Hey there, my dear friends! It’s Holly, and today I want to share with you a delightful recipe that will warm you up from the inside out. You know, nothing beats the comfort of Midwestern food, especially on those chilly mornings. And what could be cozier than the classic biscuits and gravy? Well, get ready for a Holly-style twist! Introducing the irresistible Biscuit and Gravy Casserole—a dish that combines the goodness of traditional biscuits and gravy with the convenience of a casserole.
This recipe is perfect for those busy mornings or when you’re hosting a brunch and want to impress without spending all your time in the kitchen. It’s my way of paying tribute to the Southern origins of biscuits and gravy while keeping things easy and fuss-free. Trust me, this dish will become a Sunday morning staple (and honestly, it’s perfect for any day of the week!).
Simple and Fresh Sides to Complement the Casserole
When it comes to side dishes, I like to keep things simple and fresh to balance out the richness of the casserole. A light arugula salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some sliced fresh fruit can add a refreshing touch. And if you’re feeling a little extra, serve it with a side of scrambled eggs or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top—because why not?
Biscuit & Gravy Casserole
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat until it is thoroughly cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Once cooked, spread the sausage evenly in the baking dish.
- In the same skillet, keep about 2 tablespoons of sausage grease. Sprinkle the flour over the grease and whisk it together to make a roux. Cook this for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until it thickens into a nice gravy.
- Season the gravy with black pepper and salt, give it a final stir, and then pour that creamy goodness over the sausage in the baking dish.
- Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits, then cut each biscuit into quarters. Scatter the biscuit pieces on top of the gravy in the dish.
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top 5 minutes before the casserole is done.
- Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Variations & Tips:
- If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using turkey sausage and a milk substitute like almond milk for the gravy.
- For a cheesy twist, mix your favorite shredded cheese into the gravy before pouring it over the sausage.
- And hey, for those spice lovers out there, a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños in the gravy can really kick it up a notch!
- Don’t worry about leftovers—they reheat wonderfully in the oven, so feel free to make a bigger batch for easy weekday breakfasts.
And there you have it—a casserole that wraps you up in a warm, savory embrace better than any breakfast blanket could. It’s the culinary equivalent of a Midwest morning hug! So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the comforting flavors of this Biscuit and Gravy Casserole. Enjoy, and stay cozy, my friends!
Bonus Recipe: Cherry Blossom Cookies
If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a crowd-pleasing treat, why not try baking these delicious Cherry Blossom Cookies? With their delightful combination of Hershey kisses, cherries, and sugar, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why People Love This Cherry Blossom Recipe
There are many reasons why people rave about these cookies:
After baking these delightful cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Follow these steps:
- Choose an airtight and moisture-proof container, such as plastic or Tupperware.
- Line the bottom of the container with a double layer of wax paper or parchment paper for added protection.
- Carefully arrange the cookies in the container, leaving at least an inch of space between each cookie.
- Seal the container securely to keep out any outside air or moisture.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place.
By following these storage tips, your Cherry Blossom Cookies can stay fresh for up to two weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Blossom Cookies
What if my dough is sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, simply add more flour gradually until it reaches a consistency that can be easily worked with. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry, you can add a small amount of moisture until you achieve the desired texture.
What kind of extract should I use?
You can use almond, vanilla, or cherry extract in this recipe. While all three options work well, many people prefer the classic flavor of vanilla extract.
What are some tips to make these cookies even better?
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent it from spreading too thin.
- For a more vibrant pink color, consider using pink food coloring or pink sugar to roll the cookies.
- The recipe calls for a generous amount of cherry juice, which ensures that the cookies are moist and flavorful.
- These cookies have a vintage, shortbread-like taste that many people love.
Get Ready to Wow Your Loved Ones with Cherry Blossom Cookies
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, these Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to please. Try out this recipe and prepare to be amazed by the delicious combination of cherries, kisses, and sugar.
- Easy to make: If you enjoy baking but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, these cookies are perfect for you. They’re simple to prepare and don’t require a lot of time or effort.
- Pretty to look at: Sometimes, you want to bake something that not only tastes great but also looks stunning. These Cherry Blossom Cookies fit the bill with their vibrant colors and attractive appearance.
- Great for freezing: Need a cookie that you can make ahead of time and freeze for later? Look no further! These Cherry Blossom Cookies can be frozen without losing their deliciousness.
Ingredients Needed for a Cherry Blossom Cookie
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- Unsalted butter
- Confectioners sugar
- Salt
- Maraschino cherry juice liquid
- Almond, vanilla, or cherry extracts
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped maraschino cherries
- Granulated white sugar
- Hershey Kisses
