Pin it
This hearty Southern Comfort Casserole transforms the classic biscuits and gravy into a delightful one-dish meal perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. The combination of flaky biscuits, savory sausage gravy, and eggs creates a comforting dish that brings a taste of Southern hospitality to your table.
I first made this casserole when hosting my in-laws for a holiday weekend. The kitchen filled with incredible aromas as it baked, and everyone kept wandering in to ask when breakfast would be ready. Now it has become our traditional Christmas morning breakfast while we open presents.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: Provides the foundational flavor for the gravy; choose mild for family meals or spicy for adults who enjoy heat
- Refrigerated biscuits: Offer convenience and perfect texture; look for buttermilk variety for extra richness
- Eggs: Create a custardy layer that binds everything together; use farm fresh when available for best flavor
- Milk: Creates the creamy base for your gravy; whole milk produces the richest results
- Flour: Thickens the gravy to perfect consistency; unbleached all-purpose works perfectly
- Garlic and onion powder: Add depth without texture chunks; use fresh ground for best flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Creates a golden brown topping; freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and subtle flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole components. This ensures even cooking throughout the dish. Position your rack in the middle of the oven for optimal heat distribution.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Place your breakfast sausage in a cold large skillet, then heat over medium. Break the sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 8 minutes until no pink remains and edges begin to brown. The small pieces ensure flavor in every bite of the finished casserole.
- Create the Gravy Base:
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage while keeping the pan on medium heat. Stir continuously to coat all meat pieces thoroughly with the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears. This roux will thicken your gravy perfectly.
- Develop the Gravy:
- Pour milk into the skillet very gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Add your seasonings during this stage and taste to adjust salt and pepper. The gravy should be thick but still pourable.
- Assemble the Base Layers:
- Arrange your quartered biscuits evenly across the bottom of a greased baking dish. Make sure the pieces touch slightly but aren't overly crowded. This creates the perfect foundation for absorbing flavors while maintaining some texture.
- Prepare the Egg Layer:
- Whisk your eggs thoroughly with remaining milk until completely combined. The mixture should have a uniform pale yellow color. Pour this gently over the biscuit pieces ensuring even coverage. The eggs will create a custardy layer that binds everything together.
- Top with Gravy and Cheese:
- Pour your sausage gravy evenly over the eggs and biscuits, reaching all corners of the dish. Sprinkle cheese across the top if using, creating an even layer that will melt into a golden crust.
Pin it
My grandmother always said the secret to perfect biscuits and gravy was patience with the roux. When I was growing up in Tennessee, she would make this dish for special Sunday mornings, and the whole family would gather around the table fighting for seconds. Her trick was adding a pinch of nutmeg to the gravy, which I sometimes still do when I want that nostalgic flavor.
Make Ahead Options
This casserole is perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests. You can fully assemble the casserole the night before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the covered baking time when starting from cold. This makes holiday mornings so much less stressful.
Easy Variations
The basic recipe is delightful on its own but can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Try adding 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor. Diced bell peppers and onions cooked with the sausage add color and nutrition. For a spicier version, mix in a few tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. Bacon lovers can add 6 slices of crumbled crispy bacon to the sausage mixture. Each variation maintains the comforting essence while offering a new flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit for a complete meal. Offer a bowl of mixed berries or sliced melon on the side to balance the richness. For special occasions, serve with mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes this suitable for brunch or dinner. I like to set out small bowls of extra toppings like sliced green onions, hot sauce, and extra shredded cheese so everyone can customize their portion.
Pin it
With every bite of this comforting casserole, you'll experience flawless Southern flavors and warmth. It’s a recipe your family will treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with a cold casserole. For best results, wait to add the biscuits until just before baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- → What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. Just be sure to add additional seasonings like sage, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to mimic the flavor profile of breakfast sausage.
- → How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with a meat substitute or 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and onions. Use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of your gravy. The eggs can remain, or you can use a commercial egg substitute if making a vegan version.
- → Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Fresh fruit salad, hash browns, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad make excellent sides. For a traditional Southern breakfast spread, consider adding grits, fried green tomatoes, or collard greens.
- → How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the biscuits are cooked through, and the egg mixture is set (not runny). Insert a knife in the center - it should come out clean with no raw egg mixture.