Easy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines flaky biscuits, creamy sausage gravy, and eggs all baked together in one pan. It’s the perfect mix of soft and savory with little pockets of fluffy biscuit soaking up the rich, flavorful gravy. This casserole makes breakfast feel extra special without a lot of fuss.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when I want something warm and filling but don’t want to stand over the stove cooking biscuits and gravy separately. It’s a real time saver and feeds a crowd with ease. One tip I like is to use a good quality sausage and don’t forget to season the gravy well – it really brings the whole dish together. Plus, it smells amazing while baking!
This casserole is great on its own, but I often serve it with a simple side of fresh fruit or a green salad if we’re having it later in the day. It’s become a favorite in my house especially for holidays or lazy brunches with friends. Every time I make it, I get asked for the recipe – it’s one of those cozy, no-fail meals that always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves time and adds a fluffy, soft base. If you prefer, you can swap with homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a slight texture change.
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage is classic here, but turkey sausage works well for a leaner option. Make sure to season the turkey sausage extra since it’s milder than pork.
Milk & Flour (for gravy): Whole milk makes the gravy creamy and rich. For a lighter version, try 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use all-purpose flour for thickening, but cornstarch (half the amount) is a good gluten-free substitute.
Eggs: Eggs bind the casserole and add a custardy layer. You can swap some whole eggs for egg whites to reduce fat while keeping the texture close.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a tangy kick. Feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use a milder cheese like Colby if you want less sharpness.
How Do You Make Creamy, Thick Sausage Gravy Without Lumps?
Getting a smooth, creamy sausage gravy is key to this casserole’s flavor and texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook the sausage fully and drain any excess fat to avoid greasy gravy.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the hot sausage and stir well, letting it cook a minute. This step removes the raw flour taste and helps it thicken better.
- Add milk in small amounts while whisking constantly—this keeps lumps from forming.
- Keep whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season carefully with salt and pepper to balance the rich flavors.
Taking your time and whisking continuously really makes a difference. The smooth gravy soaks into the biscuit pieces, making every bite soft and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering biscuits, gravy, and eggs for even baking.
- Large skillet – great for browning sausage and making smooth gravy all in one pan.
- Whisk – helps you blend the flour and milk smoothly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Mixing bowl – for beating eggs evenly before adding to the casserole.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – handy for cutting biscuit dough into pieces quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage with crumbled turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter protein option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions to the sausage for extra flavor and a veggie boost.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spicy kick.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or sage into the gravy to deepen the flavor.
Easy Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork sausage recommended)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This breakfast casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and roughly 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, so you’ll need around an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut your biscuit dough into quarters or bite-sized pieces. Spread these biscuit pieces evenly in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
2. Cook Sausage and Make Gravy:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Remove from heat and drain excess grease if necessary. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage, stirring well, and cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Keep whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and gets creamy (about 5-7 minutes). Season with black pepper and salt, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the biscuit pieces in the baking dish. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then pour them evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm for a delicious, comforting breakfast.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the sausage completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed up the process. Cook it thoroughly once thawed before making the gravy.
Can I Make This Casserole The Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake it uncovered, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm gently in a covered dish in the oven until heated through.
Can I Substitute Cheese or Add Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the sausage gravy adds great flavor and extra nutrients.
