Easy Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: The Ultimate Family Breakfast or Brunch Dish

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of classic biscuits and gravy to start your day. But imagine taking that beloved Southern breakfast and transforming it into an effortless, bake-and-serve casserole that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole does exactly that, combining crispy hashbrowns, savory breakfast sausage, creamy gravy, and fluffy biscuits into one irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit.

This casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to every face around the breakfast table. Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch, a special holiday meal, or simply want to treat your family to a hearty breakfast, this recipe is your go-to. It’s the perfect brunch dish for that special someone in your life, or for a large gathering where you want to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can whip it up the day of, or conveniently prep it the night before and refrigerate it, ready to bake fresh the next morning. However you prepare it, I promise everyone will devour it, asking for seconds!

Forget standing over the stove, making individual batches of gravy and biscuits. This casserole streamlines the process, layering all the delicious components into a single baking dish. It’s a complete meal in one, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors – from the crispy potato base to the tender sausage, gooey cheese, rich gravy, and soft biscuit topping. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this ultimate comfort food masterpiece, perfect for any occasion!

What You’ll Need to Make This Irresistible Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Creating a memorable breakfast or brunch doesn’t require a complicated list of obscure ingredients. This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole relies on readily available staples that, when combined, create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at the core components and why each one plays a crucial role in delivering this comforting dish:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: This forms the savory foundation of our casserole. You can choose mild, spicy, or even a sage-flavored sausage, depending on your family’s preference. Browning the sausage thoroughly and draining any excess grease is essential to keep the casserole from becoming oily and ensures the best flavor.
• One package (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns, thawed: These create the delicious, crispy base layer. Thawing them completely before use is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness. Shredded hashbrowns tend to work best for an even layer, but diced can also be used for a different texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey perfection, binding the hashbrowns and sausage and adding a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp white cheddar.
• 4 large eggs: Eggs act as a binder, creating a light, custardy layer that holds the casserole together and adds moisture. They absorb the flavors of the sausage and gravy, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
• 2 cups milk: Combined with the eggs, milk forms the liquid base that infuses flavor and ensures the casserole remains moist and tender throughout. Whole milk is recommended for the richest result, but 2% milk can be used if you prefer a slightly lighter version.
• 1 package of refrigerated biscuits (8-count): The ultimate convenience factor! These biscuits puff up beautifully on top, turning golden brown and providing that essential fluffy biscuit component without the need for scratch baking. Cutting them into quarters helps distribute them evenly across the casserole and ensures they cook through perfectly.
• 2 cups prepared sausage gravy (homemade, recipe below, or store-bought): The heart and soul of this dish. While a good quality store-bought gravy can save time, a homemade sausage gravy (with its recipe provided below) truly elevates this casserole to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Its creamy texture and peppery flavor are irreplaceable.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Not just for garnish! Fresh green onions add a vibrant pop of color and a mild, fresh oniony bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the sausage and gravy, offering a pleasant counterpoint in flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors of the individual components. Don’t forget to season the hashbrowns and the egg mixture adequately to build layers of taste.

Gathering these simple yet powerful ingredients is the first step towards creating a breakfast sensation that your whole family will absolutely adore!

How to Prepare The Ultimate Biscuits and Gravy Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this hearty casserole is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly baked, incredibly flavorful dish every single time. Attention to each layer ensures every bite is as delicious and comforting as the last.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Grease Your Dish: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven preheats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This crucial step prevents sticking, ensuring easy serving and making cleanup a breeze.
2. Brown and Drain the Sausage: In a large skillet placed over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, using a spoon or spatula to break it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease thoroughly. This is a vital step to prevent your casserole from becoming overly oily. Set the browned sausage aside.
3. Create the Hashbrown Base: Evenly spread the thawed hashbrowns across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Gently press them down to form a solid, uniform layer. Season this layer generously with salt and black pepper to build flavor from the very start. This layer will transform into a wonderfully crispy and satisfying foundation as it bakes.
4. Layer the Savory Fillings: Evenly sprinkle the cooked and well-drained sausage crumbles over the hashbrown layer. Next, distribute the shredded cheddar cheese across the sausage. These layers combine to create a rich, savory, and irresistible core for your casserole.
5. Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture: In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the four large eggs, two cups of milk, one teaspoon of salt, and a dash of black pepper until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour this liquid mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer, ensuring it saturates the hashbrowns beneath. This egg mixture will bake into a delicious, creamy binder, holding all the components together.
6. Top with Biscuits: Take your package of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange these biscuit pieces evenly over the top of the casserole, leaving a little space between them. They will expand as they bake, forming a golden, fluffy, and tender topping.
7. Initial Covered Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the hashbrowns and the egg mixture to cook through without the biscuit topping browning too quickly, ensuring everything cooks perfectly.
8. Finish Baking with Gravy: Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the casserole dish. Now, pour the prepared sausage gravy* evenly over the biscuit pieces, letting it seep down into the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and cooked through, and the gravy is hot and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve Hot: Once your delicious casserole is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly. Garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Following these detailed steps ensures a delicious and perfectly cooked Biscuits and Gravy Casserole that will quickly become a cherished family favorite for any breakfast or brunch gathering.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade White Gravy for Your Casserole

While a good quality store-bought gravy can certainly work in a pinch, making homemade white gravy elevates this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole from great to absolutely extraordinary. The rich, creamy, and subtly peppery flavor of a freshly made gravy is truly unmatched. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare! This recipe focuses on creating a classic, smooth gravy that perfectly complements the savory components of the casserole.

• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup half & half (or an additional 1/4 cup whole milk for a slightly less rich version)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best!)

Instructions for Homemade White Gravy:

Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. For an extra layer of flavor and to minimize cleanup, I highly recommend using the same pan where you cooked the breakfast sausage – the residual drippings add incredible depth to your gravy. Once the butter is melted and gently sizzling, sprinkle on the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This step is crucial; it cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the thickening base for your gravy. The roux should be a pale blonde color.

Next, slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly and vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of liquid, incorporate it fully into the roux, then add more gradually. This gradual addition and continuous whisking technique are key to achieving a perfectly silky-smooth gravy. Once all the liquid is added, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, continuing to whisk occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to generously coat the back of a spoon. Finally, season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it’s a signature flavor of authentic Southern sausage gravy! This rich, creamy, and flavorful gravy is the perfect complement to your savory casserole, bringing all the elements together harmoniously.

Tips for a Perfect Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Every Time

Achieving casserole perfection is easier than you think with a few handy tips that will elevate your Biscuits and Gravy Casserole from good to absolutely outstanding:

• Thaw Hashbrowns Completely: This is a critical step! Ensure your frozen hashbrowns are fully thawed before spreading them into the baking dish. This prevents them from releasing too much moisture during baking, which could result in a soggy base, and ensures they cook evenly to a wonderfully crispy texture.
• Drain Sausage Well: After browning your breakfast sausage, it’s essential to drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Too much fat can make your casserole oily and heavy. Using a slotted spoon or gently pressing with paper towels can help remove unwanted drippings.
• Season Every Layer: Don’t just rely on the gravy for all the flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper on the hashbrowns and within the egg mixture builds a beautiful depth of flavor throughout the entire casserole, making every bite savory.
• Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper are fully combined and smooth before pouring them over the casserole layers. This guarantees a consistent, silky-smooth custard layer that binds everything together perfectly.
• Don’t Overcrowd Biscuits: When arranging the biscuit quarters on top, give them a little space to expand. This allows them to cook evenly, puff up beautifully, and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness on all sides.
• Cover for Initial Bake: The aluminum foil during the first part of baking is important. It helps the internal components (hashbrowns, sausage, egg mixture) cook through thoroughly without the biscuits browning too quickly or drying out. Removing it later allows the biscuits to develop their desirable golden crust.
• Let It Rest: Just like many baked dishes, allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven is beneficial. This short resting period allows the casserole to set up, making it much easier to slice neatly and serve cleanly without falling apart.

Can I Make This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Ahead of Time? Absolutely!

One of the biggest advantages of this fantastic casserole is its make-ahead potential, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or when entertaining guests. Preparing it the night before means less stress and more enjoyment when it’s time to serve.

To prepare it ahead of time, simply assemble the entire casserole following all the preparation steps described above, up to, but not including, the baking instructions. In other words, you will layer the hashbrowns, sausage, cheese, egg mixture, and biscuit quarters, but do not put it in the oven yet. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.

The next morning, simply remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Because the casserole will be starting from a cold temperature, the baking time will need to be increased slightly. Bake it, covered with foil, for approximately 40 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil, pour the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the biscuits, and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through, and the casserole is heated through to the center. This might be a total baking time of around 60-65 minutes. Always check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean (from the egg layer), it’s ready to serve. This make-ahead option is a true game-changer for special occasions like Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any gathering where you want to enjoy a delicious, hot meal without the morning rush!

Variations & Customizations to Make This Casserole Your Own

While this classic Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is utterly perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor it to your family’s unique tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider using spicy breakfast sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy or mix in some finely diced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) with the hashbrown layer.
• Cheesy Choices: Beyond traditional cheddar, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses! Monterey Jack adds extra meltiness, a sharp white cheddar offers a more pronounced flavor, or a smoked gouda could offer a sophisticated twist. Pepper Jack cheese will also add a mild spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor by sautéing diced onions, bell peppers (any color!), or fresh spinach until tender. Mix these into the hashbrown layer before adding the sausage. Sautéed mushrooms are another fantastic addition for an earthy depth.
• Herbal Notes: A pinch of dried sage or thyme mixed into the sausage as it browns or added to the egg mixture can significantly enhance the savory profile and give it an even more traditional, aromatic breakfast sausage flavor.
• Crispier Hashbrowns: For an extra-crispy hashbrown layer, consider par-baking the thawed hashbrowns in the greased dish for about 10-15 minutes before adding any other layers. This gives them a head start on crisping up.
• Homemade Biscuits: If you have the time and enjoy baking from scratch, feel free to swap out the refrigerated biscuits for your favorite homemade biscuit recipe. Just ensure you cut them into quarters before placing them on top of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Option: This casserole can easily be made vegetarian by substituting plant-based breakfast sausage crumbles for the meat sausage and preparing a rich, savory vegetarian mushroom gravy or a simple milk gravy instead of sausage gravy.

These simple variations ensure that your Biscuits and Gravy Casserole can be a fresh and exciting dish every time you make it, always catering to your mood and pantry!

Why This Casserole is a Must-Try!

In a world full of complicated recipes and elaborate meal preparations, this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole stands out as a beacon of delicious simplicity. It expertly takes all the beloved elements of a traditional Southern breakfast – the hearty, savory sausage, the crispy potatoes, the rich, creamy gravy, and the fluffy, tender biscuits – and thoughtfully transforms them into an incredibly convenient, all-in-one dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Every single layer is designed to deliver maximum flavor, comfort, and satisfaction.

Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry crowd, host a delightful brunch, or simply crave a fulfilling and utterly delicious meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a monumental hit with everyone who tries it. Its incredible make-ahead capability means significantly less stress on busy mornings, allowing you to relax and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones, rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Don’t just make breakfast; make a lasting memory with this unforgettable Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy “brinner” (breakfast for dinner)!

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