Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits: A Southern Comfort Classic

There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of warm, flaky biscuits topped with rich, smooth chocolate gravy. Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits is a Southern delicacy that has stood the test of time, bringing smiles to faces at breakfast tables for generations. Whether you’re a Southerner who grew up with this indulgent treat or someone new to the magic of chocolate gravy, this recipe is sure to become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire.

In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits such a special dish, walk you through how to make it, and share some tips to elevate your Southern breakfast experience.

What Is Chocolate Gravy?

Chocolate gravy is exactly what it sounds like: a smooth, velvety gravy made with cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and milk. It’s thickened to a pudding-like consistency, making it the perfect topping for biscuits, pancakes, or even waffles. The key to good chocolate gravy is balancing the sweetness with just the right amount of cocoa flavor, creating a comforting, slightly decadent sauce that soaks into biscuits and melts in your mouth.

This dish has its roots in the Southern United States, where it’s been served for generations as a breakfast or dessert. Though it’s a bit of a regional specialty, its popularity has spread beyond the South, and now people across the country are enjoying it as a unique twist on traditional gravy.

Ingredients for Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
3/4 cup milk (whole milk works best)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)

For the Chocolate Gravy:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
1 1/2 cups whole milk (or more if you prefer a thinner gravy)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

Step 1: Make the Biscuits

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help your biscuits bake up tall and flaky.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining, as this helps create the flakiness in the biscuits.
Add the milk: Pour in the milk and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together, then pat it out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out the biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly.
Bake the biscuits: Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, close together for soft sides or spaced apart for crispier edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the biscuits cool: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Gravy

Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and flour until smooth and free of lumps.
Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
Cook the gravy: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly as it thickens. Continue cooking for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy reaches a pudding-like consistency.
Finish the gravy: Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The butter will melt into the gravy, giving it a silky, smooth texture.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Assemble the dish: To serve, split a warm biscuit in half and generously spoon the chocolate gravy over the top. If you prefer, you can also serve the gravy on the side for dipping.
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