Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade Sausage Gravy and Biscuits to start the day. Flaky buttermilk biscuits are smothered with rich, creamy sausage gravy made with breakfast sausage, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings for a breakfast that’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a slow weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or even breakfast for dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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What Is Sausage Gravy and Biscuits?
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is a classic Southern breakfast made by serving fluffy biscuits with a rich, creamy sausage gravy. Traditional versions are usually thickened with flour and milk, but this recipe takes a slightly different approach by using heavy cream, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and a cornstarch slurry for an extra silky gravy with incredible flavor.
The result is a hearty breakfast that’s perfect for slow weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food.
What to Serve with Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is filling enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs well with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes, or hash browns for a complete breakfast spread.
If you’re serving brunch, add something sweet like cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, fresh muffins, or a fruit salad to balance the rich, savory gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
- Rich, creamy sausage gravy with incredible flavor.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Homemade biscuits bake up tender and buttery.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Easily adjust the thickness with a simple cornstarch slurry.
- Great for feeding a crowd or holiday mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sausage Gravy
- Breakfast Sausage – The heart of the gravy with plenty of savory flavor.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth that sets this gravy apart.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Brings richness and enhances the sausage.
- Cayenne Pepper – Just enough warmth without making it spicy.
- Paprika – Adds subtle smoky flavor and color.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances every ingredient.
- Black Pepper – A must for classic sausage gravy.
- Garlic Powder – Adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the gravy incredibly rich and creamy.
- Water – Helps create the perfect consistency.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the gravy without making it heavy.
- Water (for slurry) – Mixed with the cornstarch before adding it to the gravy.
For the Homemade Biscuits
You’ll need:
- All-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- Cold butter
- Kosher salt
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Buttermilk
- Honey butter (optional for brushing after baking)
👉 You can find the complete step-by-step instructions in my Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
How to Make Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Start by browning the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is cooked through, stir in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the sausage with the seasonings.
- Pour in the heavy cream and water, stirring until everything is well combined. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously. Let the gravy simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- While the gravy cooks, prepare a batch of my Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits. Once they’re baked, split the warm biscuits in half and generously spoon the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately while everything is hot.
- Brown the sausage well before adding the onion to build the best flavor.
- Dice the onion into small pieces so it melts into the gravy.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry until completely smooth before adding it to the skillet.
- Pour the slurry in slowly while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Let the gravy simmer for several minutes after adding the slurry so it fully thickens.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Homemade buttermilk biscuits hold up beautifully under the rich gravy, but refrigerated biscuits work in a pinch.
Variations
This homemade sausage gravy is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
- Use spicy breakfast sausage for a little extra heat.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier gravy.
- Stir in freshly cracked black pepper for a more traditional Southern flavor.
- Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a slightly lighter gravy.
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour in the biscuits and checking that your sausage is gluten-free.
- Add fresh chopped chives or parsley just before serving for a little color.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through. If the gravy thickens as it sits, stir in a splash of water, milk, or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Store leftover biscuits separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving.
- For the best texture, store the gravy and biscuits separately and assemble just before serving. This keeps the biscuits flaky instead of becoming soggy.

Homemade Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Equipment
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl (for slurry)
- Biscuit cutter (if making homemade biscuits)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water (for slurry)
Biscuits
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for baking dish)
- 8 tbsp butter (cold)
- 1 cup milk (oat if dairy free)
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or (gluten free 1:1 flour)
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp baking powder
Instructions
Sausage Gravy
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the sausage is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Pour in the heavy cream and ¼ cup water, stirring until well combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining ¼ cup water until completely smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is thick, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Biscuits
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Brush a cast iron skillet or 7×10 baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Set aside.
- Grate the cold butter and keep it cold until ready to mix the dough.
- Whisk together the milk and vinegar to create buttermilk. Keep cold.
- Add the flour, kosher salt, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder to a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Add the grated butter and buttermilk. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lightly flour your work surface.
- Add the dough to your work surface and roll it out until it is 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
- Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 8 biscuits.
- Place the biscuits into the prepared baking dish or skillet.
- Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve with sausage gravy.
Notes
- Browning the sausage well adds extra flavor to the finished gravy.
- Dice the onion small so it softens completely while cooking.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry until smooth before adding it to prevent lumps.
- Let the gravy simmer after adding the slurry so it reaches the perfect consistency.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or heavy cream until it loosens.
- Freshly baked homemade buttermilk biscuits give the best flavor and texture, but refrigerated biscuits work when you’re short on time.
- Freshly cracked black pepper is a delicious finishing touch.
Nutrition
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is a classic Southern breakfast made with creamy sausage gravy spooned over warm, flaky biscuits. It’s hearty, comforting, and one of the most popular homemade breakfast recipes.
Yes. The gravy can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or heavy cream if it becomes too thick.
You can. Let the gravy cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If your gravy is thinner than you’d like, continue simmering for a few more minutes. If needed, whisk together another small cornstarch slurry and slowly stir it into the gravy until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Yes, but the gravy won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Whole milk or half-and-half both work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Absolutely. Homemade buttermilk biscuits give the best flavor and texture, but refrigerated or frozen biscuits are a great shortcut for busy mornings.
Yes! Use hot breakfast sausage or add extra cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat.
A good-quality pork breakfast sausage provides the best flavor. Mild, sage, or spicy breakfast sausage all work well depending on your preference.
Yes. Use my gluten-free buttermilk biscuits made with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your breakfast sausage and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.




3 stars because you did not explain why it’s controversial
Why?
It’s a basic recipe
Sorry you feel this way. Its controversial due to the nature of my gravy. It’s not traditional white, has onions and isn’t the traditional southern gravy.
Wonderful gravy love the added flavors!
Thank you!
This was amazing. Best, it’s gluten free. My DIL couldn’t believe that she could ever eat B & G again 🥰
Thank you Sandrina for sharing this with us!
Did anyone try making this with all purpose flour? Please let me know how it turned out. Thank you
this can easily be made with all-purpose flour with no recipe modifications
Hi I. DEE. i did use regular flour, like i always do. Im not a gluten free fan, but I did make the sauce! Delish. Never had like that