If there’s one breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a slow morning, it’s biscuits and gravy. This dish is cozy, filling, and loaded with flavor in every single bite. The biscuits are fluffy and tender with just the right amount of cheddar and spice, and the gravy is creamy, savory, and packed with layers of richness from sausage, bacon, mushrooms, herbs, and a little extra love. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary morning into a moment. The kind where someone at the table pauses mid-bite and just says, “Oh my god… this is insane.” Trust me, you’re going to love this.
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It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it tastes like something you’d get at a little brunch spot that always has a line out the door. So grab a big mug of coffee, tie your hair up, and let’s make a breakfast that deserves applause.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy brunch, feeding hungry weekend guests, or treating yourself on a weekday morning, this dish shows up and delivers. Here’s why it hits every time:
Versatile, meaning it works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it always feels right. Imagine a slow Sunday morning where the kitchen smells like butter and sausage, and everyone wanders in asking what smells so good.
Budget-Friendly, because everything here is made from simple ingredients that are usually already in the kitchen. Nothing fancy, nothing pricey, just good old comfort.
Quick and Easy enough that even if you’re not the most confident cook, you’ll be completely fine. Every step is straightforward.
Customizable to whatever vibe you’re going for. Want spicier biscuits? Add more cayenne. Prefer sage-forward gravy? Go for it. This recipe is your playground.
Crowd-Pleasing, which is maybe the most important part. Kids love it. Adults love it. The biscuits disappear fast. And someone will definitely ask for seconds.
Recipe Origin
This recipe is inspired by classic Southern biscuits and gravy, but with a little extra personality. We’re taking the traditional combo and upgrading it, without overcomplicating it. Think of it as comfort food that got dressed up just enough to feel a little special.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Cast iron or heavy skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ingredients in Cheddar Cayenne Biscuits
These biscuits are tender, buttery, slightly spicy, and loaded with flavor. They bake up tall and golden with just the right amount of flaky softness.
Flour
Sugar
Baking Powder
Sea Salt
Garlic Powder
Smoked Paprika
Cayenne Pepper
Butter
Buttermilk
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Fresh Chives
Ingredients in Sausage Gravy
This gravy is hearty, rich, and layered with savory goodness. The mushrooms add earthiness, the bacon brings a smoky depth, and the sausage ties it all together.
Thick-Cut Bacon
Ground Pork Breakfast Sausage
Butter
Shallot
Baby Bella Mushrooms
Garlic
Salt and Black Pepper
Dried Sage
Smoked Paprika
Tomato Paste
Flour
Chicken Stock
Milk
Fresh Chives, for garnish
Instructions
Make the Biscuits
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature to ensure the biscuits bake evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
Add Butter: Pour in the melted, cooled butter and stir just until the mixture begins to form small lumps.
Add Buttermilk and Cheese: Pour in the buttermilk and fold in the cheddar and chives. Mix until everything is combined but do not overwork the dough.
Shape and Bake: Scoop or cut the dough into biscuits and place on a baking sheet. Bake until they are golden and puffed, smelling like absolute heaven.
Make the Gravy
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until browned and crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
Brown the Sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and cook until fully browned.
Add Veggies: Stir in butter, shallots, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until the mushrooms soften and everything smells rich and savory.
Season: Add salt, pepper, sage, and smoked paprika.
Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste, then sprinkle in the flour. This helps thicken the gravy.
Add Liquid: Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and milk until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency.
Finish: Stir in the crispy bacon and taste to adjust seasoning.
Combine and Serve
Split a warm biscuit, smother it with gravy, top with fresh chives, and enjoy with joyful enthusiasm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: (fill in based on your recipe card)
Calories per serving:
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
How to Serve Bitchin’ Biscuits and Gravy
This dish is already a star, but pairing it thoughtfully makes it even better.
Fresh Salads: A crisp simple salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens up the richness beautifully.
Crusty Bread: If you want something extra to soak up gravy, freshly warmed bread is always welcome.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, asparagus, or crispy potatoes.
As a Standalone Meal: Honestly, it’s perfect on its own. Garnish with extra chives or parsley to add freshness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to get ahead of things, the biscuits can be shaped and refrigerated the night before. Just bake in the morning.
The gravy reheats beautifully, just warm it slowly and add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations to Try
Add hot honey over the biscuits for sweet heat.
Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer something lighter.
Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for extra spice.
Additional Chef’s Tips
Do not overmix biscuit dough or they will lose their tenderness.
Cook the gravy slowly so the flavor develops.
Taste as you go, seasoning is what brings everything together.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use store-bought biscuits?
Yes, but homemade will taste noticeably better.
Q2: Can I make this gravy without mushrooms?
Absolutely, just skip them and continue with the recipe.
Q3: What if I don’t have shallots?
Use a small yellow onion instead.
Q4: Can I freeze the biscuits?
Yes, freeze after shaping and bake straight from frozen.
Q5: Can I use dairy-free milk in the gravy?
Yes, choose an unsweetened variety.
Q6: Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm biscuits in the oven and reheat gravy on the stove with a splash of milk.
Q8: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use a larger skillet for the gravy.
Q9: Why add tomato paste?
It deepens the flavor and adds a subtle savory richness.
Q10: Can I make the biscuits spicier?
Increase cayenne or add diced pickled jalapeños for a kick.
Conclusion
This dish is comfort food in its purest form. It’s warm, hearty, full of flavor, and made to bring people together around the table. When you serve these biscuits with this rich and savory gravy, you’re not just making breakfast. You’re making a moment. A memory. Something worth slowing down for. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. This one is a keeper.
Bitchin’ Biscuits and Gravy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop + Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Fluffy, cheddar-packed cayenne biscuits smothered in a rich, savory sausage and mushroom gravy with smoky spices and fresh chives. A bold, comforting Southern-style breakfast with serious flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Pour in the melted butter and buttermilk and mix just until combined. Fold in cheddar and chives.
- Scoop or form dough into biscuits and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the diced bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add the sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Transfer to a plate with the bacon.
- Add butter to the skillet, then add shallot and mushrooms. Cook until soft. Stir in garlic, sage, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in tomato paste, then sprinkle flour over the mixture. Cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken stock and milk. Simmer until thickened.
- Return bacon and sausage to the gravy, season with salt and pepper, and stir in chives.
- Split warm biscuits and ladle the gravy over top to serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough to keep them fluffy.
- You can substitute the mushrooms with bell peppers if preferred.
- For extra heat, increase cayenne or add hot sauce to the gravy.
- Leftovers store well: refrigerate gravy separately and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg