There’s nothing quite as comforting as waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of sausage gravy mingling with fresh biscuits — that’s why I’m excited to share this Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe with you. It’s a perfect brunch centerpiece that combines cozy flavors and easy prep all in one dish.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family breakfasts or weekend brunches, and it’s easier to make than you might think.
- Comfort Food Classic: It marries the beloved flavors of biscuits and sausage gravy with the ease of a casserole all in one dish.
- Hands-Off Baking: Once you get it assembled, the oven does most of the work — perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends.
- Customizable Layers: You can mix up cheeses, spices, or even sausage types to make it truly your own.
- Feeds a Crowd Easily: This recipe makes about 15 servings — ideal for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this casserole complements the others perfectly — the savory sausage gives rich flavor, the biscuits bring fluffiness, and the cheese melts in between for indulgent gooeyness. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping:
- Ground pork sausage: I prefer using a classic bulk pork sausage like Jimmy Dean for that familiar, hearty flavor.
- Flour: It’s essential to thicken the gravy, so don’t skim here — I use all-purpose flour.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the gravy creamier, but you can use 2% if you want it a bit lighter.
- Beef bouillon: This adds depth to the gravy. If you don’t have it, a beef broth concentrate works well too.
- Seasonings (garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes): These layers of flavor turn simple gravy into a comforting, herby delight.
- Eggs: They bind the casserole together and make the texture fluffy and rich.
- Paprika & ground mustard: These give subtle warmth and a tiny hint of tang that balances the richness.
- Biscuits: I like Pillsbury Grands because they’re big, flaky, and perfect for cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: Sharp cheddar gives punch, while Monterey Jack adds melty creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end adds a fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe is — I’ve played around with a few tweaks to suit different moods or guests. Feel free to experiment! It’s your kitchen, after all.
- Variation: Once, I swapped out the pork sausage for spicy chorizo and added diced bell peppers. It gave a zesty southwestern twist that was a hit with friends.
- Dietary modifications: Try turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use gluten-free biscuit dough to make it allergy-friendly.
- Cheese swaps: Swiss or pepper jack cheese add interesting flavors if you want to switch things up.
- Seasoning changes: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary can bring a different herbaceous note.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth for a meatless version.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Pre-bake Those Biscuits to Golden Perfection
First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray. Cut each biscuit into eight pieces and scatter half of those pieces evenly across the dish. I find par-baking them for about 12 minutes gives you that beautiful golden crust without completely cooking through, which ensures they soak up flavors later without turning soggy.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Egg Mixture
While those biscuits are baking, whisk together your eggs, milk, and spices in a large bowl or measuring cup. This mixture adds richness and holds the casserole together. I always make sure the eggs are well beaten so you get a uniform texture when baked.
Step 3: Sizzle the Sausage & Build the Gravy
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook your sausage, crumbling it as it browns. Once there's no pink left, reduce heat and stir in flour, cooking for about three minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, then stir in your bouillon and spices, lowering to a simmer. Keep stirring until it thickens — this step takes patience, usually 5-10 minutes, but it’s so worth it. Taste and adjust seasoning; sometimes I add a pinch more salt or red pepper flakes for a little zip.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture gently over the partially baked biscuits. Sprinkle half of your cheeses evenly over the top, then drizzle 2½ cups of that luscious gravy all over. Scatter the remaining biscuit pieces on top like a blanket — this layering gives lovely texture and melty cheesy pockets. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the eggs have set and the biscuits are golden. I like to use an instant-read thermometer here; 160°F means it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Finish With More Cheese & Gravy
Take the casserole out of the oven and warm up the saved gravy by thinning it with a bit of milk to your liking. Pour this gravy on top along with the remaining cheese. Pop it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey crowning touch. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving — it helps everything set nicely and makes slicing easier.
Top Tip
I’ve made this casserole countless times, and the tips I’m about to share will make sure you get the best texture and flavor every single time.
- Par-bake biscuits: This prevents them from becoming too mushy after soaking in eggs and gravy.
- Constant stirring: While making the gravy, keep stirring to avoid lumps and prevent scorching.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: Cooking times can vary, so check for 160°F inside for perfect doneness.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly helps it settle for easier serving and better flavor melding.
How to Serve Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a dash of extra black pepper or even a few red pepper flakes if we’re in the mood for a little heat.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad or some roasted tomatoes make a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. For extra comfort, serving alongside crispy breakfast potatoes or fresh fruit balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. Another festive idea: sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped scallions on top just before serving for a little extra flair and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it’s cooled, store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge — I usually use a large airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to five days without losing much flavor or texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. When freezing pre-baked, wrap it well and thaw overnight before baking fresh. For baked leftovers, double wrap in plastic and foil — it freezes beautifully for months. Just thaw fully and reheat gently.
Reheating
I prefer to reheat leftovers by covering with foil and baking at 350°F for about 20 minutes to warm it evenly while keeping moisture. The microwave works well too for individual servings but can sometimes dry things out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the top biscuits and refrigerate it, keeping the remaining biscuits, cheese, and gravy separate. When you’re ready, just finish baking as directed for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Par-baking the biscuit pieces before adding the egg mixture helps maintain texture. It prevents the biscuits from absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy once baked in the casserole.
Yes, you can swap in turkey sausage, spicy chorizo, or even plant-based sausage crumbles. Just adjust seasonings accordingly to complement the sausage flavor you choose.
The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center; it should register 160°F when done. Also, the eggs will be set and the top biscuits golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and has been a staple in my kitchen for cozy mornings and special brunches alike. It’s satisfying, straightforward to pull together, and endlessly adaptable. I hope that once you make it, it becomes a go-to for your own breakfasts – and that you enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do!
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Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting breakfast casserole featuring layers of tender biscuit dough, savory sausage gravy, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy
- 1 pound ground bulk pork sausage roll (like regular Jimmy Dean)
- ⅓ cup flour
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (powder, crushed cube or base)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Pinch dried thyme
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Biscuits and Cheese
- 1 (16.3 oz) package/8 count biscuit dough (Pillsbury Grands recommended)
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Par-Bake Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces and evenly space half of the chopped biscuits in the prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Mix Eggs: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together eggs, ½ cup milk, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large saucepan or braiser over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the sausage until browned. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle with flour, cooking and stirring for 3 minutes.
- Make Gravy: Lower heat to low and slowly stir in milk constantly. Add beef bouillon and seasonings including garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, ground sage, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Thicken Gravy: Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 5-10 minutes until gravy thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Set aside.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour egg mixture over the par-baked biscuit pieces in the pan. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the eggs. Pour 2 ½ cups of the sausage gravy over the egg and cheese layers. Reserve remaining gravy. Top with remaining chopped biscuits evenly spaced.
- Bake Casserole: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes or until eggs are set and biscuits are golden. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Add Remaining Toppings: Stir additional milk into the reserved gravy to thin if needed. Remove casserole from oven, pour remaining sausage gravy and sprinkle remaining cheeses on top. Return to oven and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese melts.
- Rest and Garnish: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a fresh flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Meal prep by assembling casserole up to the point of adding the top biscuits, then refrigerate leftover biscuits, cheese, and gravy separately. When ready, cover casserole with foil and bake 15 minutes, then add top biscuits and continue baking as directed.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, tightly double wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at least 24 hours before reheating.
- Reheat entire casserole covered in foil at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until warm.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check doneness; internal temperature should be 160 degrees F.
- If gravy thickens too much after cooling, stir in additional milk to reach desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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