Ultimate Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole: An Easy Southern Comfort Food Breakfast
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a classic Southern breakfast, and this Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole takes that experience to a whole new level of ease and deliciousness. Imagine waking up to the savory aroma of tender, flaky biscuits nestled atop a rich, creamy, homemade sausage gravy, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any morning, be it a lazy weekend, a festive holiday, or even a delightful breakfast-for-dinner.
This recipe is a true testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple, beloved ingredients into a hearty casserole that satisfies even the biggest appetites. The genius of preparing this dish in a crock pot lies in its set-it-and-forget-it nature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you tend to other things. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending the best of Southern culinary traditions with modern convenience, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic flavor and a wonderfully satisfying texture.
The Magic of a Slow Cooker: Effortless Southern Breakfast Perfection
For those who cherish hearty Southern breakfasts but dread the early morning hustle, this Crock Pot Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Casserole is about to become your new favorite. What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredibly short active prep time—just 15 minutes! This means you can quickly assemble the components the night before or just before bed, allowing your slow cooker to handle the rest. The result? Fluffy, golden biscuits that cook right on top of a velvety, rich homemade sausage gravy, creating a layered casserole that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
The beauty of using a slow cooker for this dish extends beyond just convenience. It ensures an even, gentle cooking process that guarantees perfectly cooked biscuits without drying them out, while the gravy simmers to a thick, flavorful consistency. This hands-off approach makes it ideal for weekend brunch gatherings, stress-free holiday mornings, or even as an easy, comforting breakfast-for-dinner option that your entire family will absolutely adore. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions: Get the Most Out of Your Casserole
Absolutely! To streamline your morning routine, I highly recommend preparing the sausage gravy the night before. Cook the sausage, make the roux, whisk in the milk, and season it perfectly. Once cooled, store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply layer the pre-cut biscuits and the chilled gravy into your slow cooker. Since the gravy will thicken significantly in the fridge, you might want to briefly warm it in the microwave (or on the stovetop) for a minute or two to make it easier to spread evenly over the biscuits before cooking. This simple prep-ahead step can save you valuable time on busy mornings, making this dish even more convenient.
The homemade sausage gravy is truly the heart of this casserole, offering unparalleled flavor. However, if you’re looking for an even quicker shortcut without compromising too much on taste, you can certainly adapt it. Instead of making gravy from scratch, consider using 2-3 cans of quality store-bought country sausage gravy, such as Libby’s Country Sausage Gravy. For those who enjoy a little heat, feel free to use spicy breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the homemade gravy. You could also experiment with different seasonings like a touch of onion powder or a hint of sage for a unique flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!
While it excels as a hearty breakfast, this casserole isn’t limited to morning meals. It makes an incredibly satisfying “breakfast for dinner” option, especially on cooler evenings when you crave comforting, savory food. It’s also an excellent centerpiece for a decadent weekend brunch, impressing guests with minimal fuss. Given its rich and substantial nature, this casserole is truly a meal in itself. To balance its savory richness, I love serving it alongside fresh, vibrant elements like a bowl of mixed seasonal fruit or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, as depicted in the photos. The bright acidity and sweetness of the fruit provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory goodness of the casserole.
Ensuring your casserole is perfectly cooked is key to its success. You’ll know it’s done when the biscuits are beautifully puffed up, cooked all the way through, and boast a lovely golden-brown top. The texture should be soft and tender, not doughy. If you’re unsure, carefully remove one of the biscuit pieces from the center and cut it open to confirm it’s cooked through to the middle. The gravy underneath should be bubbly and thick. For the best experience, serve this casserole fresh and warm, straight from the slow cooker, to enjoy its optimal texture and flavor.
Soggy biscuits are a common issue in slow cooker casseroles, typically caused by the accumulation of moisture and steam inside the pot during the long cooking process. But don’t despair, there’s a simple trick! To combat this, lay a layer of clean paper towels directly under the slow cooker lid before covering it. The paper towels will absorb any excess steam and moisture that builds up, preventing it from dripping back onto your biscuits and making them soggy. This small adjustment ensures your biscuits come out wonderfully fluffy and with that desirable golden crust.
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers! Allow any remaining casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, leftovers can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions, or for a crispier biscuit, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help rehydrate the gravy if it appears too thick.
Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Biscuit Casserole
Crafting this incredible Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for variations:
- Breakfast Sausage: The foundation of our savory gravy. A good quality pork breakfast sausage, whether mild or hot, is key. If you’re a fan of a little extra kick, opt for spicy sausage. For lighter alternatives, turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage can be wonderful substitutes, though they might alter the fat content of your gravy slightly, requiring a bit more butter or oil. Always brown your sausage first; this step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors before it simmers in the gravy.
- Salted Butter: Essential for creating the roux that thickens our gravy. Salted butter adds a touch of seasoning, but unsalted butter works just as well – simply adjust the added salt to taste. In a pinch, margarine can be used, or for an even richer, more authentic Southern flavor, you can replace a portion of the butter with the rendered drippings from your cooked sausage.
- All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent for our creamy gravy. It combines with the butter to form a roux, which is fundamental to achieving that perfect smooth consistency.
- Milk: For the ultimate creamy, luscious gravy, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes to a richer texture and mouthfeel. However, if whole milk isn’t available, 2% milk or half-and-half are suitable alternatives. Be aware that using lower-fat milk might result in a slightly less creamy gravy, but it will still be delicious.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic depth and savory note to the gravy without being overpowering.
- Paprika: Contributes a subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the gravy, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: The convenience of canned refrigerated biscuits, like Pillsbury Grands, makes this recipe incredibly easy. They puff up beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and fluffy. However, you have options! If you prefer, a homemade biscuit dough can be used for an extra-special touch. For a different texture, crescent roll dough also works, as do frozen biscuits (though they may require slight adjustments to cooking time). The key is to cut the biscuit dough into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking throughout the casserole. A 16-ounce can of Pillsbury Grands typically contains 8 large biscuits.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: An optional but highly recommended garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the rich dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole
Creating this irresistible casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect, comforting dish every time:
1. Prepare the Rich Sausage Gravy Base
Begin by browning your breakfast sausage. In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook and crumble the 1 pound of breakfast sausage until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. This step is crucial for developing maximum flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet and set the crumbled sausage aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining fat.
Next, it’s time to make the roux for your gravy. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. Once melted, stir in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This brief cooking time is important to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth, nutty-flavored roux. Then, add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika, whisking them into the roux.
2. Whisk in Milk and Season to Perfection
Slowly begin to whisk in the 3 cups of milk, adding just a little at a time. This gradual addition is key to preventing lumps and ensuring a perfectly smooth gravy. Once all the milk is incorporated, turn the heat up slightly to medium-high and continue to whisk continuously until the gravy is smooth and has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. Taste the gravy at this stage and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your personal liking. Remember, the sausage is already seasoned, so taste before over-salting.
Finally, return the previously cooked and crumbled sausage to the skillet with the gravy. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the creamy gravy. Turn off the heat and set the gravy aside while you prepare the slow cooker and biscuits.
3. Assemble Your Slow Cooker Casserole
To prevent sticking and ensure easy serving, lightly spray the bottom and sides of your 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Take your 16-ounce can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into 6 evenly sized pieces. These smaller pieces will cook more uniformly and integrate better into the casserole. Place approximately half of these biscuit pieces in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker, forming the base of your casserole.
Next, carefully pour the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the layer of biscuits in the slow cooker. Make sure to spread it out so that every biscuit piece gets a generous coating of gravy. Finally, top the gravy layer evenly with the remaining half of the biscuit pieces. These top biscuits will cook to a beautiful golden brown and provide that classic biscuit texture.
4. Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 2–3 hours, or on the LOW setting for 4–5 hours. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking window. The casserole is done when the biscuits are puffed, cooked through, and have achieved a beautiful golden-brown color on top. If you’re concerned about doneness, you can insert a toothpick into a biscuit piece; it should come out clean.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To prevent your biscuits from becoming soggy due to condensed steam, place a layer of paper towels directly under the slow cooker lid before covering. These paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, helping your biscuits stay light and fluffy with a crispier top.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the lid (and paper towels). If you like, garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbacious aroma. Serve the Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole immediately, spooning generous portions onto plates. It’s best enjoyed fresh and hot, making for a truly memorable breakfast or brunch experience.
Explore More Southern Comfort Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many more delicious Southern-inspired recipes waiting for you. Dive into these other favorites to continue your culinary journey:
- Classic Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
- Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Casserole
- Authentic Homemade Sausage Gravy
- Hearty Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
- Creamy Crock Pot Southern Grits
- Flavorful Biscuits and Gravy Bombs
- Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Savory Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Bake
- Classic Country Ham with Red Eye Gravy
- Quick Microwave Scrambled Eggs Cup
- Copycat Egg McMuffin (McDonald’s Recipe)
- Sausage Gravy Butter Swim Biscuits
Crock Pot Sausage Gravy Biscuit Casserole
A slow cooker version of classic biscuits and sausage gravy, perfect for a comforting and easy meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups milk (whole milk works best for creamy gravy)
- 16 ounce can refrigerated biscuits (e.g., Grands biscuits)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook and crumble 1 pound breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside on a plate or paper towels.
Add 3 Tablespoons salted butter to the skillet, over medium heat. Once melted, stir in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Add in 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika and whisk to combine with the roux.
The roux base for your delicious gravy. Slowly whisk in 3 cups milk, a little at a time, until smooth and all lumps are out. Turn the heat up slightly and continue to whisk until the gravy thickens. Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper to your liking.
Achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy gravy. Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and stir to combine. Turn off heat.
Sausage blended into the rich gravy. Spray the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut each of the biscuits into 6 pieces. Place half of the biscuit pieces on the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
First layer of biscuit pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the sausage gravy evenly on top of the biscuits in the slow cooker.
Top evenly with the rest of the biscuit pieces.
The casserole fully assembled and ready for cooking. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours, until biscuits are cooked through and golden on top. NOTE: To avoid soggy biscuits, place a layer of paper towels under the lid while cooking to absorb excess steam.
The casserole cooking slowly to perfection. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately!
The final dish, ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and ingredient list sections above for detailed substitutions and common questions.
- A standard 16-ounce can of Pillsbury Grands biscuits typically contains 8 large biscuits.
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
Calories: 961 kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 61g | Sodium: 2522mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands and precise measurements were used.
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