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## The Key Ingredients
To make the **Biscuits & Gravy with Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole**, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Let’s break it down:
### **For the Casserole:**
– **Biscuits** (2 cans of refrigerated biscuits or homemade biscuits): The biscuits form the base of the casserole and provide the flaky, buttery texture that complements the rich gravy. You can use store-bought refrigerated biscuits for convenience or make your own from scratch if you prefer.
– **Breakfast Sausage** (1 lb): The sausage is the star of the gravy, giving it that rich, savory flavor. You can use spicy sausage, mild sausage, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference.
– **Eggs** (6 large): The eggs help bind everything together and add richness to the casserole. They give the dish a custard-like consistency once baked, making it more cohesive.
– **Milk** (1 ½ cups): The milk is used in the gravy and helps create the creamy texture that makes the casserole indulgent and comforting.
– **Cheddar Cheese** (1 cup, shredded): Cheese adds a creamy and melty texture to the casserole. Cheddar cheese works particularly well, but you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack if preferred.
– **Flour** (2 tbsp): Flour is used to thicken the sausage gravy and create a smooth, creamy texture.
– **Salt and Pepper** (to taste): Seasonings to bring out the natural flavors in the sausage, gravy, and eggs.
– **Garlic Powder** (1 tsp): Adds a savory depth to the flavor profile of the casserole.
– **Onion Powder** (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor to the dish.
### **For the Gravy:**
– **Ground Sausage** (1 lb): The key to making a delicious gravy. Ground sausage is browned in a skillet and then combined with milk to make the creamy gravy.
– **Flour** (¼ cup): Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
– **Milk** (2 cups): The milk is the base of the gravy, turning the sausage drippings into a rich and creamy sauce.
– **Black Pepper** (to taste): Freshly ground black pepper adds the right amount of seasoning to the gravy.
– **Salt** (to taste): Season the gravy to taste.
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## How to Make Biscuits & Gravy with Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
### **Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits**
Start by preparing the **biscuits** for the casserole. If you’re using store-bought biscuits, simply follow the instructions on the packaging to bake them. You can also opt to make homemade biscuits if you prefer. Once baked, allow the biscuits to cool slightly before cutting them into quarters.
### **Step 2: Cook the Sausage**
In a large skillet, cook the **breakfast sausage** over medium heat. Use a spatula to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pan, leaving a bit of the drippings behind for flavor.
### **Step 3: Make the Gravy**
In the same skillet, add **flour** to the sausage drippings and stir to form a roux. Cook the flour for about a minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in the **milk** while continuously stirring to create a smooth, creamy gravy. Allow the gravy to simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **garlic powder** to taste.
### **Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish**
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the cut-up biscuits evenly in the bottom of the dish. You want to cover the entire surface with the biscuit pieces to create a nice base for the casserole.
### **Step 5: Layer the Sausage and Gravy**
Once the gravy is ready, pour the cooked **sausage** over the biscuit pieces. Then, pour the creamy sausage gravy evenly over the top, making sure all the biscuit pieces are covered with the gravy.
### **Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs**, **milk**, **cheddar cheese**, and **salt and pepper**. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, covering the biscuits, sausage, and gravy.
### **Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is golden and bubbly. You can insert a knife into the center to check for doneness – it should come out clean.
### **Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this delicious breakfast casserole.
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## Tips and Variations
### **1. Make Ahead**
You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This is a great option for busy mornings or when hosting a brunch gathering.
### **2. Customize with Veggies**
For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding diced **bell peppers**, **onions**, or **spinach** to the casserole. These vegetables can be sautéed with the sausage or added directly to the casserole before baking.
### **3. Spicy Sausage Option**
If you like a little kick, use **spicy sausage** or add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** to the gravy to give the casserole an extra layer of heat.
### **4. Cheese Variations**
While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as **mozzarella**, **Monterey Jack**, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
### **5. Gluten-Free Option**
For a gluten-free version of this casserole, use gluten-free biscuits and gluten-free flour to make the gravy. You can find both in most grocery stores, and they work just as well as their regular counterparts.
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## Conclusion
The **Biscuits & Gravy with Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole** is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. It combines the best elements of the classic Southern breakfast—flaky biscuits, rich sausage gravy, savory sausage, and creamy eggs—into one convenient and satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.
With its customizable options, make-ahead convenience, and comforting flavors, this casserole is the ultimate solution for a filling, delicious, and indulgent morning meal. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
