This Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for starting your day right! With fluffy biscuit pieces smothered in creamy sausage gravy, it’s super comforting.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love how easy it is to throw together. Just bake it up, and you have breakfast ready for the whole family. Breakfast goals achieved! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuits: Refrigerated biscuit dough provides convenience and flaky texture. You can use any kind, but for a softer option, consider buttermilk biscuits. If you’re making it from scratch, a homemade biscuit dough also works beautifully!
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey sausage is a great alternative for a lighter meal. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage crumbles or cooked mushrooms and spices for a hearty flavor.
Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but feel free to substitute with 2% milk or even oat milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that non-dairy milks may affect the sauce’s thickness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melts well. For a different flavor, you can use pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mozzarella for a milder taste. Blend different cheeses for added depth!
How Do You Make the Perfect Sausage Gravy?
Creating a rich sausage gravy is crucial for this casserole. It’s not too complicated but does require attention. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet on medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
- After draining excess fat, sprinkle the flour directly over the sausage. Stir it in and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to avoid the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and keep stirring to avoid lumps. Allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder for extra flavor.
This technique will help you achieve a smooth, creamy texture that soaks into the biscuits beautifully. Don’t rush this step; the flavor develops when you allow the sausage and flour to mingle before adding the milk!
Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (e.g., flaky layers or buttermilk biscuits)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow an additional time for serving, and you’re looking at just over an hour until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Spread these biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure they are nicely spread out so every piece gets that delicious gravy later!
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain some off, but keep a bit for flavor!
4. Make the Gravy:
Now that the sausage is done, sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir to cover the sausage evenly, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sausage gravy. This should take about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt, black pepper, and if you like, garlic and onion powders!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the delicious sausage gravy evenly over the biscuit pieces in the baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, then pour the egg mixture over the gravy-biscuit layer. Gently press down the biscuit pieces to help them soak in all that yummy gravy and egg goodness. Finally, sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that cheesy goodness.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully cooked, the eggs are set, and the top looks golden brown and tantalizing.
7. Final Touches:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the hot casserole, allowing it to melt slightly. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the casserole warm, scooping into portions. Enjoy a hearty biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole filled with flavors that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it first according to package instructions and slightly increase the baking time if needed, as frozen dough may require longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave each portion for about 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through properly.
What Can I Substitute for the Sausage?
If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage works well. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms with spices to add flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!