Southern Sausage Biscuits
Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of Southern Sausage Biscuits baking in the oven. It’s that irresistible blend of buttery biscuit dough, sizzling breakfast sausage, and melting sharp cheddar cheese that immediately makes you feel at home. Whether you grew up in the South or just appreciate a hearty homemade breakfast, Southern Sausage Biscuits capture the essence of warmth, hospitality, and flavor all in one golden-brown bite.
This recipe celebrates two beloved classics — the bite-sized, cheesy sausage biscuits often served at church gatherings or tailgate parties, and the more traditional buttermilk biscuits smothered in creamy sawmill sausage gravy. Together, they form the ultimate Southern breakfast experience: comforting, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
When you bake Southern Sausage Biscuits, your kitchen fills with that nostalgic scent of Sunday mornings and family breakfasts. They’re perfect for make-ahead mornings, lazy weekends, or big family brunches where everyone gathers around for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to great Southern Sausage Biscuits lies in the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and technique. Each element of the recipe contributes to its success:
Balanced Fat and Flavor:
The sausage provides richness and seasoning, while the baking mix (or homemade version) ensures the biscuits stay tender without becoming greasy. The fat in the sausage helps the biscuits stay moist even after cooling.
Cheddar Cheese Magic:
The addition of finely shredded sharp cheddar creates a rich, savory depth that melts beautifully into the dough. It enhances the saltiness and gives every bite a gooey, irresistible edge.
Hands-On Mixing:
Mixing the dough by hand ensures the sausage and cheese are evenly distributed without overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the biscuits dense instead of light and fluffy.
High-Heat Baking:
Baking at 375°F allows the exterior to crisp while the interior cooks through and remains tender. For classic buttermilk biscuits, the higher 450°F oven temperature creates that perfect rise and golden crust.
Simple Yet Versatile:
Southern Sausage Biscuits can be made mild or spicy, depending on your sausage choice. They can be served as party bites, breakfast sandwiches, or paired with creamy sausage gravy for a heartier meal.
These biscuits are the kind of recipe that always turns out right — rustic, flavorful, and wonderfully Southern.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Let’s break down the ingredients for both styles of Southern Sausage Biscuits: the easy Bisquick-style sausage biscuits and the classic buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy.
For the Sausage Biscuits:
1 lb bulk breakfast sausage: Choose mild for a traditional flavor or hot for a kick.
2 cups Bisquick or similar baking mix: This creates a simple, reliable base.
2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded: Adds rich flavor and texture.
Optional Add-ins: ¼ cup grated onion for sweetness, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
No Bisquick? You can make your own baking mix using:
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into the flour until crumbly).
For the Classic Buttermilk Biscuits:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup cold buttermilk, plus more for brushing
For the Sawmill Sausage Gravy:
1 lb bulk breakfast sausage (mild or sage)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
½ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt, to taste
These pantry-friendly ingredients are affordable, widely available, and make it easy to whip up Southern Sausage Biscuits anytime.
How to Make Southern Sausage Biscuits
Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the sausage biscuits or 450°F (230°C) for the buttermilk biscuits. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage, baking mix, and shredded cheese. If using the optional seasonings, sprinkle them in now. Using your hands, mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Don’t overmix — just combine until the dough holds together.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
Roll the mixture into small 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
For classic buttermilk biscuits, you’ll mix the dry ingredients first, cut in the butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, and then stir in the cold buttermilk to form a soft dough. Gently pat it out and cut with a biscuit cutter — remember, don’t twist!
Step 4: Bake
For the sausage biscuits, bake for 20–25 minutes until the tops are golden and the sausage is cooked through.
For the buttermilk biscuits, bake for 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Brush with extra buttermilk if desired for a glossy top.
Step 5: Make the Sausage Gravy
While the biscuits bake, prepare the sawmill gravy. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw taste. Slowly pour in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened. Season with black pepper and garlic powder. Taste before adding salt — sausage can already be salty.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once baked, let the Southern Sausage Biscuits rest for a few minutes before serving. For the full Southern breakfast experience, split the buttermilk biscuits and ladle the creamy gravy over the top.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Every Southern cook knows a few tricks to make their biscuits shine. Here are the best tips to make your Southern Sausage Biscuits perfect every time:
Keep Ingredients Cold: Especially for buttermilk biscuits. Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for flaky layers.
Use Sharp Cheese: The stronger the cheddar, the more flavor your sausage biscuits will have.
Don’t Overmix: The more you work the dough, the tougher the biscuits become. Gentle mixing is key.
Add Heat or Sweetness: Spice things up with hot sausage or add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet-savory balance.
Make Ahead: Form and freeze the unbaked sausage biscuits. Bake straight from frozen for 25–28 minutes.
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe — they disappear fast! These freeze beautifully and reheat perfectly in an oven or air fryer.
Use Cast Iron: For the best texture and flavor, bake or serve your Southern Sausage Biscuits in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
Fresh Herbs: Add chives, parsley, or green onions for color and freshness.
Customize the Gravy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of cream for extra richness.
Serving Style: Keep a basket of warm biscuits wrapped in a towel on the breakfast table — a true Southern touch.
How to Serve Southern Sausage Biscuits
There’s no wrong way to serve Southern Sausage Biscuits, but here are some delicious ideas:
As Breakfast Bites: Serve them plain or with a pat of butter. Perfect for quick breakfasts or brunch buffets.
With Sawmill Gravy: Split the biscuits and pour over that creamy, peppery gravy for a meal that’s pure Southern comfort.
As Party Snacks: Mini Southern Sausage Biscuits make fantastic finger foods for potlucks, game days, or picnics.
For Sandwiches: Slice them open and fill with scrambled eggs or a fried egg for a handheld breakfast sandwich.
Sweet Meets Savory: Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet twist that complements the sausage beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, here are some perfect sides to serve with Southern Sausage Biscuits:
Creamy Grits: A true Southern pairing.
Scrambled Eggs: Soft, buttery eggs make a hearty combination.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright, refreshing contrast to the richness of sausage and cheese.
Fried Apples: Sweet, cinnamon-coated apples bring nostalgia and warmth.
Southern Sweet Tea or Fresh Coffee: Because no breakfast is complete without it.
Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
For the classic buttermilk biscuits with gravy:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Both versions can be made in under an hour — ideal for both busy mornings and relaxed weekend brunches.
The Charm of Southern Sausage Biscuits
There’s something deeply satisfying about baking your own Southern Sausage Biscuits. They represent more than just food — they’re a connection to tradition, hospitality, and the heart of Southern cooking. These biscuits don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. They’re humble, hearty, and absolutely delicious, whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day.
When you bake Southern Sausage Biscuits, you’re making more than breakfast — you’re creating memories. The golden crust, the savory sausage, the cheesy aroma — it all feels like a warm hug on a plate.
From church potlucks to cozy mornings at home, from tailgate parties to Christmas brunch, Southern Sausage Biscuits are always welcome. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll understand why they’ve remained a staple for generations of Southern cooks.
In summary:
Southern Sausage Biscuits are simple to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly versatile.
They combine savory sausage, sharp cheese, and fluffy biscuit dough for a mouthwatering bite.
Whether served as bite-sized snacks or drenched in creamy gravy, they’re pure comfort food.
So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and make a batch of Southern Sausage Biscuits today — because every kitchen deserves the smell (and taste) of the South.
