There’s something truly magical about transforming classic Southern breakfast staples into a hearty, shareable dish that works for any meal of the day. This Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie takes all the components you love—flaky, buttery biscuits, savory pork sausage, and creamy pepper gravy—and combines them into a convenient casserole-style dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or a cozy family dinner, this pie combines simplicity with comfort food satisfaction. The layered approach creates the ideal ratio of crisp biscuit to creamy gravy in every bite, while the seasoned sausage adds heartiness and depth of flavor. Whether you’re a Southern cooking veteran or trying your hand at biscuits and gravy for the first time, this approachable recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing comfort classic that’s sure to become a regular request in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie combines all the comforting flavors of a classic Southern breakfast in one delicious, hearty dish. It’s the perfect blend of flaky biscuits, savory sausage, and creamy pepper gravy that will have your family asking for seconds. This casserole-style dish is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you need a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
Pure Comfort
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of warm biscuits soaked in rich, peppery gravy and studded with perfectly seasoned sausage. This dish takes those beloved comfort food elements and transforms them into a convenient pie format that’s both familiar and exciting. The layers of flavor meld together as they bake, creating a harmony of taste and texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
What You Need
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular or sage-flavored)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count each)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving a small amount of fat in the pan.
- Make the gravy by adding butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until golden and bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Simmer the gravy for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Return the sausage to the gravy and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the biscuit layers by separating half the biscuits and pressing them into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, ensuring they connect to form a solid base.
- Pour the sausage gravy evenly over the biscuit base. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the gravy layer now.
- Top with remaining biscuits, slightly flattening each one before arranging them over the gravy layer.
- Create an egg wash by beating the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top biscuits to ensure they bake to a beautiful golden brown.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Make It Perfect
For the absolute best Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie, be sure to season your gravy generously. The black pepper is crucial here—don’t be shy with it! When making the gravy, whisk constantly as you add the milk to ensure a smooth, lump-free result. And watch the biscuits carefully during baking; you want them golden brown, not overdone or undercooked.
Mix It Up
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try using spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor, or incorporate diced bell peppers and onions with the sausage for extra vegetables and color. For herb lovers, fresh chopped sage or rosemary in the gravy adds a wonderful aromatic element.
Perfect Partners
Serve this hearty pie with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Fresh fruit, particularly citrus or berries, makes an excellent accompaniment. For breakfast or brunch, pair with scrambled eggs and fresh orange juice. If serving for dinner, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Busy Day Hero
This dish is perfect for those hectic mornings or evenings when you need something substantial without a lot of fuss. Prepare the sausage gravy the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the pie with the refrigerated biscuits and bake. You’ll have a home-cooked meal on the table with minimal active cooking time.
Work Ahead
You can easily prepare components in advance to make assembly quick when you’re ready to bake. Cook the sausage and prepare the gravy up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the gravy, assemble with the biscuits, and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The flavors often develop further after a day, making leftovers especially delicious.
Everyone’s Happy
This comfort food classic is a true crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children. For picky eaters, you can customize portions—perhaps leaving the gravy lighter on pepper for those who prefer milder flavors. The familiar combination of biscuits and gravy in an easy-to-serve format makes this dish universally appealing.
Good For You Too
While this is certainly an indulgent dish, you can make several adjustments to increase its nutritional value. Use whole wheat biscuits or make your own with whole grain flour. Opt for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content, and incorporate finely diced vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers into the gravy for added nutrients.
Easy Clean Up
This one-dish wonder minimizes kitchen cleanup. Use the same skillet to brown the sausage and make the gravy to reduce the number of dirty pans. Line your baking dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup. And since this dish is complete on its own, you won’t need multiple pots and pans for side dishes.
Switch It Up
Turn this concept into mini individual pies using a muffin tin and cutting biscuits to fit. Or transform it into a breakfast casserole by adding scrambled eggs to the layers. For a special occasion, top with a layer of hash browns before adding the final biscuit layer for extra texture and flavor.
Simply Perfect
The beauty of this Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie lies in its simplicity. By combining classic flavors that naturally complement each other, you create something greater than the sum of its parts. Each bite delivers the perfect ratio of flaky biscuit, creamy gravy, and savory sausage—comfort food perfection on a plate.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned? Yes! Homemade biscuit dough works beautifully in this recipe. Prepare your favorite biscuit recipe and use it in place of the canned biscuits.
- How do I know when the gravy is thick enough? The gravy should coat the back of a spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line should remain clear. If it’s too thin, continue cooking; if too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based sausage substitute and vegetable broth in place of the milk for a delicious vegetarian version.
- What if my biscuits are browning too quickly? If you notice the biscuits browning before they’re cooked through, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, though it’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the pie, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- What type of milk works best for the gravy? Whole milk creates the richest gravy, but 2% will work well too. Avoid skim milk as it may result in a thinner gravy.
- Can I add vegetables to make it a complete meal? Definitely! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions to the sausage layer for a more complete one-dish meal.
Conclusion
This Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie takes classic comfort food elements and transforms them into a convenient, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any meal of the day. The combination of flaky biscuits, savory sausage, and creamy pepper gravy creates a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfy on a deep level. Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, weekend brunch, or cozy dinner, this hearty pie is sure to become a beloved recipe in your regular rotation. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it embodies all the qualities of a perfect family meal—delicious, filling, and brings everyone happily to the table.
Related Recipes to Try
If you loved this Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie, you might enjoy these other comforting and flavorful dishes. For another hearty breakfast option, try this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole, which combines creamy and savory flavors in a single dish. If you’re in the mood for a twist on Italian flavors, check out this Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi Recipe, a rich and satisfying pasta dish. For a crispy and indulgent side, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake brings together cheese, garlic, and perfectly cooked chicken. If you’re a fan of southern flavors, these Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls make an excellent appetizer or snack. And for a sweet ending, indulge in a slice of Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie, a rich and smooth dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.