Description: A comforting and hearty casserole combining the best of breakfast flavors: fluffy biscuits, savory sausage gravy, and crispy hashbrowns, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This is the perfect dish for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s easy to assemble, satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also customizable – add your favorite veggies, change up the cheese, or use different spices to make it your own. The layers meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This is not just a casserole; it’s a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands!)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), removed from casings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended for the richest gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups frozen hashbrowns (thawed), preferably shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Make the Gravy: In a large skillet (cast iron is ideal but any large skillet will do) over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Reducing grease ensures the gravy isn’t overly greasy and the flavors stay clean and balanced.
Step 3: Making the Gravy continued: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to coat the sausage thoroughly with the flour. This step is crucial as it helps the flour absorb the fat and creates a roux, which is the base for a smooth, creamy gravy. Be careful not to burn the flour.
Step 4: Simmering the Gravy: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture starts to thicken. Continue to stir consistently to prevent lumps from forming. The milk should be added gradually to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Continue simmering for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Seasoning the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. Taste the gravy and add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. The garlic and onion powders add a subtle savory depth, while the paprika adds a hint of warmth and color. Remove the skillet from the heat once the gravy is seasoned perfectly.
Step 6: Assembling the Casserole: Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 7: Layering the Gravy: Pour half of the prepared sausage gravy evenly over the layer of hashbrowns. Distribute it evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect gravy-to-hashbrown ratio.
Step 8: Adding Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the gravy layer. The cheddar cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy layer.
Step 9: Biscuits on top: Take the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly over the top of the cheese layer. This creates a fluffy, biscuit topping that complements the savory filling.
Step 10: More Gravy: Pour the remaining sausage gravy over the biscuit pieces, making sure to cover them as much as possible. This will help the biscuits cook through and become golden brown.
Step 11: Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the gravy-covered biscuits. This final layer of cheese will melt and create a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 12: Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check the casserole after about 20 minutes. If the biscuits are browning too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil to prevent them from burning.
Step 13: Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with dried parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the epitome of comfort food, combining familiar flavors in a convenient and satisfying casserole.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different types of sausage, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Hearty and Filling: It’s a substantial meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Perfect for Brunch or Dinner: Equally delicious for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Uses simple ingredients: Nothing fancy, everything you can find in the supermarket!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a green salad for a lighter complement.
- Offer hot sauce or your favorite condiments for those who like a little extra kick.
- Consider serving with scrambled eggs or a fried egg for an extra protein boost.
Tips:
- For a crispier hashbrown layer, lightly brown the hashbrowns in a skillet before adding them to the casserole.
- If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- To prevent the biscuits from getting too brown, tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For a spicier casserole, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- If you don’t have refrigerated biscuits on hand, you can use homemade biscuits or even cornbread mix for the topping.
- For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage crumbles and vegetable broth instead of milk in the gravy.
- Make sure to thaw the hashbrowns completely before adding them to the casserole to prevent a watery consistency.
- If you like a cheesier casserole, add cheese to every layer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its layers of crispy hashbrowns, creamy sausage gravy, melted cheddar cheese, and fluffy biscuits create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a potluck, it’s a guaranteed hit that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort!
Q&A about the Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s very cold.
Q2: Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with something else?
A: Yes, you can! Ground turkey sausage, chorizo, or even bacon would be delicious substitutes. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
Q3: I don’t have refrigerated biscuits. What else can I use for the topping?
A: If you don’t have refrigerated biscuits, you can use homemade biscuit dough, cornbread mix, or even toasted bread cubes for the topping. Another option is to use store-bought crescent roll dough, cut into strips.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables can boost the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Some great options include diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. The biscuits may lose some of their fluffiness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage.
