Name: Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 3/4 cup cold buttermilk; 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer a spicy variety!); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat); Chopped fresh chives or parsley; Shredded cheddar cheese; Hot sauce

Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups: the ultimate comfort food reimagined! Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery biscuit, perfectly formed into a cup, overflowing with creamy, savory sausage gravy. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is! This isn't just breakfast; it's an experience, a warm hug on a plate that's guaranteed to kickstart your day or satisfy those late-night cravings.

Sausage gravy, a staple in Southern cuisine, has a rich history rooted in resourcefulness and hearty flavors. Traditionally served over biscuits, it was a way to make a little bit of sausage go a long way, providing a filling and affordable meal for families. The combination of rich, peppery gravy and fluffy biscuits became a beloved classic, passed down through generations.

But why do people adore sausage gravy biscuit cups so much? It's the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The creamy, savory gravy, bursting with the satisfying spice of sausage, contrasts beautifully with the light, airy biscuit. Plus, transforming the classic into individual cups makes it incredibly convenient for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick weekday breakfast. These sausage gravy biscuit cups are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to eat, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let's get cooking and create some edible happiness!

Ingredients:

For the Biscuit Cups:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
3/4 cup cold buttermilk

For the Sausage Gravy:

1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer a spicy variety!)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped fresh chives or parsley
Shredded cheddar cheese
Hot sauce

Making the Biscuit Cups

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a good rise!
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter – these are what create flaky layers. Don't overmix!
Add the Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and a little sticky, and that's perfectly fine. Avoid overmixing, as this will develop the gluten and result in tougher biscuits.
Turn Out and Knead (Lightly!): Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter. This creates layers!
Repeat the Fold: Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat the folding process. This is called laminating the dough, and it's key to those beautiful, flaky biscuits.
Pat and Cut: Gently pat the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out biscuit rounds. Try to cut straight down without twisting the cutter, as twisting can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
Prepare the Muffin Tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly. This will prevent the biscuit cups from sticking.
Shape the Cups: Gently press each biscuit round into a muffin cup, forming a cup shape. You can use your fingers to mold the dough to fit snugly against the sides of the muffin tin.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuit cups are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool Slightly: Let the biscuit cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will make them easier to remove without breaking.

Making the Sausage Gravy

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Be sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain Excess Grease: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan. The sausage fat is what gives the gravy its flavor!
Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is slightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until all the milk is added and the mixture is smooth.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become.
Season to Taste: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the sausage is already seasoned, so you may not need much additional salt.

Assembling the Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups

Fill the Biscuit Cups: Spoon the sausage gravy into the baked biscuit cups, filling them to the top. Don't be shy – these are meant to be overflowing with deliciousness!
Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired. These toppings add a pop of color and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the sausage gravy biscuit cups immediately while they are warm and the gravy is creamy. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Success

Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for flaky biscuits. If your butter starts to soften, pop it back into the freezer for a few minutes.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
Use Cold Buttermilk: Just like the butter, cold buttermilk helps to create tender biscuits.
Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also use a spicier sausage for extra heat.
Make Ahead: You can make the biscuit cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before filling with gravy. The gravy is best made fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked biscuit cups. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen.

Variations

Vegetarian Gravy: Substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to the sausage gravy for added nutrients and flavor.
Sweet Biscuits: For a sweeter biscuit, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups as much as I do! They're perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or any time you're craving a comforting and delicious meal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups are truly a must-try recipe, transforming a classic comfort food into a fun, portable, and utterly delicious treat. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The flaky, buttery biscuit cups perfectly cradle the creamy, savory sausage gravy, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). What makes these cups so special? It's the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and require minimal ingredients. Yet, the end result is something truly impressive, perfect for a weekend brunch, a potluck gathering, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Forget the messy plates and overflowing gravy boats – these individual cups are neat, easy to handle, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. But the best part? The versatility! While I've shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and customize these Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups to your liking. Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. Craving some extra veggies? Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the sausage mixture. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the cups before baking. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cup experience: * Brunch Bonanza: Serve these cups alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying brunch spread. * Potluck Perfection: These cups are incredibly portable and easy to serve, making them the ideal dish to bring to your next potluck or gathering. * Quick Weeknight Dinner: Pair these cups with a simple side salad for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. * Holiday Treat: These are a great addition to any holiday breakfast or brunch spread. They are easy to make ahead of time and reheat. And don't forget the variations! Consider using different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of biscuits, such as cheddar biscuits or buttermilk biscuits. For a lighter option, try using whole wheat biscuits or even mini muffin tins to create bite-sized cups. I truly believe that this Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cups recipe is a winner. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try! I'm so excited for you to experience the joy of these delicious little cups. And more importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of Sausage Gravy Biscuit Cup enthusiasts! Happy cooking! I can't wait to see what you create!