Easy Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: A Southern Comfort Food Classic
Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simple biscuits and gravy recipe! This Southern classic is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this recipe is designed for even the busiest home cooks.
What You'll Need: The Ingredients
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. Here's what you'll need:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup cold milk
For the Sausage Gravy:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Easy Steps to Delicious Biscuits and Gravy
This recipe is broken down into simple, manageable steps, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
Making the Biscuits: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Gradually stir in the cold milk until just combined. Don't overmix! A slightly lumpy dough is okay.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Sausage Gravy: A Simple Process
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your gravy.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions for your Biscuits and Gravy
Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious creation! Here are a few ideas:
- Classic: Spoon the creamy sausage gravy generously over your warm, fluffy biscuits.
- Add-ins: Experiment with adding cheese, chives, or even a fried egg to your biscuits and gravy for extra flavor and texture.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or brunch.
Tips for the Perfect Biscuits and Gravy
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and milk is crucial for creating flaky biscuits.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the biscuit dough will result in tough biscuits.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the gravy gently to prevent burning and ensure it thickens properly.
- Taste and Adjust: Season your gravy to your liking. You can always add more salt and pepper.
This easy biscuits and gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your photos!