Biscuits Gravy Cheese Bake

This biscuits and gravy hashbrown casserole combines all your favorite breakfast components into one delicious dish. It's the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, creamy gravy, and fluffy biscuits in every hearty bite.

I originally created this when hosting my in-laws for a weekend visit. The kitchen filled with such incredible aromas that everyone wandered in before I could even call them for breakfast!

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuits: The real timesaver here use any variety you prefer though I find buttermilk works best
• Breakfast sausage: Choose regular or spicy depending on your heat preference look for one with visible herbs for extra flavor
• Frozen shredded hashbrowns: No need to thaw they cook perfectly from frozen and save prep time
• Sausage gravy mix: Provides consistent flavor every time and thickens beautifully
• Milk: Whole milk creates the richest gravy but 2% works well too
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Get sharp cheddar for the most pronounced flavor freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-shredded
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all other flavors
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering use fresh if preferred but powder distributes more evenly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep The Oven:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. While waiting grease your 9x13 baking dish thoroughly including the sides to prevent sticking. A light coating of butter adds flavor while cooking spray works perfectly too.

Brown The Sausage:

Place your pound of breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks creating small crumbles rather than large chunks. Continue cooking for about 8 minutes until no pink remains and edges begin to crisp. Drain excess grease using a colander or paper towels this prevents a greasy casserole.

Layer The Base:

Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish creating a thin consistent layer. No need to press down too firmly as some air pockets help with texture. Distribute the browned sausage evenly over the hashbrowns ensuring it reaches all corners.

Prepare The Gravy:

In a medium bowl whisk together the gravy mix and milk until completely smooth with no lumps. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds the mixture will be thin at this stage but thickens during baking. Pour this gravy mixture slowly over the sausage and hashbrowns allowing it to seep down through the layers.

Add Cheese And Biscuits:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the entire casserole creating a complete coverage. Take each refrigerated biscuit and cut it into quarters I find kitchen scissors work for this. Arrange these biscuit pieces across the top of the casserole leaving small gaps between them to allow for expansion during baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the casserole on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for deeply golden brown biscuits that spring back when touched lightly. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbling around the edges. If biscuits brown too quickly cover loosely with foil.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial step helps the gravy set slightly making serving much easier. The internal temperature will remain hot while the texture improves significantly.

The breakfast sausage truly makes this dish special. My grandmother always taught me that quality sausage with visible herbs and spices creates the foundation for exceptional flavor. When my sister first tried this casserole she immediately asked for the recipe and now makes it for her Sunday family brunches.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole works beautifully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare everything up to the baking step cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats to take the chill off then bake as directed adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. The biscuits stay perfectly fresh and the flavors actually develop more fully with this method.

Customization Ideas

The basic recipe provides an excellent foundation but feel free to make it your own. Add diced bell peppers and onions to the hashbrown layer for extra vegetables. Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat or a smoked gouda for depth. Some of my guests prefer turkey sausage as a lighter option which works wonderfully in this recipe. You can even add a layer of scrambled eggs between the sausage and gravy for an even more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole stands perfectly on its own I like to offer simple sides to round out the meal. Fresh fruit provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors particularly berries or citrus segments. For special occasions add a light side salad with vinaigrette dressing or roasted tomatoes sprinkled with herbs. Coffee and orange juice are traditional pairings but a spicy Bloody Mary turns this into a festive brunch centerpiece.

This dish is a heartfelt favorite that blends comfort and flavor perfectly. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the biscuits bake evenly?

Cut biscuits into small, even pieces and arrange them with space to rise. Bake until golden and cooked through.

→ Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, but ensure fresh hashbrowns are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Shredded cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use a blend like Monterey Jack or Colby for added flavor.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

→ What other meats can I use instead of sausage?

You can substitute breakfast sausage with ground turkey, ground beef, or even crumbled bacon for a different flavor.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.