This classic Southern breakfast from the Pioneer Woman features fluffy homemade biscuits smothered in a rich, savory sausage gravy. Comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This biscuits and gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients and easy steps. The homemade biscuits are buttery and tender, while the sausage gravy is creamy, peppery, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for weekend brunch or a hearty family breakfast.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the biscuits:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Shortening or butter
Milk

For the gravy:

Breakfast sausage
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Salt
Black pepper

directions

Make the biscuits: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until crumbly, then stir in milk until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut into rounds. Bake until golden, about 15-18 minutes.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Do not drain the fat.
Make the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir to combine. Cook for a minute or two, then gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
Serve: Split the warm biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use store-bought biscuits if you’re short on time.
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier gravy.
Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Mix in chopped cooked bacon with the sausage for extra flavor.
Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuits before baking.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency if needed. Biscuits can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of sausage should I use for biscuits and gravy?

Breakfast sausage works best, but you can use any ground sausage you like.

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I prevent lumpy gravy?

Whisk the flour well into the sausage fat before adding milk, and stir constantly as it cooks.

Can I freeze biscuits and gravy?

You can freeze the biscuits separately. The gravy can be frozen but may need extra milk when reheating.

What can I use instead of sausage?

Try chopped bacon, ground beef, or plant-based sausage alternatives.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly peppery, but not spicy. Adjust the pepper or add heat as desired.

Can I use non-dairy milk for the gravy?

Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk can work, though flavor and texture may vary.

What’s the best flour for making gravy?

All-purpose flour is perfect. Avoid self-rising flour to maintain consistency.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

They should be golden brown on top and cooked through when split open.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and use a large skillet for the gravy.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Biscuits and Gravy is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your breakfast table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy brunch, this dish is sure to hit the spot. With its simple ingredients and satisfying flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy