Biscuits and gravy is a classic, comforting dish originating from the Southern United States. It is typically served as a hearty breakfast or brunch option, but can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The dish consists of two main components: soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits and a rich, creamy sausage gravy.
The biscuits are made from a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, and buttermilk. Combining these ingredients creates a dough that is tender and fluffy once baked. The key to perfect biscuits is to not overwork the dough and keep the butter cold, ensuring the biscuits rise well and have a flaky texture. Biscuits can be cut into various shapes, but are traditionally round.
The sausage gravy is a savory, thick sauce made by cooking breakfast sausage in a pan, then adding flour to create a roux. The roux is cooked until it turns a light golden brown, which helps to eliminate any raw flour taste. Milk is then gradually added, while continuously stirring to avoid lumps, until the desired thickness is achieved. The gravy is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and sometimes other spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder, depending on individual preferences. The cooked sausage is then added back to the gravy to complete the dish.
To serve biscuits and gravy, the warm biscuits are split in half and placed on a plate, and the hot sausage gravy is generously ladled over the top. The dish is often garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor. Biscuits and gravy can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by eggs, bacon, or hash browns for a complete, satisfying meal.
