Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a classic Southern breakfast but wanted it in a heartier, family-style dish, Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie is your answer. This recipe layers savory sausage gravy under a golden, flaky biscuit crust, creating a pie that’s equal parts comfort and indulgence. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish takes all the flavors you love and transforms them into a showstopping casserole-style pie.

My recipe story

This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s love for hearty breakfasts. She always kept a skillet of sausage gravy simmering on the stove, with a pan of biscuits baking in the oven. One morning, I decided to merge the two into a single dish. The result? A pie that’s both comforting and practical—no need to juggle multiple pans. The first time I served it to my family, it was gone in minutes, and it has since become a staple at every brunch and holiday breakfast we host.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie lies in its simplicity. At its core, the recipe calls for breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and biscuits. These staple ingredients create the creamy, savory filling and the golden topping that makes this dish unforgettable. Using fresh breakfast sausage ensures maximum flavor, while the flour and milk transform into a luscious gravy base.

You’ll also want to choose biscuits that complement the dish. Canned biscuits are a convenient option, especially for busy mornings, but homemade biscuits take this pie to the next level. The buttery layers puff up beautifully in the oven, soaking in just enough gravy to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. A touch of seasoning like black pepper, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne can enhance the flavor profile and make the dish your own.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish or deep pie dish
• Oven mitts

Step-by-step directions

1. Cook the sausage: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned all over and no pink remains. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed, but keep a little for flavor.
2. Make the gravy base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring continuously. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir as the mixture thickens into a rich, creamy gravy, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Season the gravy: Once the gravy has thickened, season generously with salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you enjoy. Taste and adjust as needed. The gravy should be savory and flavorful, perfectly complementing the buttery biscuits.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the sausage gravy into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the hearty base of your pie.
5. Top with biscuits: Arrange your biscuits on top of the sausage gravy. If using canned biscuits, place them evenly across the surface. If you’ve made homemade biscuits, nestle them into the gravy with a little space in between so they have room to expand.
6. Bake the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish on the center rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The gravy will bubble up slightly around the edges, creating a mouthwatering aroma.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to settle slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve warm with fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of black pepper on top.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can swap out the breakfast sausage for spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bolder flavor. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage. Vegetarians can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions for a delicious meatless twist.

If you enjoy a cheesier dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the sausage gravy before topping with biscuits. You can also experiment with flavored biscuits, like cheddar-jalapeño or herb biscuits, to add extra layers of taste.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or warm individual servings in the microwave. For freezing, bake the pie as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the sausage gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble with biscuits and bake fresh for best results.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can create a complete meal by serving it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a true Southern breakfast, pair it with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, orange juice, or a hot cup of coffee. For brunch gatherings, consider serving alongside mimosas or a Bloody Mary for a festive touch.

FAQ

Can I use canned biscuits for this recipe?
Yes, canned biscuits work wonderfully and save time, though homemade biscuits will give a more rustic and flavorful result.

What type of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage is traditional, but you can also use spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based alternatives.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with mushrooms, spinach, or other hearty vegetables, and use vegetable broth in the gravy for extra flavor.

How do I prevent soggy biscuits?
Make sure your gravy is thick before adding the biscuits, and avoid overcooking the dish so the bottom layer stays firm.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Final thoughts

Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Pie is comfort food at its finest. With its savory filling and flaky biscuit topping, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table every time. Whether you’re cooking for family breakfast, a special occasion brunch, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe guarantees satisfied smiles and empty plates. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a tradition in your household.

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy Southern-inspired dish with creamy sausage gravy topped with golden biscuits. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb breakfast sausage

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 package refrigerated biscuits (8 count) or homemade biscuits

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Sprinkle flour over sausage and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

5. Pour sausage gravy evenly into the prepared baking dish.

6. Arrange biscuits on top of the gravy, leaving a little space between each.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, top biscuits with melted butter before baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American