joanna gaines biscuits and gravy recipe

Joanna Gaines Biscuits and Gravy Recipe

Joanna Gaines, the beloved home and lifestyle guru, is known for her Southern-style comfort food recipes, and her biscuits and sausage gravy is no exception! This iconic dish from Magnolia Table is a hearty, flavorful breakfast that combines fluffy buttermilk biscuits with rich, creamy sausage gravy.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect biscuits and gravy recipe, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll walk you through Joanna Gaines’ sausage gravy recipe, its ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and expert tips to ensure you get the best results.

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What is Joanna Gaines’ Sausage Gravy?

Sausage gravy is a classic Southern staple made from crumbled sausage, milk, flour, and seasonings. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect topping for homemade biscuits.

Joanna Gaines’ version is simple yet delicious, staying true to traditional methods while elevating flavors with the right balance of seasonings. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or hosting a brunch, this gravy will be the star of the table.

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Ingredients for Sausage Gravy

To create Joanna Gaines’ famous sausage gravy, you’ll need a handful of simple pantry staples:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups whole milk (for a creamy texture)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds a mild spice)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (for a mild, sweet flavor)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Why These Ingredients Work:

✅ Whole milk gives the gravy a smooth, creamy consistency.
✅ Breakfast sausage provides the base flavor and texture.
✅ Flour thickens the gravy to perfection.
✅ Seasonings balance out the richness with a touch of spice.

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How to Prepare Joanna Gaines’ Sausage Gravy

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make perfectly creamy sausage gravy just like Joanna Gaines does!

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Roux

• Once the sausage is fully cooked, do not drain the grease (it adds flavor).
• Sprinkle ¼ cup of flour over the sausage and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the gravy.

Step 3: Add the Milk

• Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

• Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Stir well and let it cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the skillet from heat and serve the sausage gravy immediately over warm, fluffy biscuits.
• Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy

Want to make the best sausage gravy just like Joanna Gaines? Follow these expert tips:

✅ Use High-Quality Sausage – The better the sausage, the better the flavor. Opt for a premium breakfast sausage with good seasoning.
✅ Don’t Skip the Roux – Cooking the flour with the sausage eliminates the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, velvety gravy.
✅ Warm the Milk Before Adding – Cold milk can cause lumps. For ultra-smooth gravy, warm your milk slightly before pouring it in.
✅ Adjust Thickness to Preference – If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
✅ Season to Taste – Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed.

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How to Make Joanna Gaines’ Biscuits

Joanna Gaines’ buttermilk biscuits are famous for their light, flaky texture and buttery richness. Follow this detailed, step-by-step guide to get the perfect golden-brown biscuits every time.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Biscuits

Essential Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (for the base)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (helps the biscuits rise)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (balances acidity)
• 1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for a flaky texture)
• 2 large eggs (adds richness)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (creates a tender crumb)
• 1 tablespoon honey (adds slight sweetness)

Why These Ingredients Matter:

✅ Cold butter creates flaky layers in the biscuits.
✅ Buttermilk provides tangy richness and helps activate baking soda.
✅ Honey adds a subtle sweetness that enhances flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Joanna Gaines’ Biscuits

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

• Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture.
• Use a pastry cutter or fingers to break the butter into pea-sized crumbs.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and honey.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. (Do not overmix!)

Step 4: Chill the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
• Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven & Bake

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are slightly touching.
• Brush the tops with buttermilk or melted butter.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the biscuits cool slightly, then serve warm with butter, honey, or sausage gravy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Biscuits

❌ Using Warm Butter – Always use cold butter for flakier biscuits.
❌ Overmixing the Dough – Stir just until combined; overmixing makes biscuits tough.
❌ Skipping the Chilling Step – Chilling the dough ensures flakier layers.
❌ Not Preheating the Oven Properly – A hot oven (400°F/200°C) helps the biscuits rise quickly.
❌ Placing Biscuits Too Far Apart – Biscuits should be slightly touching to help them rise taller.

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Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Joanna Gaines’ biscuits and sausage gravy is a hearty Southern breakfast best enjoyed with:

• Freshly brewed coffee or sweet tea
• Scrambled or fried eggs
• Crispy bacon or ham
• Fresh fruit or jam for a balanced meal

How to Plate Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Plating plays a crucial role in making your biscuits and gravy look appetizing and Instagram-worthy. Here’s how to do it like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits

• Place two warm biscuits on a plate.
• You can either slice them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Pour the Sausage Gravy

• Use a ladle to generously drizzle the hot sausage gravy over the biscuits.
• Ensure that some of the crispy biscuit edges remain visible to maintain an appealing contrast.

Step 3: Garnish for a Finishing Touch

• Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color.
• A light sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes enhances flavor.
• If you like extra creaminess, drizzle a little warm melted butter on top.

Step 4: Serve with Style

• Use a rustic ceramic plate or a wooden serving board for a classic farmhouse-style presentation.
• Place a small bowl of extra gravy on the side for those who love a little more.

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What Goes Well with Biscuits and Gravy?

While biscuits and gravy are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some classic and creative pairings:

1. Traditional Southern Breakfast Sides

• Scrambled or Fried Eggs 🍳 – Adds protein and balances the richness of the gravy.
• Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links 🥩 – For a savory, smoky contrast.
• Hash Browns or Home Fries 🍔 – Perfect for adding texture and crunch.

2. Light and Fresh Additions

• Fresh Fruit (Berries, Grapes, or Sliced Oranges) 🍓🍊 – A touch of sweetness to balance the creamy dish.
• Avocado Slices 🥑 – Adds a creamy, healthy twist.
• Side Salad with a Light Vinaigrette 🥗 – If you prefer a refreshing contrast.

3. Drink Pairings

• Freshly Brewed Coffee or Latte ☕ – A warm, comforting classic.
• Fresh Orange Juice 🍊 – The citrus cuts through the richness.
• Sweet Iced Tea or Lemonade 🍋 – A Southern favorite.

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Tips for Making Ahead and Reheating

If you want to prep biscuits and sausage gravy in advance, follow these tips to keep them fresh and delicious:

How to Store Biscuits and Gravy

• Biscuits: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Sausage Gravy: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Best Ways to Reheat

Reheating Biscuits

Oven Method (Best for Crispness):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place biscuits on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.

Microwave Method (Fastest):

1. Wrap biscuits in a damp paper towel.
2. Microwave for 15-20 seconds to keep them from drying out.

Reheating Sausage Gravy

Stovetop Method (Best for Texture):

1. Pour the gravy into a pan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Microwave Method (Quickest):

1. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until hot.
2. Add a little milk if the gravy is too thick.

Can You Freeze Biscuits and Gravy?

• Biscuits: Freeze unbaked biscuits for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Sausage Gravy: Freeze in portioned airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

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Tools for This Recipe

To make Joanna Gaines’ biscuits and sausage gravy successfully, having the right kitchen tools is just as important as using quality ingredients. The correct tools will help you mix, cut, and cook everything efficiently, ensuring your biscuits turn out flaky and your gravy remains smooth and creamy.

1. Mixing & Measuring Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measurements ensure perfect consistency.
• Whisk – Helps evenly distribute baking powder and soda in the flour.

2. Tools for Making Biscuits

• Pastry Cutter (or Fork/Hands) – Used to cut butter into flour for a flaky texture.
• Rolling Pin – Rolls out the biscuit dough evenly.
• Biscuit Cutter (or Round Glass) – Ensures uniform biscuit shapes.
• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and helps bake biscuits evenly.
• Pastry Brush – For brushing buttermilk or melted butter on biscuits.

3. Tools for Making Sausage Gravy

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan – The best option for cooking sausage and making rich, even-textured gravy.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Helps break apart sausage and stir the gravy smoothly.
• Whisk – Prevents lumps when mixing flour and milk into the gravy.

4. Tools for Serving & Storing

• Ladle – For pouring sausage gravy over biscuits smoothly.
• Serving Plates & Bowls – Rustic or ceramic plates enhance presentation.
• Airtight Storage Containers – To store leftovers properly.

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More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved Joanna Gaines’ Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting recipes:

1. Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Pancakes 🥞

• Light, golden, and slightly tangy pancakes.
• Perfect with: Honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

2. Classic Southern Fried Chicken 🍗

• Crispy, golden-brown coating with a juicy inside.
• Pairs well with: Biscuits & mashed potatoes.

3. Homemade Mac & Cheese with a Crispy Crust 🧀

• Made with cheddar, gouda, and parmesan.
• Topped with: Golden panko crumbs for crunch.

4. Warm and Cozy Cinnamon Rolls 🌿

• Soft, gooey, and topped with cream cheese glaze.
• Best for: Weekend treats or holiday breakfasts.

5. Magnolia-Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪

• Crispy edges, soft centers, and loaded with chocolate chips.
• Perfect with: A glass of milk.

Enjoy making and serving this classic dish with style!