Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

The Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast. Fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy—it’s hearty, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

This dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Unlike fancy breakfasts, biscuits and gravy celebrate homestyle cooking at its finest.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy originated in the American South in the late 19th century as a hearty breakfast for farmers and laborers. Soft, flaky biscuits were topped with a sausage-based white gravy that was inexpensive yet filling. The Pioneer Woman’s recipe stays true to this tradition—easy, rustic, and flavorful, with no shortcuts on comfort.

Try Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Funeral Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Fruit Salad
• Pioneer Woman Protein Balls
• Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Classic comfort food – warm, filling, and nostalgic.
• Simple ingredients – pantry staples and basic seasonings.
• Quick to prepare – ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for gatherings – serves a crowd with ease.
• Versatile – enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

For the Biscuits:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Baking powder (1 tbsp)
• Salt (1 tsp)
• Cold unsalted butter (½ cup, cubed)
• Whole milk (¾ cup)

For the Gravy:

• Breakfast sausage (1 lb)
• All-purpose flour (⅓ cup)
• Whole milk (4 cups)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Useful Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Biscuit cutter or round glass
• Baking sheet
• Cast-iron skillet or heavy pan
• Wooden spoon or whisk

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

Step 1: Make the biscuits

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out. Cut biscuits and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the sausage

In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Do not drain all the fat—leave about 2–3 tablespoons for flavor.

Step 3: Make the roux

Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add milk and season

Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer spice.

Step 5: Serve

Split warm biscuits in half and ladle hot sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dry biscuits – overbaked them; fixed by pulling them as soon as golden.
• Gravy too thick – didn’t add enough milk; fixed by whisking in more.
• Undersalted gravy – sausage seasoning varies; fixed by tasting and adjusting before serving.
• Biscuits too flat – overworked the dough; fixed by handling lightly.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

Use turkey sausage instead of pork, low-fat milk, and whole wheat flour for biscuits. You can also reduce butter slightly while keeping flavor intact.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

• Swap sausage for bacon or ham for a different flavor.
• Use cream instead of milk for richer gravy.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for biscuits.
• Try buttermilk instead of regular milk for fluffier biscuits.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

• As a casserole – layer biscuits and gravy in a baking dish.
• With fried eggs – top with a runny egg for extra richness.
• As sliders – use mini biscuits for party-friendly bites.
• In breakfast bowls – serve over hash browns with cheese.
• With roasted veggies – balance richness with fresh sides.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy Success

• Keep butter cold – ensures flaky biscuits.
• Don’t overmix dough – keeps biscuits tender.
• Use whole milk – makes gravy creamy and rich.
• Season well – gravy depends heavily on salt and pepper.
• Taste before serving – adjust thickness and seasoning.
• Serve immediately – biscuits are best warm out of the oven.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

• Cheesy biscuits – add shredded cheddar to dough.
• Spicy gravy – use hot sausage or cayenne pepper.
• Herbed biscuits – add fresh rosemary or thyme.
• Loaded style – top with bacon and shredded cheese.
• Sweet-savory combo – drizzle a little honey on biscuits before adding gravy.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy

• Refrigerate – store gravy separately in a container up to 3 days.
• Freeze – gravy freezes well up to 2 months; biscuits can be frozen unbaked.
• Reheat biscuits – warm in the oven to maintain flakiness.
• Reheat gravy – gently on stovetop, adding a splash of milk if too thick.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Stovetop method – reheat gravy slowly, whisking to restore smoothness.
• Microwave – warm biscuits in short bursts, but the oven is best.
• Oven method – reheat biscuits at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: ~890mg

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FAQs

Where do biscuits and gravy come from?

Biscuits and gravy originated in the American South during the late 19th century. It became a popular breakfast for farm workers, combining simple, inexpensive ingredients like flour, milk, and sausage to create a hearty, filling meal.

How do you make biscuits light and fluffy?

To make biscuits light and fluffy, use cold butter, handle the dough gently, and avoid overmixing. Keeping the butter solid until baking ensures flaky layers as it melts in the oven.

How do you thicken gravy for biscuits?

Gravy thickens best by making a roux with sausage drippings and flour, then slowly whisking in milk. Simmer until the gravy reaches the desired consistency, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Can Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy be made ahead of time?

Yes, the gravy can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick. Bake biscuits fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Biscuits and Gravy is the definition of Southern comfort. With tender, golden biscuits and a creamy sausage gravy, it’s a hearty dish that never disappoints.