Butter Swim Biscuits and Gravy Bake Recipe

This incredible Butter Swim Biscuits and Gravy Bake transforms classic Southern comfort food into an easy one-pan wonder. Golden, buttery biscuits float atop a bed of rich, savory sausage gravy, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this hearty dish is ideal for weekend brunches or a cozy weeknight dinner when you’re craving something deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sausage Gravy

• Pork Sausage: The foundation of your gravy, providing rich flavor and hearty texture. Choose regular or sage-flavored for extra dimension.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux that will thicken your gravy.
• All-purpose Flour: Works with butter to form a roux, thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
• Whole Milk: Creates the creamy base for your gravy. The fat content is important for richness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: A must-have in any good sausage gravy – feel free to add more if you love pepper.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle savory note that complements the sausage.

For the Biscuits

• All-purpose Flour: The base of our tender biscuits.
• Baking Powder: Provides the lift that makes these biscuits fluffy and light.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance flavors and help with browning.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor in the biscuits.
• Buttermilk: The secret to tender, tangy biscuits. The acidity helps activate the baking powder.
• Butter: Melted butter creates that signature “swim” effect that makes these biscuits incredibly moist and rich.

Variations

Try these delicious twists on the classic recipe:

• Cheesy Biscuits: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit batter for a cheesy twist.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the biscuit dough.
• Spicy Gravy: Double the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to give your gravy some kick.
• Mushroom Edition: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet after browning the sausage for an earthy variation.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed vegetables for a meatless version.

How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits and Gravy Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Gravy

Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large, 13-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks for even texture. Add the butter to the skillet and when it’s melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 2: Finish the Gravy

Pour in the milk gradually while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes. The gravy should be thick but still pourable.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until the ingredients come together. The key is to avoid overmixing – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in more tender biscuits.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Using a large spoon, dollop the biscuit dough evenly over the gravy in the skillet. Then, with a knife or spatula, carefully spread the dough into an even layer covering the gravy. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the biscuit layer, allowing it to seep into the dough. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and brush the tops of the biscuits with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter for extra richness and shine. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

How to Serve

This hearty dish works wonderfully on its own as a complete meal, but here are some serving suggestions to round things out:

Breakfast or Brunch

Serve with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast spread that will keep everyone satisfied until dinner.

Dinner

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Drinks

Coffee or sweet tea makes the perfect companion to this Southern-inspired dish. For an adult brunch, a spicy Bloody Mary complements the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this a great make-ahead dish.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture of the biscuits won’t be quite as good.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Swim Biscuits and Gravy Bake takes beloved comfort food classics and transforms them into an even more irresistible one-pan meal. The contrast between the golden, buttery biscuits and rich, savory gravy creates something truly special that’s bound to become a regular request in your household. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – exactly what home cooking should be all about.

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