Drop Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is a quintessential Southern comfort dish that combines tender, flaky biscuits with a rich, savory sausage gravy. This hearty meal is a staple in many households, often enjoyed during breakfast or brunch. The simplicity of the recipe, coupled with its deeply satisfying flavors, has cemented its place in American culinary tradition.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Drop Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 cup whole milk

For the Sausage Gravy:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent dense biscuits.

3. Bake the Biscuits:
   Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

4. Cook the Sausage:
   While the biscuits are baking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.

5. Make the Gravy:
   Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine, ensuring the sausage is well-coated. Cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
   Split the warm biscuits in half and place them on plates. Generously ladle the sausage gravy over the biscuit halves. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, assuming 6 servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 14 g

• Total Fat: 30 g

• Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Cholesterol: 80 mg

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• Sugars: 4 g

• Sodium: 850 mg

• Potassium: 300 mg

The History of Biscuits and Gravy

The origins of biscuits and gravy date back to the early 19th century in the Southern United States. It was a dish born out of necessity. Early settlers, especially those in rural areas, needed affordable, filling meals to sustain them through hard work and long days. Biscuits, made from basic pantry staples like flour, fat, and baking powder, were easy to make in large quantities. The gravy, typically made from sausage or bacon drippings, was a cheap and effective way to add flavor and moisture to an otherwise dry biscuit. Over time, this humble dish gained popularity, becoming a staple of Southern breakfast menus.

The dish’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness contributed to its widespread use. During the Great Depression, when ingredients were scarce, biscuits and gravy provided an inexpensive yet satisfying meal for many families. As it spread throughout the Southern states, regional variations began to emerge, with some people adding cheese to their biscuits, while others would incorporate herbs or spices into their gravy. Despite its humble beginnings, the dish eventually became a beloved part of Southern cuisine, often associated with home-cooked meals, Sunday mornings, and family gatherings.

The Art of Making Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits, as the name suggests, are a simpler version of traditional biscuits. Unlike rolled biscuits, which require the dough to be rolled out and cut into rounds, drop biscuits are made by mixing the dough and then dropping spoonfuls of it onto a baking sheet. This method results in a more rustic appearance, but it also yields biscuits that are equally as delicious—tender, flaky, and slightly crumbly. The appeal of drop biscuits lies in their ease of preparation, making them ideal for busy mornings or casual gatherings.

To make drop biscuits, the dough is typically prepared by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, and fat, such as butter or shortening. The liquid used in the dough can vary, with many recipes calling for milk or buttermilk. The key to achieving a light and fluffy texture is to avoid overmixing the dough. When the ingredients are combined, the dough should be slightly lumpy and sticky. From there, the dough is simply spooned onto a baking sheet, where it bakes to golden perfection in about 10-15 minutes. One of the most crucial steps in making drop biscuits is ensuring that the butter is cold when added to the dry ingredients. Cold fat creates pockets in the dough, which helps the biscuits rise and become light and airy. Additionally, using high-quality ingredients, such as good butter and fresh flour, can make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the biscuits.

Creating the Perfect Sausage Gravy

Sausage gravy is the perfect complement to the light and fluffy drop biscuits. It’s a creamy and savory sauce made by browning sausage and thickening it with a roux (a mixture of fat and flour). The gravy is then enriched with milk to create a smooth, luscious texture. The flavors of the sausage infuse the gravy, giving it a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the biscuits.

Regional Variations of Biscuits and Gravy

Although biscuits and gravy are a traditional Southern dish, there are many regional variations across the United States. In some areas, people prefer to serve their biscuits with a meat-based gravy that uses bacon drippings instead of sausage. In the Appalachian region, biscuits and gravy might be served with country ham instead of sausage, adding a different level of flavor to the gravy.

In the Midwest, biscuits and gravy might be served with a more substantial sausage gravy that incorporates additional ingredients, such as mushrooms, onions, or cheese. In some regions of the South, people will use a more peppery gravy, while in others, the gravy is milder with a smoother consistency. Each variation reflects the local ingredients available and the region’s personal preferences, showing just how adaptable this classic dish can be.

Healthier Alternatives and Modifications

While biscuits and gravy are undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make them healthier without sacrificing flavor. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour for the drop biscuits, which adds fiber and nutrients while still keeping the biscuits soft and tasty. For the gravy, consider using lean turkey sausage or chicken sausage, which significantly reduces the fat content without compromising the dish’s flavor.

Another modification involves swapping out the heavy cream or whole milk for lower-fat options, such as 2% milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk. For those looking to reduce calories, using less butter in the biscuit dough and in the gravy can also help make this dish more waistline-friendly.

For those following gluten-free diets, there are many gluten-free flour blends available that can be used to make drop biscuits. As for the gravy, the roux can be made with cornstarch or rice flour instead of regular wheat flour, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Biscuits and gravy are hearty on their own, but they can be served alongside other dishes to create a more well-rounded meal. A common addition to a breakfast of biscuits and gravy is scrambled eggs, which add protein and lightness to balance the richness of the dish. You could also serve this dish with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries, to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

Conclusion

Drop biscuits and sausage gravy are an iconic Southern dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and tradition. It has stood the test of time as a satisfying breakfast option, loved by many for its richness and simplicity. The combination of warm, flaky biscuits and creamy, savory gravy is a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, perfect for any occasion. While it’s traditionally served for breakfast, it can easily be adapted for brunch or dinner, and with a few simple modifications, it can fit a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or add your personal twist, this dish continues to be a favorite across generations and regions.