When it comes to classic comfort food, few things can rival the rich, savory goodness of a traditional sausage gravy served over warm, fluffy biscuits. It’s a meal that’s deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, loved for its simplicity, heartiness, and nostalgic flavors. However, if you’re a fan of putting creative spins on old favorites, I have something even better for you—a Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie recipe!
This recipe takes everything you love about the traditional breakfast dish and elevates it to the next level by turning it into a delicious pie. Not only does it bring together the best parts of sausage gravy and biscuits, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Imagine a golden-brown biscuit topping resting over a rich, creamy, and savory sausage gravy filling. Are you intrigued yet? Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this ultimate comfort food at home.
Why Make Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie recipe?
You may be wondering why you should even bother making this recipe instead of sticking with the traditional sausage gravy over biscuits. The truth is, this pie adds a new dimension to an already beloved dish. The layering effect that happens when you bake the biscuits on top of the sausage gravy creates a more cohesive meal, almost like a savory cobbler. Additionally, by baking the biscuits on top of the gravy, the bottoms stay perfectly soft while the tops get golden and slightly crispy—making for a satisfying texture contrast with every bite.
Moreover, it’s also a fantastic way to serve this dish to a crowd. While traditional sausage gravy and biscuits can get a bit messy, this pie neatly contains everything in one dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner situation, it’s bound to be a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish. The beauty of sausage gravy and biscuit pie lies in its simplicity—you likely already have most of these ingredients on hand.
1. Sausage:
The foundation of this recipe is breakfast sausage. You can choose to use a spicy sausage for a little kick or a more traditional mild sausage if you’re serving it to kids or prefer a less intense flavor. Peef sausage is the classic choice, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage crumble.
Popular breakfast sausage brand, like Johnsonville or Jimmy Dean.
2. All-purpose flour:
The flour acts as the thickening agent for the gravy. It combines with the sausage drippings to create a roux, which is what gives the gravy its thick, velvety texture.
3. Milk:
You’ll need milk to turn your sausage mixture into a rich gravy. Whole milk is ideal because it provides the right amount of creaminess, but if you want to cut down on calories, 2% or even skim milk will still work—though the gravy won’t be quite as thick.
4. Seasonings:
Salt and black pepper are a must for sausage gravy, but you can add additional seasonings to taste. Garlic powder and onion powder are great for adding more depth of flavor. If you like a little heat, don’t hesitate to throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
5. Biscuits:
You have a couple of options here. The easiest route is to use canned refrigerated biscuit dough, but if you’re feeling more ambitious, homemade biscuits are an excellent option. For homemade biscuits, all you need is flour, butter, baking powder, salt, and milk. Either way, the biscuits create the golden, flaky topping that makes this dish truly pie-like.
For specific gluten-free biscuit recipe: linking to a resource like Bob’s Red Mill .
6. Cheese (optional):
If you love a little extra richness, shredded cheddar cheese is a welcome addition to this dish. Sprinkle it over the biscuits before baking for an irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how you can put this delicious dish together.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you get started on anything, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready by the time you’ve prepared the sausage gravy and biscuits.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. As the sausage cooks, use a spatula to break it into small crumbles. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Depending on the type of sausage you use, you may have to drain some of the fat. If there’s more than about a tablespoon of grease left in the skillet, drain the excess but leave a little bit to help form the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Once the sausage is cooked, it’s time to turn that savory goodness into gravy. Lower the heat to medium-low, and sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir the sausage and flour together, ensuring that the flour coats the sausage and soaks up the grease. Allow this mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes. This step is important because it cooks out the raw flour taste.
Next, slowly add the milk while stirring constantly. Turn the heat back up to medium and continue stirring as the mixture begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Remember that the sausage itself is usually salty, so go easy on the salt and taste as you go.
Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Layer
While the sausage gravy simmers, it’s time to get the biscuit layer ready. If you’re using canned biscuits, open the can and set the biscuits aside. If you’re making homemade biscuits, this is the time to roll out the dough and cut it into biscuit-sized pieces.
Pour the sausage gravy into a pie dish or baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create the bottom layer. Then, arrange the biscuits on top of the gravy. You can either place them whole or cut them into smaller pieces to scatter over the top.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re going for the cheesy version, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the biscuits before putting the dish into the oven. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust that adds extra richness to the dish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the biscuits don’t burn.
Step 7: Serve
Once your sausage gravy and biscuit pie is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The gravy will thicken slightly as it cools, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices. Enjoy this delicious, hearty meal with a side of scrambled eggs or some fresh fruit to balance out the richness.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie
- Don’t Overcook the Biscuits: One of the most important things to keep an eye on is the biscuits. Since they’re baking on top of the hot gravy, they can brown quicker than if they were baked on their own. If you notice the tops getting too brown but the insides aren’t fully cooked, you can cover the dish loosely with foil and continue baking until the biscuits are cooked through.
- Make it Your Own: This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage gravy for added flavor and nutrition. You could also experiment with different types of sausage, like Italian sausage or chorizo, for a more flavorful twist.
- Plan Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time if you’re serving it for brunch or a special occasion. Prepare the sausage gravy a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply reheat the gravy, pour it into your baking dish, top with biscuits, and bake.
- Serve for Any Meal: While this is traditionally considered a breakfast dish, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it for dinner as well. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a cozy, hearty dinner that will satisfy everyone.
Variations on Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily modify it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations you can try:
1. Vegetarian Version:
If you’re looking to make a meatless version of this dish, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage crumble. Many brands offer delicious vegetarian and vegan sausage alternatives that would work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use vegetable-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) to keep the gravy dairy-free if needed.
2. Spicy Sausage Gravy:
If you like a little heat, opt for a spicy breakfast sausage or add some cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also serve the pie with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
3. Cheesy Biscuit Pie:
For the cheese lovers out there, you can incorporate cheese directly into the biscuit dough before baking. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese would be excellent choices.
4. Gluten-Free Version:
To make a gluten-free version of this dish, use gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy and either make homemade gluten-free biscuits or purchase a pre-made gluten-free biscuit dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie is a filling dish on its own, but you can round out your meal with a few sides if you’re serving it for a special breakfast or brunch. Here are some great options:
- Scrambled Eggs: A simple side of scrambled eggs pairs perfectly with this pie. The soft texture of the eggs complements the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and biscuits.
- Hash Browns: A crispy hash brown casserole or skillet hash browns would add a great contrast in texture to the soft biscuits and creamy gravy.
- Fresh Fruit: To lighten up the meal, serve with a bowl of fresh fruit or a fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruit will balance out the richness of the gravy.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect beverage to sip alongside this hearty dish.
Looking for more comfort food ideas? Don’t forget to check out our popular Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil or Cheesecake Fruit Salad, both perfect for gatherings or special meals.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie is the perfect dish to satisfy your craving for comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor—plus, it’s easy to customize and adapt to your own tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
