Easy North Carolina Favorite With Sausage Gravy And Biscuits

Few Southern breakfast dishes carry the comfort and tradition of sausage gravy poured over fluffy, golden biscuits. This North Carolina favorite has warmed kitchens and hearts for generations, combining simple ingredients into something truly special.

Whether preparing it for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, this classic recipe brings people together around the table with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

1. What You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. For biscuits, all-purpose flour, cold butter, buttermilk, baking powder, and salt form the foundation.

The gravy requires ground breakfast sausage, whole milk, flour for thickening, and black pepper. Having everything measured and ready means less stress and better results when it’s time to cook.

2. Ingredient List

Quality ingredients create the best flavor in this traditional North Carolina dish. Two cups of flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt build the biscuit base.

Add six tablespoons of cold butter, three-quarters cup of buttermilk, and one pound of breakfast sausage. Two and a half cups of whole milk and one-third cup of flour complete the gravy ingredients.

3. Biscuit Prep

Cold ingredients create the flakiest biscuits, so keep butter chilled until the last moment. Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of baking powder and salt.

Cut cold butter into small cubes before adding to the flour mixture. This preparation step sets up success for tender, layered biscuits that rise beautifully in the oven.

4. Mix And Cut Biscuits

Work the butter into flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in buttermilk and stir gently until dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat to three-quarter-inch thickness. Use a sharp biscuit cutter, pressing straight down without twisting for the tallest rise possible.

5. Bake Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit for proper heat distribution. Place cut biscuits close together on an ungreased baking sheet, which encourages them to rise taller as they bake.

Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until tops turn golden brown. The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma as biscuits develop their signature flaky layers and buttery crust.

6. Brown The Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the breakfast sausage without any additional oil. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Cook until no pink remains and the sausage develops a rich brown color, about seven to nine minutes. Leave the rendered fat in the pan, as it adds essential flavor to the gravy.

7. Make The Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in milk while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

Continue stirring as the mixture thickens, which takes about five to seven minutes. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon when ready, creating a smooth, creamy consistency perfect for biscuits.

8. Seasoning The Carolina Way

North Carolina cooks traditionally season sausage gravy generously with black pepper, giving it a distinctive peppery kick. Start with half a teaspoon and taste, adjusting to personal preference.

Some cooks add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat or a dash of sage to complement the sausage. Salt might not be necessary since breakfast sausage already contains plenty of seasoning.

9. Assemble And Serve

Split warm biscuits in half using a fork to preserve their fluffy texture and create more surface area for gravy. Place biscuit halves on individual plates, cut sides facing up.

Ladle generous portions of hot sausage gravy over each biscuit, allowing it to soak into the layers. Serve immediately while everything remains warm for the most comforting breakfast experience possible.

10. Variations And Add-Ins

Customize this classic by stirring shredded cheddar cheese into the gravy just before serving for extra richness. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives add brightness and color to the traditional recipe.

Hot sauce enthusiasts might drizzle their favorite brand over the top for additional heat. Some families add diced jalapeños to the sausage while cooking for a spicy twist on tradition.

11. Make Ahead And Freezer Notes

Biscuits freeze beautifully when unbaked, making weekday breakfasts easier. Cut biscuits and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for storage up to three months.

Bake frozen biscuits directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Gravy can be refrigerated for three days or frozen for one month in airtight containers.

12. Storage And Reheating

Store leftover biscuits and gravy separately to maintain the best texture when reheating. Biscuits keep for two days at room temperature in an airtight container or five days refrigerated.

Reheat biscuits in a 350-degree oven for five minutes until warmed through. Warm gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick after refrigeration.