McCormick Biscuits and Gravy Recipe: Fluffy Layers with Savory Sausage Gravy

Visual representation of mccormick biscuits and gravy recipe

There’s nothing quite like warm, flaky biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast. This recipe combines simple ingredients with precise technique to create a dish that’s comforting yet impressive.

You’ll achieve fluffy biscuits and savory gravy with minimal effort. The key is handling the dough gently and building flavor in the gravy with browned sausage and seasoning.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Meat
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
High Cal

Ingredients for Mccormick Biscuits and Gravy

Pantry staples plus a few fresh items create this comforting breakfast classic.

Ingredient Amount Notes
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 2 cups Plus extra for dusting surface
Baking Powder 🧂 1 tbsp Double-acting for best rise
Granulated Sugar 🍚 1 tsp Balances savory flavors
Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Fine grain preferred
Cold Unsalted Butter 🧈 ½ cup Cubed, keep chilled until use
Whole Milk 🥛 ¾ cup Cold for flakiest layers
Breakfast Sausage 🥓 1 lb Mild or spicy, casings removed
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 ¼ cup For gravy roux
Whole Milk 🥛 2 cups For creamy gravy base
McCormick Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Freshly ground for best flavor
McCormick Garlic Powder 🧄 ½ tsp Enhances sausage flavor
McCormick Onion Powder 🧅 ½ tsp Adds depth to gravy
McCormick Paprika 🌶️ ¼ tsp Smoked or sweet variety
Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Adjust to taste in gravy

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The butter and milk must be cold for flaky biscuits—use European-style butter if available for superior texture. King Arthur Flour is ideal for consistent results. For the sausage, Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans offer reliable flavor. The McCormick spices are specifically chosen for balanced seasoning in both biscuits and gravy.

No whole milk? Buttermilk at the same amount adds tang (reduce baking powder by 1/4 tsp). Substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. For gluten-free biscuits, King Arthur Measure for Measure works well. The paprika can be omitted, but it adds subtle warmth to the gravy.

Store biscuits and gravy separately—biscuits keep 2 days at room temperature, gravy holds 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gravy gently with a splash of milk. Biscuits are best served warm but can be refreshed in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Bowl Wonder: I love that I can mix the biscuit dough right in the same bowl I measure the flour into—no extra dishes, just cold butter cut in fast.
  • Buttery Layers: That cold unsalted butter creates flaky, golden biscuits that soak up the rich gravy like a dream.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: It’s my go-to for lazy Saturday mornings when the family wants something hearty and warm.
  • Dime a Dozen: All-purpose flour and basic pantry staples keep this filling meal shockingly budget-friendly for a crowd.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Biscuits and Gravy

Master the technique for flaky biscuits and rich sausage gravy with professional precision.

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 tbsp Baking Powder, 1 tsp Granulated Sugar, and 0.5 tsp Salt until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agent distributes properly for maximum rise.

Cut in the 0.5 cup Cold Unsalted Butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces visible. Work quickly to keep the butter cold—this creates the flaky layers that define great biscuits.

Make a well in the center and pour in the 0.75 cup Whole Milk. Stir just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork it. The dough will be shaggy but should hold when pressed.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface dusted with All-Purpose Flour and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half like a book and gently pat it down again. Repeat this folding and patting process 2 more times to create distinct layers.

Pat the dough to a final thickness of ¾ inch and cut into 2½-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter. Press straight down without twisting to ensure even rise. Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet with sides touching for soft edges, or apart for crispier ones.

Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown. The layers should be visible and the biscuits should have risen significantly.

Step 3: Cook and Season the Sausage

While the biscuits bake, remove casings from the 1 lb Breakfast Sausage and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Once the sausage is fully cooked, stir in the 1 tsp McCormick Black Pepper, 0.5 tsp McCormick Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp McCormick Onion Powder, and 0.25 tsp McCormick Paprika. These spices will bloom in the rendered fat, creating the signature flavor base for the gravy.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Gravy

Sprinkle the 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir well to coat all the pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken the gravy beautifully.

Gradually pour in the 2 cups Whole Milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the 0.5 tsp Salt and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The gravy should be rich and savory with a velvety texture that complements the flaky biscuits perfectly.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Split the warm biscuits open and smother them with the hot sausage gravy. The contrast between the flaky, buttery biscuits and the creamy, peppery gravy is what makes this dish so satisfying. Serve immediately while both components are at their peak.

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Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Biscuits And Gravy

  • Keep Butter Ice Cold: Cut your cold unsalted butter into small cubes and don’t touch it until the last second—I learned this the hard way when my biscuits turned out flat and dense instead of flaky.
  • Measure Flour Right: Spoon your all-purpose flour into the measuring cup and level it off, never scoop directly from the bag. After burning three batches, I finally figured out that packed flour makes biscuits tough.
  • Skip Overmixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together, even if it looks shaggy. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: overworking the dough means dense biscuits.
  • Use a Hot Oven: Crank the oven to 450°F and preheat it for at least 10 minutes. Sounds weird, but it works: the high heat gives biscuits that golden crust and quick rise.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This mccormick biscuits and gravy

Coffee Pairings

A strong black coffee cuts through the richness beautifully. I recommend a dark roast like Starbucks French Roast for its bold, smoky notes. The bitterness balances the creamy gravy perfectly. 🔥

Tea Options

For a caffeine-free option, English Breakfast tea with a splash of cream mirrors the dish’s hearty flavors. Earl Grey works too, with its citrus bergamot adding a bright contrast.

Beer Selections

A light American lager like Budweiser or Coors Banquet cleanses your palate between bites. The crisp carbonation cuts through the gravy’s richness without overpowering the biscuits.

Wine Choices

Surprisingly, a dry sparkling wine like Prosecco pairs wonderfully—the bubbles and acidity refresh your palate. For red lovers, try a light Pinot Noir with its earthy notes.

Non-Alcoholic Picks

Sparkling apple cider offers festive bubbles with sweet-tart contrast. I also love iced chamomile tea with honey for a soothing, complementary flavor. ✨

Juice Combinations

Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the savory dish. A tomato juice with hot sauce offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 780kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 52g67%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Cholesterol 145mg48%
Sodium 1320mg57%
Total Carbohydrate 48g17%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 4g
Protein 28g56%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk for the biscuits?

Yes, buttermilk adds tang and makes biscuits extra tender. Use the same amount and reduce baking powder by ¼ tsp for balance.

2

How do I prevent my gravy from getting lumpy?

Whisk constantly while adding milk to the roux. If lumps form, use a wire whisk to break them up or strain the gravy before serving.

3

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Store biscuits and gravy separately. Reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes and gravy in a saucepan with a splash of milk.

4

Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, cut and arrange biscuits on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning, adding 1-2 minutes to time.

★★★★★4.8(12 reviews)
Nathan Turner