Welcome to your new go-to recipe for a comforting morning meal! This delightful biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole brings together all your favorite savory breakfast flavors in one convenient dish. It is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, hearty casserole that will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
This delightful biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole truly simplifies breakfast. You’ll adore it for many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: Assemble this casserole in no time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Enjoy a filling meal that keeps you satisfied all morning.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar, comforting flavors.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before for an effortless morning bake.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, simplifying your post-meal chores.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this amazing biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole. You will need just a few simple items to create this comforting dish.
- 1 package (8 count) refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 package (2.3 oz) peppered gravy mix
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or maple)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize your casserole. For biscuits, use store-bought refrigerated varieties like Pillsbury Grands for convenience, or elevate your dish with homemade biscuits for an even fresher taste. The development of refrigerated biscuits has a fascinating history, making them a convenient staple in many kitchens today.
Feel free to switch up the sausage flavor; spicy pork, maple, turkey, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully. You can also use cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham.
Experiment with different cheeses; Colby Jack, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all make excellent choices. If you prefer homemade gravy, combine 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons flour, cook for 1 minute, then whisk in 2 cups milk and season with salt and pepper until thickened. For extra veggies, stir in diced onions or bell peppers with the sausage.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious breakfast bake. Get ready to make your own delicious biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole.
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon for serving
Instructions
Creating this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, hearty meal.
- Prep the Pan & Oven: First, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly.
- Cook the Sausage: Place the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is completely browned and no longer pink. For food safety, ensure breakfast sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F as recommended by the USDA. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prepare Biscuits: Open your package of refrigerated biscuits. Cut each biscuit into four small pieces. These will form the base of your biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole. Spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the cooked and drained sausage evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the layer of sausage.
- Whisk Eggs & Milk: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the six eggs and ½ cup of milk until well combined. Season this egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking pan.
- Add Gravy: Prepare the package of peppered gravy mix according to its package directions. Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the egg mixture in the pan. Your glorious biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is almost ready for the oven.
- Bake: Carefully place the baking pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and the eggs are fully set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole cooks perfectly with these expert tips.
- Prevent Over-browning: If your casserole top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the pan. This protects the top while the inside finishes cooking.
- Adjust Baking Time: If assembling the casserole ahead of time and baking from cold, you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Extra Gravy: Consider making an extra batch of gravy to serve on the side. Some guests might enjoy a little extra drizzle over their portion.
- Add Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture or drizzle it over individual servings.
- Time-Saving Assembly: Cook your sausage a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then simply assemble the casserole components just before baking.
- Gravy Consistency: If your packaged gravy seems too thick, thin it slightly with a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can gently heat it in a saucepan and stir in a tiny pinch of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken.
- Egg Doneness: To check if the eggs are fully set, gently jiggle the pan. The center should be firm and not liquid. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Get the most out of your biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole with these helpful tips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole as a complete, satisfying meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit or a green salad for balance. For a larger brunch, consider offering it alongside a hash brown casserole or a sweet French toast casserole. Complete your breakfast spread with coffee, orange juice, or iced tea.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until hot.
Freeze: To freeze, allow the cooked and cooled casserole to chill completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw & Reheat: Thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above.
Variations
- Other Breakfast Meats: Swap pork sausage for crumbled crispy bacon, diced ham, or even ground turkey sausage.
- Different Cheese Blends: Try a Mexican cheese blend, sharp white cheddar, or a smoky gouda for new flavors.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or fresh spinach to the sausage layer for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Elements: For a kick, mix in diced jalapeños with the sausage, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- Dietary Adjustments: Explore gluten-free biscuits and gravy mixes for those with dietary needs. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole, providing a hearty start to your day. This information is based on approximate values and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 576 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 180 mg |
| Sodium | 705 mg |
| Potassium | 269 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 435 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make my own gravy?
Absolutely! For a quick homemade gravy, melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then slowly add 2 cups milk while whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can. Fully cook and cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What sausage alternatives can I use?
Feel free to use turkey sausage, spicy pork sausage, Italian sausage, or even cooked and crumbled bacon. Choose what your family enjoys most!
Can I make this without eggs?
Unfortunately, eggs are essential for binding the casserole ingredients together. This particular recipe relies on eggs for structure, so an egg-free alternative casserole would be a different dish entirely.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of biscuits?
We do not recommend using crescent rolls. Biscuits provide a much heartier and more substantial texture that holds up better in this casserole.
Conclusion
This easy biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from holidays to simple family breakfasts. It offers incredible flavor and convenience, making your mornings smoother and more delicious. With minimal effort, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will adore. We encourage you to try this simple recipe soon; it is guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Hearty Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9x13 baking pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Cut each biscuit into about four small pieces.
- Arrange the cut biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the cooked sausage over the layer of biscuits.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese and sausage.
- Prepare the peppered gravy mix according to its package directions, then pour it over the egg mixture.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the biscuits are golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot.