Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole : The Ultimate Southern Comfort Dish

Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a warm, cheesy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole. This cozy, make-ahead dish blends flaky buttermilk biscuits, savory sausage, creamy peppered gravy, and fluffy eggs—all baked into one golden, bubbling masterpiece. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekday mornings when you want something hearty without the hassle, this casserole transforms a classic into a convenient, crowd-pleasing meal.

Looking for inspiration? Try these sausage egg and cheese breakfast roll ups for a portable twist on this morning favorite.

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Why Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a Southern Staple

The Origin of Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole trace back to the late 1800s in the American South, where cooks relied on inexpensive ingredients to create satisfying meals. Fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy became a breakfast staple—high in calories, rich in flavor, and easy to make from scratch. Over time, the dish became a symbol of hospitality and tradition, particularly in rural areas where hearty meals were necessary fuel for long workdays.

What Makes It the Perfect Breakfast Casserole?

Unlike traditional stovetop versions, the biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole format bakes everything together into one cohesive dish. The biscuit base soaks up flavor from the eggs and gravy while holding its shape and texture. The sausage adds protein and bold seasoning, while cheese lends melty richness. It’s everything you love about the classic—just easier to serve and make ahead.

Versatility for Holidays, Brunches, and Crowds

This dish isn’t just for everyday breakfasts . It’s become a beloved centerpiece for holiday mornings like Christmas and Easter. You can prep it the night before, then pop it in the oven while opening gifts or setting the table. Because it serves 8 or more, it’s also ideal for brunch buffets, potlucks, or weekend guests.

Discover great ideas like this breakfast rolls recipe that pairs well on a brunch table next to your casserole.

Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Classic Ingredients to Build Bold Flavor

The beauty of a biscuits and gravy casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Notes
Refrigerated Biscuits	Pillsbury Grands or homemade buttermilk biscuits work great.
Breakfast Sausage	Mild or spicy pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or maple sausage are great too.
Eggs & Milk	Whisked together to create the casserole’s custard base.
Shredded Cheese	Cheddar is a staple, but you can experiment with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
Peppered Gravy Mix	A store-bought packet saves time, but homemade is easy too.
Salt & Pepper	Always season to taste for best results.

Choosing the Right Sausage and Gravy

While mild sausage delivers classic flavor, don’t shy away from bold options like maple-infused or spicy blends. The key is to cook and drain your meat thoroughly so the casserole doesn’t become greasy. For the gravy, premade peppered mixes are fast, but if you have time, homemade gravy made from butter, flour, and milk adds an extra layer of richness.

Don’t miss our guide on how to prep delicious Augusta Masters Egg Salad—a perfect make-ahead dish to round out your breakfast menu.

Creative Mix-ins and Dietary Tweaks

Want to make it your own? Here are some variations worth trying:

• Add diced bell peppers or onions for a burst of color and crunch.
• Swap in turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
• Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Replace milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• Use bacon instead of sausage, or mix both for extra flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread as a sweet sidekick to balance this savory dish.

How to Make Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Making this casserole is easy, and it only takes about 45 minutes total. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned and no longer pink. Drain the grease.
3. Cut biscuits into quarters and layer them evenly on the bottom of the pan.
4. Add sausage evenly over the biscuits.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of the sausage layer.
6. Whisk eggs and milk, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour egg mixture over the cheese.
8. Prepare the gravy and pour it evenly across the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until biscuits are golden and eggs are set.

Don’t overbake—the top should be golden, and the center should be cooked but still moist.

Check out our top-rated breakfast recipes for more hearty morning favorites.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips

Prep the Night Before for Easy Mornings

One of the best things about this Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is how easily it transitions into a make-ahead dish. Follow the same assembly steps, but instead of baking, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This is a holiday lifesaver—just pop it in the oven the next morning while you sip your coffee.

If chilled overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking, or increase the baking time slightly (by 5–10 minutes) to ensure the center cooks through without over-browning the top.

Storing Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. If reheating a full dish, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes.

To freeze: Once baked and cooled, slice into portions and freeze in individual freezer-safe containers. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave as needed.

How to Keep It from Getting Soggy

The biggest mistake people make? Not draining the sausage well enough or using too much milk. Always cook the meat thoroughly and blot any extra grease before layering. Stick to the recommended liquid ratio: 6 eggs with ½ cup of milk and 2 cups of gravy for the right consistency.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Over- or Underbaking the Casserole

Overbaking can cause the biscuits to become too hard, while underbaking may result in a soggy, raw center. Always test the middle with a knife—it should come out mostly clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Skipping the Pre-Cook on Sausage

Never add raw sausage to your casserole. Not only is it unsafe, but it’ll also make the entire dish greasy and unevenly cooked. Always brown the sausage completely and drain it well.

Improper Biscuit Layering

If the biscuit pieces are stacked or bunched together at the bottom, they won’t cook evenly. Make sure you cut them into quarters and spread them evenly across the dish for the best bake.

Looking for even more brunch inspiration? Don’t miss our take on Breakfast Rolls Recipe—a perfect pairing with savory casseroles.

Delicious Variations to Try

Turn Up the Heat with a Southwest Twist

If you love spice, try turning this into a Southwest biscuit and gravy breakfast bake. Use spicy sausage or chorizo, pepper jack cheese, and toss in some chopped jalapeños. You can even drizzle hot sauce on top before serving. It’s a flavorful way to wake up your taste buds.

Bacon Lovers, Rejoice

Sausage not your thing? Swap it with crisped bacon, or better yet, use both for a rich, smoky combo. You’ll want about 8–10 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for the best flavor balance.

Load Up on Veggies

Add some color and nutrients by mixing in chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just make sure to sauté veggies beforehand so they don’t release too much moisture during baking.

For a sweet and tangy side, serve this with something like our Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread—it’s a wonderful contrast to the casserole’s savory richness.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

What to Serve Alongside This Casserole

Since the casserole is a complete meal in itself, you don’t need much more to round it out. But if you’re feeding a crowd or serving brunch, here are some perfect pairings:

• A bowl of fresh seasonal fruit like berries or melon
• Hash browns or tater tots for added crunch
• Mini muffins or scones for a sweet contrast
• Coffee, orange juice, or even a brunch mimosa

Hosting brunch? Check out our breakfast roll ups for another hearty crowd-pleaser.

Ideal Occasions for This Recipe

• Christmas Morning – Prep the night before, bake while opening gifts
• Weekend Brunches – Serves 8+ people with minimal work
• Potlucks or Church Gatherings – Travels well and stays warm in insulated containers
• Breakfast-for-Dinner – Who says you can’t have gravy at night?

Leftover Magic: Breakfast, Reimagined

Use leftover casserole slices to create:

• Breakfast Burritos – Wrap in a tortilla with hot sauce
• Muffin Tin Mini Bakes – Press into greased muffin tins and reheat
• Savory French Toast Style Cubes – Pan-fry leftover pieces with a whisked egg coating

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: A Southern Breakfast Classic Worth Repeating

The Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is everything you love about a hearty, Southern-style breakfast—just easier, cheesier, and perfect for make-ahead mornings. With its balance of savory sausage creamy gravy fluffy biscuits, and gooey cheese, it hits every comfort note in one dish. Whether you’re serving guests, meal-prepping, or just craving a no-fuss morning win, this casserole is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Don’t miss our tips on making the perfect Augusta Masters Egg Salad for more brunch inspiration.

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