Baked Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: The Ultimate Southern Comfort Breakfast or Brunch

If you cherish the soulful warmth of classic Southern biscuits and gravy, prepare to fall in love with this incredibly easy Baked Biscuits & Gravy Casserole. This ingenious dish artfully layers tender, buttery biscuits with a rich, creamy, and deeply savory sausage gravy, creating a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or even a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole promises to deliver unparalleled deliciousness with minimal fuss.

This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.

This delightful breakfast casserole recipe elevates a beloved morning classic into a crowd-pleasing bake that’s not only simple to prepare but can also be largely assembled ahead of time. Forget the complexities of making biscuits from scratch; convenient refrigerated biscuits are the secret weapon here, saving you valuable time without compromising on that coveted fluffy texture and rich flavor. The star of the show, the homemade sausage gravy, comes together effortlessly in a single skillet. It’s exceptionally thick, wonderfully peppery, and bursting with savory goodness that complements the golden biscuits perfectly.

Chef Jenn’s Baked Biscuits & Gravy Casserole is the epitome of cozy, filling comfort food. It’s an ideal choice for lazy weekend mornings, bustling potlucks where you need a dish to impress, or cherished holiday gatherings. Serve it warm, straight from the baking dish, and watch as this irresistible Southern breakfast casserole quickly vanishes – a testament to its universal appeal.

Key Ingredients for Your Savory Biscuit and Gravy Bake

Creating this magnificent Southern breakfast casserole requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooking Spray: Essential for preparing your baking dish, ensuring your delicious casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving.
• Refrigerated Biscuits: The ultimate time-saver! Opt for a standard 16.3-ounce can of flaky, buttery refrigerated biscuits. These will be cut into quarters, so having kitchen shears or a sharp knife handy will make quick work of preparation.
• Breakfast Sausage: The heart of the savory gravy. A good quality mild breakfast sausage is traditional, but feel free to experiment with a spicy variety for an extra kick. If purchasing sausage links, remember to remove them from their casings before cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the key thickening agent for our luscious, creamy gravy. It creates a roux with the sausage drippings, giving the gravy its characteristic rich consistency.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest gravy, but 2% milk will also work. For an exceptionally indulgent and velvety gravy, consider using a blend of half milk and half heavy cream.
• Kosher Salt: To enhance the overall flavor. Remember that many breakfast sausages can be quite salty, so always taste your gravy before adding too much additional salt.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A generous amount of black pepper is essential for traditional Southern sausage gravy, providing a pleasant bite and aromatic depth.
• Melted Butter: Brushed over the biscuits, butter adds an extra layer of richness and helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley: An optional but highly recommended garnish. It adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich dish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chef Jenn’s Biscuit & Gravy Bake

Crafting this delightful casserole is straightforward and designed for ease, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake:

1. Prepare the Biscuits

Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). While the oven heats, lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and, using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut each biscuit into four equal quarters. Arrange these biscuit pieces evenly in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the biscuit pieces, then sprinkle them generously with freshly ground black pepper. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are mostly cooked through but still slightly soft in the center.

2. Cook the Sausage and Make the Gravy

While the biscuits are baking, prepare the savory sausage gravy. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet (or any large, heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Use a meat chopper tool or a wooden spoon to break the sausage into fine, even crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 6-7 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet.

Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir continuously with a flat-edged wooden spoon for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook slightly and coat the sausage. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly with a balloon whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. Season the gravy with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and, if you desire a hint of warmth, a small pinch of cayenne pepper. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should be rich and creamy.

3. Assemble and Finish Baking

Once the gravy has reached its ideal thickness, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully pour the hot sausage gravy evenly over the partially baked biscuits in the baking dish. Gently spread the gravy to ensure every biscuit piece is covered. Return the baking dish to the preheated oven for an additional 8-10 minutes. This final bake allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring the casserole is thoroughly heated through and gloriously bubbly. The top might even develop a slight golden crust.

Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Serve this hearty casserole hot, straight from the dish, and prepare for rave reviews.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Best Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Achieving biscuits and gravy casserole perfection is simple with these additional insights from Chef Jenn:

• Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, swap out the mild breakfast sausage for hot Italian sausage. The fennel and red pepper flakes in Italian sausage will add a fantastic depth of flavor and a welcome spicy kick to your gravy.
• Gravy Lover’s Delight: If your family is particularly fond of creamy gravy, don’t hesitate to double the gravy recipe. An extra rich layer of sauce ensures every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful. You might need a slightly larger skillet or adjust the baking dish size if doubling the biscuits too.
• Effortless Sausage Crumbles: A meat chopper tool is a game-changer for breaking up sausage quickly and evenly. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in the texture of your gravy, creating perfectly fine crumbles.
• Biscuit Preference: While refrigerated biscuits are incredibly convenient, if you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, feel free to use it! Just ensure they are partially baked before adding the gravy.
• Creamy Texture: To ensure your gravy is extra smooth, make sure the milk is at room temperature when adding it to the flour and sausage roux. Cold milk can sometimes cause lumps.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the biscuits during their initial bake. You want them mostly cooked but still soft, as they’ll continue to cook with the gravy. Overbaked biscuits can become dry.

Recommended Pairings

If you enjoy comforting casseroles, here are some other recipes you might love:

Serving Suggestions for Your Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

While this baked biscuits and gravy casserole is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, you might want to serve it alongside a few complementary dishes to create a more balanced and complete meal. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Breakfast Sides: For a traditional breakfast spread, pair it with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or savory hash browns.
• Freshness and Balance: To cut through the richness, a simple fruit salad made with seasonal berries, melon, and grapes offers a refreshing contrast. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also works wonderfully, especially if you’re serving this for dinner.
• Beverage Pairings: A strong pot of freshly brewed coffee is a classic companion, or for something cooler, iced tea or a glass of fresh orange juice completes the meal.
• Dinner Option: Don’t limit this casserole to just breakfast or brunch. It makes a fantastic, comforting dinner when served with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best features of this biscuits and gravy casserole is its versatility for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to handle storage and prepare it ahead of time:

• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures it retains its flavor and freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat, individual portions can be quickly warmed in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions or to restore some of its original texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can loosely cover it with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: This casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead prep.
  1. Prepare the biscuits and bake them as directed in step 1 until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
  2. Prepare the sausage gravy as directed in step 2. Let the gravy cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
  3. When ready to bake, arrange the cooled biscuits in the baking dish and pour the cooled gravy over them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.
  4. The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 375ºF (190ºC). Bake as directed in step 3, increasing the baking time slightly (perhaps 15-20 minutes) to ensure it’s thoroughly heated through.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing may alter the texture of the biscuits slightly, making them a bit softer upon reheating. If you wish to freeze, bake the casserole completely, then let it cool. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the entire cooled casserole tightly wrapped. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

Chef Jenn’s Baked Biscuits & Gravy Casserole Recipe

This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a cozy breakfast classic baked into one convenient dish. Fluffy, tender biscuits meet a rich, creamy sausage gravy, all baked to a golden finish. It’s truly perfect for a hearty brunch or satisfying weekend mornings.

Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Cast iron skillet
• meat chopper tool
• flat-edged wooden spoon
• balloon whisk

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 16.3 ounce refrigerated biscuits (or 1 16.3-ounce can)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (casings removed)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cut the biscuits into quarters, arrange them in the bottom of the sprayed dish, brush with melted butter, season with black pepper, and bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and partially cooked.
3. While biscuits bake, cook the breakfast sausage in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles with a meat chopper as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir for 1 minute to coat. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if desired). Simmer for about 3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5. Pour the thickened sausage gravy evenly over the baked biscuits in the casserole dish.
6. Return the baking dish to the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, straight from the dish.

Nutrition

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Here are some common questions and helpful answers regarding this delicious breakfast or brunch casserole:

Can I use homemade biscuits for this casserole?

Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuits offer convenience, if you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, you can certainly use it. Just ensure you bake them partially as instructed (golden brown and mostly cooked through) before adding the gravy to the casserole dish. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

What kind of sausage is best for the gravy?

Mild breakfast sausage is the traditional choice and creates a classic flavor profile. However, if you prefer a spicier dish, hot breakfast sausage or even hot Italian sausage (removed from casings) works wonderfully. Turkey sausage can also be used for a leaner option, though it might yield less drippings for the roux, so you may need a tiny bit of butter or oil.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If your gravy is too thin, you can continue to simmer it gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk (or cream) at a time until it thins out to the perfect consistency.

Can I add cheese to the casserole?

Yes, cheese makes everything better! For a cheesy biscuits and gravy casserole, you can sprinkle 1 to 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or a cheddar-jack blend over the gravy before the final bake. It will melt into a delicious, gooey layer.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this casserole, be aware that the texture of the biscuits may change slightly upon thawing and reheating, often becoming a bit softer. To freeze, bake the casserole completely, let it cool entirely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What if I don’t have a meat chopper tool?

No problem! A sturdy wooden spoon or a potato masher works just as well to break up the sausage into crumbles while it cooks. The goal is to get nice, even pieces for the gravy.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, you would need to use gluten-free refrigerated biscuits and substitute the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum works best for thickening). Adjust the liquid as needed, as gluten-free flours can absorb differently.

Conclusion: A Hearty Hug in a Dish

This Baked Biscuits & Gravy Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor comforting flavors and create cherished memories around the breakfast table. With its straightforward preparation, make-ahead flexibility, and undeniably delicious combination of fluffy biscuits and rich sausage gravy, it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply indulging in a moment of pure comfort, this casserole delivers every time. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Southern comfort that’s truly unforgettable. Enjoy every warm, savory bite!