Introduction

Imagine waking up to the scent of crispy biscuits and rich gravy wafting through your home. Now, picture this southern classic transformed into a delightful pie, offering layers of flaky goodness and savory filling. Biscuits and Gravy Pie is not just a hearty breakfast; it's a celebration of comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

With its buttery biscuits holding a warm, creamy sausage gravy, this dish manages to capture the essence of home cooking, echoing the warmth of family gatherings. In this recipe, you'll blend simplicity with indulgence, creating a centerpiece that invites everyone to gather around the table.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
The foundation of the biscuit crust, all-purpose flour provides structure and texture. It helps the dough rise when baked, contributing to that essential flaky layering characteristic of classic biscuits.
1 tablespoon baking powder
This leavening agent is crucial for creating lift in the biscuits. It reacts with the liquid ingredients, helping them to rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture that balances beautifully with the rich gravy.
1 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the pie. It is essential not just for taste but also for strengthening the dough, ensuring the biscuits hold up against the filling.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Butter adds richness and flavor while providing moisture and tenderness. Keeping it cold ensures that the biscuits remain flaky and do not become dense during baking.
3/4 cup buttermilk
Buttermilk contributes to the tenderness of the biscuits and adds a slight tang that helps balance the richness of the sausage gravy. It also reacts with the baking powder for added lift.
1 pound breakfast sausage
The star of the gravy, breakfast sausage adds savory depth and flavor. Its fat content is also essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the biscuits.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
This additional flour thickens the gravy, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency. It binds with the fat rendered from the sausage to create a delightful sauce.
2 cups milk
Milk is the base of the gravy, enhancing its creaminess and helping to create that silken texture. Using whole milk will yield a richer flavor compared to lower-fat options.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds warmth and a little heat, balancing the richness of the gravy and the biscuits. Adjusting the amount allows you to customize the seasoning to your preference.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
This optional spice can elevate the dish with a subtle kick. It complements the sausage and adds an interesting flavor dimension without overwhelming the palate.
1 large egg (for egg wash)
An egg wash applied to the biscuits before baking adds a beautiful golden color and enhances the visual appeal of your pie, resulting in an inviting crust.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Starting with a properly preheated oven ensures even baking. At this temperature, the biscuits will rise quickly, developing a flaky texture while they cook. This step sets the stage for a perfect crust, so don't skip it!

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Whisking these dry ingredients together helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, which is crucial for uniform rising and flavor. This step also aerates the flour, making it easier for the next ingredients to incorporate smoothly.

Step 3: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Cutting in the butter, using a pastry cutter or your hands, creates small pockets of fat in the dough. This is what leads to the desired flaky texture. Overworking the dough can lead to dense biscuits, so be gentle.

Step 4: Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.

Adding buttermilk binds the mixture together but be careful not to overmix. You want a shaggy dough that holds together, free of any dry patches. This precaution keeps the biscuits tender.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a rectangle.

Patting instead of rolling preserves the layers that contribute to flakiness. The goal is to fold the dough several times to create those layers, so keep it thick—about an inch is ideal.

Step 6: Fold the dough over itself two or three times, then roll it out to fit a pie dish.

The folding process introduces air and layers into the dough. When you roll it out, keep in mind the size and shape of your pie dish for a perfect fit. This sets you up for even baking and a lovely presentation.

Step 7: Place the rolled-out dough into the pie dish.

Gently place the dough into the dish to avoid tearing. It should hang slightly over the edges, as it will shrink a bit during baking. This step is crucial for ensuring your filling is securely encased.

Step 8: Prepare the sausage gravy in a skillet over medium heat.

Cooking the sausage until browned releases flavorful fats, which will serve as the base for your gravy. Scraping up the brown bits from the pan adds an extra layer of flavor. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

Step 9: Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine.

This step helps to incorporate the flour into the fat, preventing clumps in the gravy. Cooking the flour a minute or two ensures a raw flavor doesn't carry through to the final dish. It's crucial for achieving a smooth sauce.

Step 10: Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.

Slowly adding the milk to the sausage mixture prevents lumps and ensures a creamy texture in your gravy. Constant stirring helps develop a smooth consistency, and you'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 11: Season the gravy with black pepper and cayenne pepper, if using.

Seasoning the gravy at this stage allows the flavors to meld. Adjust to your taste; a bit of heat from the cayenne can offer a pleasing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Step 12: Pour the gravy into the prepared pie crust.

Evenly distributing the gravy ensures each slice gets a generous helping of flavor. This is the heart of the dish; the biscuits will absorb some gravy while creating delicious layers. Don't skimp—make it hearty!

Step 13: Roll out the remaining dough for a top crust and cover the pie.

Sealing your pie with a top crust helps retain moisture and flavor, while also creating that all-important flaky texture. Cut slits into the top for steam to escape, allowing the juices to bubble without overflowing.

Step 14: Brush the top crust with beaten egg.

An egg wash browns beautifully and enhances the presentation of your pie. It gives the crust an appealing gloss and color, making it irresistible right out of the oven.

Step 15: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Baking time can vary. Keep an eye out for a golden crust and bubbling gravy beneath. The high temperature helps achieve the perfect flakiness while ensuring the filling is heated through.

Step 16: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.

Letting the pie cool for about 10-15 minutes makes slicing easier and lets the filling set. This brief resting period allows the flavors to settle, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.

Embracing Southern Comfort in Every Bite

Biscuits and Gravy Pie invokes cherished memories and gatherings, celebrating southern comfort food. Every slice embodies nostalgia, transporting you to sun-drenched mornings filled with family chats and laughter. The flaky biscuit crust and savory gravy are more than just flavors; they represent warmth and connection, making the pie a true comfort classic.

A Creative Twist on Classic Ingredients

The beauty of Biscuits and Gravy Pie lies in its creative adaptation of traditional ingredients. By transforming simple biscuits and rich sausage gravy into a pie, this dish offers a new layer of enjoyment. As you bite into the crisp crust and creamy filling, you’ll find satisfaction in the innovative take on beloved flavors, making it a standout centerpiece.

Making Memories Around the Table

Serving Biscuits and Gravy Pie is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather. This pie encourages conversation and connection as loved ones come together to share a comforting feast. Each slice brings with it a sense of belonging and joy, as smiles spread across the table, creating lasting memories over this delicious, indulgent dish.

FAQs

What should I do if my gravy turns out too thick?

If your gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in a bit more milk over low heat until you've reached your desired consistency. This will help loosen it and maintain that creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of sausage for the gravy?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other sausage varieties like spicy Italian or turkey sausage, which can introduce new flavors to the gravy while still maintaining that satisfying richness.

What if my biscuits don't rise properly?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents may cause biscuits to not rise effectively. Also, avoid overmixing the dough—this can lead to denser biscuits.

Can I add vegetables to the gravy filling?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can enhance flavor and texture, making the gravy richer. Just sauté them with the sausage for added depth before adding the flour.

How can I adjust the spice level of my gravy?

To customize the spice level, simply adjust the amount of black and cayenne pepper in the gravy. You can also add hot sauce for more heat as desired.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute ground meat with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of milk for the gravy, keeping all the flavors while making it a vegetarian-friendly option.

Conclusion

Crafting a Biscuits and Gravy Pie not only provides a comforting meal but also creates a shared experience, perfect for bringing loved ones together. Each slice showcases the union of buttery biscuits and savory gravy in a delightful baked form.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is bound to impress. Allow it to become a staple in your home, a reminder of warmth and connection, that embodies comfort food at its finest.

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