Introduction
The allure of breakfast can often be found in the comforting embrace of savory dishes that warm the heart and awaken the taste buds. In this article, we explore a delightful recipe for Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole, a hearty dish that combines tender biscuits, rich sausage gravy, and cheesy scrambled eggs into one cohesive meal. This casserole brings together flavors that are classic in breakfast cuisines while providing a modern twist that’s irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings or leisurely weekend brunches, this casserole not only satisfies but also appeals visually and texturally.
This Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is much more than just a hearty meal; it is a celebration of flavors that meld together harmoniously. The flaky biscuits absorb the savory gravy, while the eggs and cheese add a beautiful creaminess that elevates the dish to something truly special. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures—crunchy biscuit, smooth gravy, and fluffy eggs—making it a family-favorite that is sure to be requested time and again.
Whether you are serving it on a Sunday morning or as a part of a festive brunch, this casserole is a showstopper. It’s easy to prepare, and it keeps well, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones rather than spending hours in the kitchen. The delightful aroma that fills the kitchen while this casserole bakes is an invitation to gather around the table and indulge.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes (30-35 minutes baking + prep time)
– Yield/Servings: Not specified in the recipe
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
– 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk or casings removed)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess grease, drain it off carefully.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir well to incorporate. Cook for an additional minute to remove any raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, then remove from heat.
5. In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs together and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
6. Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Evenly distribute the biscuit pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring they cover the base.
7. Pour the sausage gravy mixture over the biscuit pieces, making sure they are thoroughly coated.
8. Next, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top of the casserole, spreading it out evenly to cover all the ingredients.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the biscuits have turned a lovely golden brown.
10. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color before serving.
Prepping the Baking Dish
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the baking dish is crucial for ensuring that the casserole doesn’t stick, making it difficult to serve once baked. Lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with either cooking spray or butter creates a non-stick surface that will make all the difference when it’s time to cut and serve your warm, cheesy casserole. Thoroughly covering the base helps to prevent any part of your scrumptious dish from clinging to the pan, allowing for clean slices.
Cooking the Sausage
Next, it’s time to prepare the sausage, the heart of this dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage, which can be either bulk sausage or sausage with casings removed. As it cooks, break it apart using a wooden spoon, ensuring it browns evenly and is fully cooked through. This process not only infuses flavor into the dish but also provides a nice meaty base for the casserole. Upon completion, be sure to drain any excess grease. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, ensuring that it is not overly greasy and allows the nuanced flavors of the spices and gravy to shine through.
Making the Sausage Gravy
Once your sausage is cooked, it’s time to create the seasoned sausage gravy, which binds the entire casserole together. Sprinkle the flour over the browned sausage in the skillet and stir well, incorporating it entirely. This technique helps to create a nice, thick gravy. Cooking for an additional minute ensures that the raw flour taste dissipates. Gradually pour the milk into the mixture while stirring continuously, which prevents lumps from forming and results in a velvety sauce. Allow this mixture to thicken for about 5-7 minutes before adding in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt for a perfectly seasoned, creamy gravy. After whisking all the ingredients together, remove from heat; the gravy should be smooth and flavorful, setting the stage for the unique combination of textures to follow.
Preparing the Egg and Cheese Mixture
While the gravy is thickening, focus on preparing the egg and cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. This step is vital for introducing seasoning at the egg stage before combining with other ingredients. After whisking, gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This will allow for an even distribution throughout the egg mixture, resulting in every bite being rich and cheesy, perfectly complementing the other layers in your casserole.
Assembling the Casserole
With all components ready, it’s time to assemble this delightful breakfast casserole. Start by opening the refrigerated biscuit dough and cutting each biscuit into quarters. Place the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This flaky layer will soak up the flavors of the sausage gravy when baked, providing a delectable base. The combination of the comforting biscuit, savory sausage gravy, and cheesy egg mixture will result in a dish that does not disappoint. Each layer plays its part in this casserole, creating a medley of textures and flavors that awake the palate.
Baking the Casserole
Once the casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
Place the prepared casserole in the preheated oven. The initial cooking time is critical; maintain a constant oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) throughout the baking process. Baking for 30-35 minutes allows the ingredients to meld together harmoniously, resulting in a pleasing texture and inviting aroma.
Monitor the casserole closely as it bakes. A few minutes before the recommended baking time, check for an even golden brown color on the biscuits. The casserole is done once it is set (the center should not jiggle) and the tops of the biscuits have formed a lovely golden crust.
After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool for several minutes. This cooling period is essential for the dish to continue setting and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares for serving.
Flavor Profile
Savory Flavors
The sausage gravy serves as the centerpiece of taste in this casserole, showcasing robust savory notes. The deep, rich flavor of the breakfast sausage combined with the delicate hints of garlic and onion powder creates a gastronomic experience that tantalizes the palate. The careful balance of the spices enhances this savory depth without overshadowing the other components of the dish.
Creamy Texture
When you take a bite, you’ll notice how the casserole boasts a wonderfully creamy texture. The combination of thickened milk and eggs binds the casserole together, enveloping each biscuit piece and creating a luscious mouthfeel. This texture is key; it contrasts beautifully with the flaky biscuit dough, offering a delightful eating experience.
Cheesy Goodness
Sharp cheddar cheese plays a crucial role in enriching the flavor profile. Its tanginess enhances the depth of the savory sausage gravy while also adding a pleasing richness. As it melts during baking, it contributes to the overall indulgence of the casserole, making each bite jointly comforting and scrumptious.
Presentation Tips
Serving Suggestions
For an aesthetically pleasing serving, plate the casserole warm, cutting it into generous squares. Consider garnishing each serving with a delicate sprinkling of extra cheese, which not only enhances the dish visually but also elevates the cheesy indulgence with additional flavor.
Adding Color
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley before serving is an effective way to brighten up this comforting dish. The vibrant green color not only makes the presentation more appealing but also adds a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the casserole.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
To understand the nutritional aspects, a rough caloric breakdown per serving showcases the components that contribute to the overall calorie count. Considering main ingredients such as the breakfast sausage, biscuit dough, and cheese, one serving contains a notable amount of calories, primarily derived from these sources.
Health Considerations
While the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is undeniably indulgent, including it in a balanced breakfast routine depends on portion size and frequency. It’s advisable to enjoy this dish as a treat or on special occasions, balancing it out with lighter fare on other days to maintain a healthy diet.
Storage Recommendations
Refrigeration
For those who have any leftovers, it’s important to store them correctly. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
When it comes to enjoying the leftovers, reheating is essential to restore texture and flavor. While you can use a microwave for quick reheating, the oven is preferred for optimal results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in a covered dish, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, if using the microwave, heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated to your liking, being cautious not to overcook.
Variations to Consider
Vegetarian Options
For those looking to savor this comforting dish without meat, consider using vegetarian sausage alternatives. These options maintain the heartiness of the dish while catering to vegetarians or those wanting to reduce their meat intake.
Flavor Enhancements
If you’re looking to customize the flavor further, consider adding different spices or ingredients. Smoked paprika provides a warm complexity, while diced bell peppers can add a sweet crunch. These additions allow you to tailor the dish to suit your personal flavor preferences.
Seasonal Ingredients
Incorporating seasonal vegetables or fresh herbs is a fantastic way to keep the casserole interesting throughout the year. From spinach in the spring to butternut squash in the fall, adapting the ingredients can elevate the dish and make it suitable for various celebrations or gatherings.
Conclusion
The Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole brings together rich flavors and creamy textures that satisfy the appetite. Its hearty nature, combined with a straightforward preparation and relatively short baking time, makes it a go-to choice for both breakfast and brunch gatherings. Each bite delivers an indulgent experience that is sure to please anyone who enjoys this classic comfort food.
Savory Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 16.3 oz
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it apart.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and cook for an additional minute.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring to prevent lumps, cooking until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper, then fold in the cheddar cheese.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and distribute them in the baking dish.
- Pour the sausage gravy over the biscuits, ensuring they are coated.
- Spread the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden brown, then cool slightly before serving.