Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

There’s something deeply comforting about biscuits and gravy. It’s a classic Southern breakfast staple that has found a special place in many hearts and kitchens. I created this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole recipe to capture all those familiar, hearty flavors but with a convenient twist. Instead of standing over a hot stove flipping biscuits and stirring gravy every morning, this casserole puts it all together in one dish — perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for a stress-free morning. If you love a rich, creamy gravy over fluffy, buttery biscuits but want a fuss-free breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this casserole might just become your go-to.

Why I Love This Recipe

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What makes this breakfast casserole so special is how it effortlessly combines two beloved comfort foods into one easy, family-friendly dish. The flaky, tender biscuits soak up the creamy sausage gravy, creating layers of flavor and texture that make every bite satisfying. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser because it’s hearty, filling, and indulgent without being complicated.

Many times, people turn to this dish for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even potlucks because it’s easy to assemble the night before and bake fresh the next day. It’s also a lifesaver on busy mornings when you want a homemade breakfast but don’t have the time to make biscuits from scratch and whip up gravy separately.

Plus, it’s adaptable — you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of spicy sausage, a vegetarian, or want to add some veggies, this casserole is versatile enough to handle it.

For me, this casserole brings together nostalgia and practicality in the best way. It’s like having the warmth of a Southern breakfast with the ease of modern cooking. That’s why I keep coming back to it and why I think you’ll love it too.

Ingredients for Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

To make this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole, you need simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The star of the dish is, of course, the sausage gravy and biscuits. For the biscuits, I prefer using a flaky buttermilk biscuit dough, which provides the perfect tender texture and subtle tang that complements the rich gravy.

The gravy itself is made from savory breakfast sausage cooked down and thickened with a creamy, peppery white gravy base. Freshly ground black pepper is key here — it gives the gravy that classic kick and depth of flavor.

You’ll also need eggs and milk to bind everything together and give the casserole a custardy finish after baking. Some recipes call for cheese, and while it’s optional, a little shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack sprinkled on top adds an extra layer of richness and makes the dish even more indulgent.

In summary, the ingredients are straightforward, but together they create something far greater than the sum of their parts: buttery biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, a rich egg custard, and a touch of melty cheese. That’s what makes this casserole truly irresistible.

How Much Time Will You Need

One of the great things about this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is that it doesn’t take much active cooking time. You’ll spend about 15 to 20 minutes preparing the sausage and gravy, assembling the casserole, and mixing the egg custard.

Once it’s in the oven, it needs about 45 minutes to bake and set, during which you can relax, prepare your sides, or get ready for the day ahead.

In total, from start to finish, you’re looking at just over an hour — about an hour and 10 minutes — which is fantastic for a breakfast that feeds multiple people and feels so indulgent.

If you want to save time on a busy morning, this recipe also works perfectly for making ahead. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate overnight, and pop it in the oven in the morning for a fresh, hot breakfast with minimal effort.

How to Make This Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 3: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sausage in the skillet and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the biscuit dough. You can use store-bought biscuit dough or homemade buttermilk biscuits cut into bite-sized pieces. Spread the biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Pour the hot sausage gravy evenly over the biscuit pieces, making sure everything is well coated and soaked.

Step 7: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of milk. Pour this egg mixture over the biscuits and gravy in the baking dish. This custard mixture will set the casserole as it bakes.

Step 8: If using, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the center.

Step 10: Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to serve.

Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so if you want to adjust ingredients, you have plenty of options.

For the sausage, you can swap breakfast sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even use a vegetarian sausage alternative to keep it meat-free.

If you’re dairy-free or lactose intolerant, try using almond milk or oat milk in the gravy, and a dairy-free biscuit dough or gluten-free biscuit alternative.

You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you want to make the dish gluten-free. Just make sure your biscuit dough is also gluten-free.

If you’re looking to add veggies, stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the sausage gravy before layering for a boost of nutrition and flavor.

For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the gravy.

Best Side Dishes for Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

This rich and hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides to balance the meal.

• A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Fresh fruit salad adds natural sweetness and freshness.
• Crispy roasted potatoes or hash browns add a crunchy contrast.

These sides help create a well-rounded breakfast that satisfies all the senses.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is all about making it look as inviting and comforting as it tastes. To give it that homemade yet special touch, try slicing the casserole into neat squares and plating them on warm dishes. A light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top adds a pop of color and freshness, breaking up the creamy beige tones.

For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side. If you want to elevate the presentation for guests, place a small side salad or fresh fruit garnish next to each portion. Using rustic, country-style plates or cast iron skillets can also enhance that cozy Southern vibe this dish embodies.

Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the luscious texture of the gravy-soaked biscuits and custardy eggs at their best.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

A few simple tips can make your biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole truly outstanding:

• Use high-quality breakfast sausage with good seasoning to ensure a flavorful gravy. Freshly ground sausage from the butcher can elevate the dish.
• Don’t rush the gravy — whisk continuously while adding milk and cook until thickened properly. A thin gravy will make the casserole soggy.
• Buttermilk biscuit dough adds a lovely tang and tenderness. If using refrigerated biscuit dough, gently press pieces apart rather than tearing to keep flaky layers.
• Let the casserole rest after baking. This step helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.
• For an extra flavor boost, sauté a small diced onion or garlic with the sausage before adding flour.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the gravy for subtle warmth and complexity.
• If you want a cheesier casserole, mix shredded cheese into the egg custard as well as sprinkling on top.
• To speed up prep, make the sausage gravy the night before and refrigerate. Assemble and bake in the morning for fresh comfort without the fuss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your casserole comes out perfect every time:

• Don’t skip whisking the gravy while adding milk; lumps can ruin the smooth texture.
• Avoid overbaking. If baked too long, the casserole can dry out and lose its creamy texture.
• Using plain biscuits without enough moisture can lead to a dry casserole. Make sure biscuits are well soaked in gravy.
• Forgetting to season the gravy generously results in bland flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook.
• Cutting the casserole too soon out of the oven will make it fall apart. Allow resting time to firm up.
• Using low-fat milk will result in a thinner gravy. Whole milk or half-and-half delivers richer, thicker gravy.

How to Store It

This casserole stores very well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Once cooled completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until hot.

For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time until heated through.

Avoid freezing after baking, as the creamy gravy texture may separate upon thawing.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the breakfast sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra seasoning to keep the flavor rich.

Can I use homemade biscuits?
Absolutely! Homemade buttermilk biscuits work wonderfully and add a lovely homemade touch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour and regular biscuits. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free biscuits to make it gluten-free.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach stirred into the sausage gravy add nutrition and flavor.

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