French Biscuits and Gravy at Home: A Comforting Classic

Biscuits and gravy is a hearty, comforting dish often enjoyed in Southern kitchens, and it’s incredibly simple to recreate at home. This French-inspired twist on the classic American favorite offers rich, savory flavors that will make any breakfast or brunch special. The combination of ground pork sausage, creamy gravy, and flaky biscuits creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weekend mornings or even a cozy dinner.

The foundation of this dish lies in the rich, flavorful sausage gravy, made from scratch by browning ground pork sausage and thickening it with flour and milk. The creamy, savory gravy is poured over warm, freshly baked biscuits for a deliciously indulgent meal. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, French Biscuits and Gravy is a simple yet satisfying recipe that anyone can make at home.

Whether you’re craving a filling breakfast or looking to add a touch of comfort to your dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s rich, savory, and just the right balance of flavors to start your day or elevate a weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Biscuits and Gravy brings together two beloved components of comfort food—crispy, flaky biscuits and a creamy, sausage-filled gravy. The ground pork sausage provides a rich, savory flavor, and when combined with the flour and milk, it transforms into a smooth, indulgent gravy. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch and offers a satisfying, hearty start to your day. The simple ingredients come together quickly, yet the result is a dish that feels indulgent and fulfilling. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, French Biscuits and Gravy is a meal that will bring warmth and comfort to the table.

Ingredients

For the Gravy:

• Ground pork sausage
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

For the Biscuits:

• Biscuits, cooked

Variations

There are several ways to customize French Biscuits and Gravy to your taste:

• Different meats: You can swap the ground pork sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick of spice.
• Herbs and seasonings: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
• Vegetarian option: If you prefer a meatless version, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms to create a vegetarian gravy.
• Cheesy gravy: Stir in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, into the gravy for a cheesy version of this classic dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

Step 3: Gradually Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. This will help create a smooth, lump-free gravy. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Once the gravy is thickened and seasoned, serve it over warm, cooked biscuits. Make sure the biscuits are fresh and warm so they can soak up the delicious gravy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir constantly when adding the milk to avoid lumps in the gravy.
• Adjust the consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, add more milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
• Use freshly cooked biscuits: Warm, freshly baked biscuits will give the dish the best texture and flavor.
• Make the gravy ahead of time: You can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove and add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook the sausage: Ensure that the sausage is cooked through but not overly browned, which can make the gravy greasy.

How to Serve

French Biscuits and Gravy is traditionally served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a comforting dinner. Serve the gravy over warm biscuits and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor. You can also pair the dish with some fresh fruit or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy morning or gathering with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to maintain its creamy texture. Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the sausage gravy for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stove with a bit of milk. Biscuits can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven to keep them soft and flaky.

Reheating

To reheat the gravy, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if necessary to return it to its original creamy consistency. Biscuits can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use sausage links instead of ground sausage?

Yes, you can remove the casing from sausage links and crumble the sausage before cooking it.

2. Can I make the gravy spicier?

Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to give the gravy some heat.

3. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or add a little more flour (mix it with a bit of milk first to avoid lumps).

4. Can I use plant-based sausage?

Yes, you can use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version of this dish. The texture and flavor will still work great in the gravy.

5. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with skim milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk for a lighter version.

6. Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the biscuits ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

7. Can I freeze the gravy?

Yes, you can freeze the gravy for up to 2 months. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly with a bit of milk to restore its creamy texture.

8. What other seasonings can I add to the gravy?

In addition to salt and pepper, you can add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

9. How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?

To prevent lumps, make sure to whisk constantly when adding the milk and ensure the flour is well incorporated into the sausage.

10. Can I serve this dish with something other than biscuits?

While biscuits are traditional, you can serve the gravy over toast, cornbread, or even a savory muffin.

Conclusion

French Biscuits and Gravy at home is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy sausage gravy poured over flaky, warm biscuits. This dish is incredibly simple to make, yet it’s satisfying and indulgent, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and the perfect balance of spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether served as a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, French Biscuits and Gravy is a dish that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table.

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