Glorias Sausage Gravy with Biscuits: A Southern Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting plate of sausage gravy and biscuits, especially when it’s made with love and a touch of Southern charm. This recipe, inspired by Glorias (and possibly your own grandmother’s secret ingredient!), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a hearty breakfast, or even a satisfying dinner. Get ready to dive into a creamy, savory gravy poured over flaky, homemade (or store-bought, we won’t judge!) biscuits. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a taste of home, and a memory in the making.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of browned sausage, rich milk, and savory seasonings creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The slight bite of black pepper cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily adapt it to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, incorporate different types of sausage for unique flavors, or even use different herbs and spices to create your own signature gravy.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with biscuits (obviously!), but it’s also delicious over toast, grits, or even fried potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Sausage gravy and biscuits is a timeless classic that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and home-cooked goodness. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones and create lasting memories.
* **Scalable:** Easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the gravy and the biscuits. Remember, the quality of your ingredients will impact the final result, so choose wisely!

For the Sausage Gravy:

* **1 pound breakfast sausage:** Use your favorite brand and type. Ground pork sausage is the most common, but you can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. For a spicier gravy, try hot sausage.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** This is used to thicken the gravy. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.
* **3 cups whole milk:** Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer. Avoid using skim milk, as it won’t create a very rich gravy. For a richer gravy, use half and half or heavy cream.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Adjust to taste. Remember that sausage can be salty, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
* **1 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper is best for the most intense flavor. Don’t skimp on the pepper – it’s what gives sausage gravy its characteristic bite.
* **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional):** Adds a subtle savory note.
* **1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional):** Adds another layer of flavor.
* **Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional):** For a little heat.
* **2 tablespoons butter (optional):** Adding butter to the gravy at the end enriches the flavor and adds shine.

For the Biscuits:

* **2 cups all-purpose flour:** Again, you can use gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.
* **1 tablespoon baking powder:** This is what makes the biscuits rise.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Balances the flavors.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes:** The butter must be cold to create flaky biscuits.
* **3/4 cup cold milk or buttermilk:** Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the biscuits.

**Alternative Biscuit Options:**
* **Store-bought biscuits:** For convenience, you can use store-bought biscuits. Pillsbury Grands! are a popular choice. If using store-bought, follow the baking instructions on the package.
* **Scratch Biscuits using Shortening or Lard:** Substitute the butter with cold shortening or lard for a different texture and flavor profile.
* **Drop Biscuits:** For a simpler biscuit, try drop biscuits. These don’t require any rolling and are quicker to make. Find a reliable drop biscuit recipe online.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Glorias Sausage Gravy

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious sausage gravy that will impress your family and friends.

**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. Break up any large clumps with a spoon or spatula. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The key is to get a nice, even browning on the sausage, as this will contribute to the flavor of the gravy.
* **Tip:** Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the sausage to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the sausage in batches.

**Step 2: Drain Excess Grease (Optional)**

* If there’s a lot of grease in the skillet, you can drain some of it off. However, leaving a little bit of the grease in the pan will add flavor to the gravy. It’s a matter of personal preference. I usually leave about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
* **Tip:** To drain the grease, carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out the excess grease into a heat-safe container. Be careful not to pour the sausage out with the grease!

**Step 3: Make a Roux**

* Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and no longer looks raw. This step is important for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy. This mixture of fat and flour is called a roux.
* **Tip:** Don’t let the flour burn, as this will give the gravy a bitter taste. Keep stirring constantly and adjust the heat as needed.

**Step 4: Gradually Add the Milk**

* Slowly pour in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue adding milk, stirring until the gravy is smooth and creamy. This process requires patience, but it’s essential for achieving the right consistency. Don’t dump all the milk in at once!
* **Tip:** If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth them out. Or, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.

**Step 5: Season and Simmer**

* Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), onion powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* **Tip:** Be careful not to boil the gravy, as this can cause it to curdle. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.

**Step 6: Finish (Optional)**

* Stir in the butter (if using) until melted and fully incorporated. This will add richness and shine to the gravy.

**Step 7: Serve**

* Serve the sausage gravy hot over warm biscuits. Enjoy!

## Making the Biscuits (From Scratch)

If you’re feeling ambitious, make your own biscuits from scratch. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and they taste so much better than store-bought.

**Step 1: Preheat Oven**

* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

**Step 3: Cut in the Butter**

* Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small, pea-sized pieces. This is what creates the flaky layers in the biscuits.
* **Tip:** The colder the butter, the better. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting it in.

**Step 4: Add the Liquid**

* Gradually add the cold milk or buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky.
* **Tip:** Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits.

**Step 5: Turn Out the Dough**

* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.

**Step 6: Fold and Cut**

* Fold the dough in half. Pat it back into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Repeat this folding and patting process 3-4 times. This creates layers in the biscuits.
* Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits. Press straight down – don’t twist the cutter, as this will seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
* **Tip:** If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can use a knife to cut the dough into squares.

**Step 7: Bake**

* Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

**Step 8: Serve**

* Serve the warm biscuits immediately with the sausage gravy.

## Tips for the Best Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best sausage gravy and biscuits ever:

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose good quality sausage, flour, and milk.
* **Don’t skip the browning:** Browning the sausage is essential for developing the flavor of the gravy. Make sure to get a nice, even browning on the sausage before adding the flour.
* **Be patient when adding the milk:** Adding the milk slowly and stirring constantly will prevent lumps from forming.
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Taste the gravy as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.
* **Keep the butter cold:** For flaky biscuits, it’s essential to keep the butter cold. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it in.
* **Don’t overmix the biscuit dough:** Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Serve immediately:** Sausage gravy and biscuits are best served warm. The gravy will thicken as it cools, and the biscuits will become stale.
* **Experiment with Sausage:** Different sausage types impart very different flavors. Try using chorizo for a spicy kick, Italian sausage for a savory flavor, or even wild game sausage for a unique twist.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the gravy. Add them during the last few minutes of simmering to preserve their flavor.
* **Spice it up:** A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a pleasant heat to the gravy.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use plant-based sausage crumbles and vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian version.
* **Sweet Biscuits:** Brush the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking for a sweet treat.
* **Garlic Butter Biscuits:** Mix minced garlic and melted butter, then brush over the biscuits before baking for a savory option.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy sausage gravy:** Use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
* **Creamy sausage gravy:** Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
* **Vegetarian sausage gravy:** Use plant-based sausage crumbles and vegetable broth instead of milk.
* **Gluten-free sausage gravy and biscuits:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the gravy and the biscuits.
* **Cheesy biscuits:** Add shredded cheese to the biscuit dough.
* **Herb biscuits:** Add chopped fresh herbs to the biscuit dough.

## Serving Suggestions

Sausage gravy and biscuits are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with other breakfast or brunch dishes, such as:

* Scrambled eggs
* Bacon
* Fruit salad
* Hash browns
* Coffee or tea
* Orange Juice

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* **Sausage Gravy:** Store leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy will thicken as it cools.
* **Biscuits:** Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best reheated.

**Reheating:**

* **Sausage Gravy:** Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the gravy is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. You can also microwave the gravy in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
* **Biscuits:** Reheat the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave the biscuits for a few seconds, but they may become slightly soggy. For best results, split the biscuits and toast them in a toaster oven or under the broiler.

## Conclusion

Glorias sausage gravy and biscuits is a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, savory gravy and flaky, homemade biscuits, this dish is sure to please everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home!

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s an invitation to create something special, to share a moment of joy with loved ones, and to savor the simple pleasures of life. So, go ahead, give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite breakfast (or dinner!). Enjoy!