Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Introduction:
Biscuits and gravy with sausage and egg breakfast casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This Southern-inspired dish combines layers of fluffy biscuits, rich sausage gravy, savory eggs, and gooey cheese, all baked together in one delightful casserole. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a hearty family breakfast, this dish satisfies every craving with its balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking to prepare something special for a holiday morning, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits (or homemade biscuits)
1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
8 large eggs
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

For the Sausage Gravy:

1 lb breakfast sausage
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer gravy)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Casserole Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Spread the biscuit pieces evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

2. Cook the Sausage:

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy:

In the same skillet used for the sausage, leave about 2 tablespoons of sausage grease. If there’s not enough grease, add a bit of butter.
Sprinkle the flour over the grease and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour begins to brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into gravy.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (optional). Stir in the cooked sausage, remove from heat, and set aside.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Layer the Casserole:

Spread the cooked sausage and gravy mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces.
Pour the egg mixture over the top of the sausage and gravy layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire casserole.

6. Bake:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the biscuits are golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Methods

Methods for Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Biscuit Layer Method:

Refrigerated Biscuits: Use store-bought biscuits for convenience by cutting them into quarters and layering them at the bottom of the baking dish. This provides a quick and flaky base.
Homemade Biscuits: For a more traditional touch, you can make your biscuits from scratch using flour, butter, baking powder, and milk. Prepare the dough, cut into small pieces, and place it in the casserole dish.

Sausage Gravy Method:

Cooking the Sausage: Start by browning the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once cooked, set the sausage aside but keep some of the drippings for the gravy.
Making the Roux: In the same skillet, leave about 2 tablespoons of sausage grease. If you don’t have enough, add butter. Sprinkle flour into the grease, whisking continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown and starts to smell nutty.
Adding the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, thickening as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices (such as paprika or red pepper flakes).
Incorporating Sausage: Stir the cooked sausage back into the gravy, mixing well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Egg Mixture Method:

Whisking the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This creates a creamy custard that binds the casserole together as it bakes.
Customizing the Egg Mixture: You can also add vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Layering the Casserole:

First Layer – Biscuits: Spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Second Layer – Sausage Gravy: Pour the sausage and gravy mixture over the biscuits, ensuring an even layer to coat the biscuits.
Third Layer – Eggs: Pour the whisked egg mixture over the gravy, making sure it spreads throughout the casserole.
Final Layer – Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top for a melty, golden finish when baked.

Baking Method:

Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
Baking the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the biscuits are cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

Each method ensures that the layers come together perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying breakfast casserole that’s bursting with flavor.

Biscuit Layer: The base of the casserole, providing a buttery and flaky foundation that complements the other layers.
Sausage Gravy: Rich and creamy, this gravy adds depth to the dish with its savory flavors.
Egg Mixture: The eggs bind the casserole together while adding protein and richness.
Cheese Topping: Melts perfectly on top, giving the casserole a creamy, gooey finish that pairs beautifully with the hearty layers below.

History

History of Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Biscuits and gravy have deep roots in Southern American cuisine, originating in the Appalachian region during the late 19th century. The dish was born out of necessity, as early settlers and farmers needed a hearty, inexpensive breakfast that could sustain them through long hours of labor. Made from simple ingredients like flour, milk, and pork, biscuits and gravy quickly became a popular meal due to its affordability and filling nature.

Biscuits, as we know them in the U.S., were initially brought to America by British settlers. However, the Southern version evolved into a tender, flaky quick bread, perfect for pairing with rich, savory gravies. The gravy, often made with sausage drippings, flour, and milk, was a natural accompaniment to the biscuits, adding a creamy and flavorful element.

As time went on, variations of this dish began to appear, particularly in the South. By the mid-20th century, breakfast casseroles became more popular, allowing cooks to combine multiple breakfast components—like biscuits, eggs, and sausage—into one dish. The breakfast casserole is an American innovation that became a go-to dish for large gatherings, potlucks, and holiday breakfasts. It’s versatile, easy to prepare in advance, and feeds a crowd.

The combination of biscuits and gravy with eggs and sausage in a casserole is a more recent twist, blending traditional Southern flavors with the convenience of a one-dish meal. This casserole version keeps the essence of the original while offering a modern, convenient way to enjoy a classic breakfast. It honors the past while fitting seamlessly into today’s busy lifestyle.

Biscuits and gravy are deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, dating back to the late 19th century. It was originally a dish for laborers in the Appalachian region, where ingredients like sausage, flour, and biscuits were inexpensive and readily available. The meal became a staple for breakfast because it was hearty and sustaining. Over time, variations of the dish began to appear, and combining it with eggs and cheese in a casserole format is a more recent twist that blends tradition with convenience for modern kitchens.

Benefits

Benefits of Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

High in Protein: With the combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese, this casserole offers a good amount of protein, which helps build and repair tissues, and keeps you full for longer.
Energy Boost: The dish provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy to start the day, perfect for a busy morning or after a long fast.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B12, and selenium, while the sausage adds iron and zinc, both important for immune function.
Comforting and Filling: This dish is satisfying and indulgent, providing comfort and warmth, making it perfect for weekend breakfasts, family gatherings, or holiday mornings.
Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit dietary needs by using turkey sausage for lower fat, adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients, or opting for a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories.
Meal Prep Friendly: The casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or meal prep.
Family Favorite: Its rich flavors and hearty texture appeal to all ages, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile Comfort Food: The combination of biscuits, sausage, eggs, and gravy is a comforting classic that suits a wide range of preferences.

Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the sausage and eggs, this casserole provides sustained energy to keep you full throughout the day.
Hearty and Comforting: With a rich blend of flavors and textures, this dish provides ultimate comfort, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy morning.
Easy to Prepare: While it looks impressive, this dish is quite simple to assemble. It can also be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy mornings or holidays

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Calcium: 200mg
Iron: 2.5mg
Potassium: 300mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

The casserole forms in layers, starting with the biscuits, followed by the sausage and gravy mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Each bite combines the savory richness of the sausage, the fluffiness of the biscuits, and the creaminess of the gravy and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Lovers of This Dish:

This casserole is a favorite among those who love hearty, Southern-style breakfasts. It’s especially beloved by:

Brunch Enthusiasts: Ideal for a weekend brunch spread, this dish will please even the hungriest guests.
Families: Its large serving size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd, and kids and adults alike love the cheesy, savory goodness.
Comfort Food Fans: Anyone who enjoys the warmth and satisfaction of comfort food will adore this casserole.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate):

Calories: 450
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion:

This Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is the epitome of Southern comfort. Each bite delivers a perfect combination of fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, rich gravy, and creamy eggs, all topped with gooey cheese. It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and can be customized with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a satisfying weekend breakfast, this casserole will become a favorite at your table.

Lovers:

This dish appeals to anyone who loves breakfast casseroles, hearty comfort food, and traditional Southern fare. From brunch fans to busy parents, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.