The Ultimate Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Guide: Hearty Breakfast Perfection

Ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal prep and maximum Southern comfort.

By Medha deb
Created on

The Ultimate Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Guide

Nothing says “good morning” quite like the aroma of a fresh, homemade biscuits and gravy casserole wafting through your kitchen. Combining the best aspects of a traditional Southern breakfast—fluffy biscuits, peppery sausage gravy, and tender eggs—into a single, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish, this casserole is perfect for feeding a hungry group or making holidays and special mornings feel truly special.

Why Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Is a Breakfast Favorite

This comforting casserole is more than the sum of its parts. By blending creamy homemade gravy, savory sausage, soft scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and buttery biscuits, each bite delivers classic flavor with modern convenience. The appeal goes beyond taste—it’s simple to prepare, can be made ahead, and is easily scaled for crowd-pleasing brunches, holiday mornings, and gatherings with friends.

  • Time-saving: Uses store-bought refrigerated biscuits for ultimate convenience
  • Rich and hearty: Layers of eggs, sausage, cheese, and gravy guarantee everyone leaves the table satisfied
  • Flexible: Easily adapted to your family’s tastes or the number of servings needed

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole

To create the classic flavor profile, select the following fresh and pantry staples:

Sausage Gravy

  • 1 lb. breakfast sausage (such as pork breakfast sausage—Jimmy Dean is a popular choice)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp. seasoned salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper

Casserole Base

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 (12-oz.) cans refrigerated biscuits (unbaked)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage Gravy:
    • Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly (about 8-10 minutes). Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings behind.
    • Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in flour. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly toasted.
    • Slowly whisk in the milk. Raise heat to medium-high, stirring until boiling and thickened. Add seasoned salt and pepper. Reduce heat, simmer for 8-10 minutes while stirring, until it reaches a rich, pourable consistency. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Whisk together eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
    • Pour egg mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
    • Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooked sausage; sprinkle the rest evenly over the eggs.
    • Cut biscuits into quarters (if large) and arrange them over the sausage and eggs in an even layer.
    • Drizzle half of the prepared gravy over the biscuits.
    • Sprinkle the remaining cheese and reserved sausage over the top.
  3. Bake and Serve:
    • Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden brown on top.
    • While baking, reheat any remaining gravy on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it pourable.
    • Drizzle reheated gravy over the finished casserole before serving. Offer extra gravy on the side.

Tips & Tricks for Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Success

  • Best Biscuits: Refrigerated canned biscuits bake most evenly and quickly, but in a pinch, you can use homemade or frozen biscuits—simply adjust the cooking time.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (before baking), cover tightly, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning—adding up to 20 minutes baking time. Keep foil handy to prevent over-browning.
  • Serving a Crowd: Double ingredients and divide between two 9×13-inch dishes. Extend baking time as needed when baking both at once.
  • Customizations: Add sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrients, or swap part of the cheddar for pepper jack to turn up the heat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This casserole is a show-stopper all on its own but shines even brighter with the right brunch sides. Try these pairings:

  • Crispy potato galette or hash browns for extra crunch
  • Air-fryer potatoes for a fast, low-fuss side
  • Rainbow fruit skewers or fruit salad with mint syrup to balance the richness and add color to the plate

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use frozen biscuits instead of refrigerated?

Refrigerated biscuits are recommended for their quick bake time and soft, consistent texture. While frozen or even homemade doughs are possible, they may need extended baking and can cook unevenly if not thawed first.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and store in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding 15–20 minutes and covering with foil after the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning. Reheat gravy separately with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Cool casserole completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) at 325°F until hot throughout. Leftover gravy should be reheated in a small pan, whisking in a little milk for smoothness.

How many servings does this recipe make?

The basic recipe fills a 9×13-inch baking dish and serves 8–10 people generously. For large crowds or gatherings, double the recipe and split between two dishes, adjusting bake time as needed.

What else can I add to this casserole?

  • Mix in sautéed vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, baby spinach, or mushrooms) for a lighter, more colorful result.
  • Add diced jalapeños or swap in pepper jack cheese for subtle heat.
  • Swap the sausage for bacon or a vegetarian breakfast sausage to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredient Table: Quick Overview

IngredientAmountNotes
Breakfast Sausage1 lbTraditional or spicy
Unsalted Butter1/4 cupAdds richness to gravy
All-purpose Flour1/3 cupFor thickening gravy
Whole Milk (Gravy)4 cupsMakes sauce creamy
Seasoned Salt1 tspCan sub regular salt & extra spices
Ground Black Pepper1 tspMore to taste
Eggs6 largeLightly beaten
Whole Milk (Eggs)1/2 cupHelps keep eggs tender
Cheddar Cheese, Shredded2 cups, dividedCheese lovers can use more!
Kosher Salt1/2 tsp
Ground Black Pepper1/4 tsp
Refrigerated Biscuits2 (12-oz) cansQuartered if large

Make It Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

  • Cheese choices: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Colby-cheddar blend for unique flavors.
  • Spice it up: Add cayenne, use hot breakfast sausage, or include a pinch of red chili flakes in the gravy.
  • Vegetarian version: Substitute vegetarian sausage and use plant-based milk if desired; skip the meat drippings and add a bit of olive oil.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

  • Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
  • Freezing is possible: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat covered slices in the oven at 325°F until hot or use the microwave for individual portions.
  • Reheat reserved gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding milk to loosen as needed.

When to Serve Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

  • Perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Father’s Day breakfast.
  • Excellent for potlucks, lazy weekends, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
  • Make ahead for a relaxed morning—just bake and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the gravy and gluten-free biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought). Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

A: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peppers, and onions all mix in beautifully, adding flavor and nutrition.

Q: Can I prep and bake the casserole in a slow cooker?

A: While technically possible, results may vary because canned biscuits may cook unevenly or become gummy in a slow cooker. For best texture, stick to conventional oven baking.

Q: What type of sausage works best?

A: A mild breakfast sausage is classic, but feel free to use spicy pork sausage or Italian sausage for a different flavor. For a lighter version, try turkey sausage or a meat-free product.

Q: How can I prevent overcooking the biscuits?

A: If the casserole top browns too quickly before the center is cooked, gently cover with foil partway through baking. Cut biscuit pieces to a uniform size for consistent results.

Enjoy Easy Southern Comfort, Anytime!

This biscuits and gravy casserole embodies everything great about comfort food: hearty, decadent, and irresistibly shareable. Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday, a family brunch, or craving something satisfyingly savory, it’s sure to become a new favorite on your breakfast table—enjoyed hot, fresh, and topped with plenty of creamy gravy.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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