when the biscuits are perfectly baked?+
Biscuits are done when they are risen, golden brown on top, and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach about 200-205°F (93-96°C).
