Are you craving that comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s biscuits and gravy? Look no further! In this blog post, I’ll show you how to whip up a Copycat Cracker Barrel Biscuits & Gravy Casserole that captures all the savory goodness. With easy ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready for brunch or dinner. Let’s dive in and make a meal your family will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: This casserole combines two beloved breakfast items, biscuits and gravy, into one easy and delicious dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Using just a few pantry staples, this recipe is accessible and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or switch up the cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties where everyone can enjoy a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (8 pieces)
– 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Extras
– 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Nutritional Information
This casserole serves six. Each serving has about 350 calories. It contains protein from the sausage and cheese. The dish is rich in fats due to the sausage and cheese. It also provides carbohydrates from the biscuits. This hearty meal can fuel your morning or serve as a great brunch option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking.
2. Cooking the sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Break it apart into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
Making the Gravy
1. Adding flour and whisking in milk
Once the sausage is cooked, sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sausage. Stir well to mix it in, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporating seasonings
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the sausage gravy. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Assembling the Casserole
1. Biscuit preparation and layering
Take 1 can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pouring the gravy and baking
Pour the sausage gravy mixture over the biscuits, covering them well. If you like, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Biscuits
To get even biscuit pieces, use a sharp knife. Cut each biscuit into quarters. This helps them cook evenly. Spread them across the baking dish in a single layer. Avoid stacking them. For even cooking, ensure your oven is fully preheated. This helps the biscuits rise and turn golden.
Making the Gravy Velvety
To avoid lumps in your gravy, sprinkle the flour gradually. Stir it into the sausage well. When you add the milk, whisk it in slowly. Keep stirring until the mix thickens. If your gravy is too thick, add more milk a little at a time. Stir it in until you reach the right consistency.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For a complete meal, serve this casserole with fresh fruit or a side salad. This makes a great balance to the rich flavors of the dish.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh breakfast sausage rather than pre-cooked options.
- Customize Your Gravy: Adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
- Cheese It Up: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.
- Leftovers Made Easy: This casserole stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick breakfast the next day.
Variations
Alternative Protein Options
You can change the protein in this dish easily. Try using turkey or vegetarian sausage for a lighter option. Turkey sausage gives a nice flavor without too much fat. Vegetarian sausage brings a hearty taste and keeps it meat-free. If you want more flavor, adding bacon works wonders. Just cook the bacon first, then use its fat to sauté the sausage. This adds a smoky taste that everyone will love.
Variation in Cheeses
Cheese can make a big difference in this casserole. You can use different cheeses based on your taste. Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you might like a mix of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a kick. You can also try cream cheese for extra creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, many dairy-free cheese options are available. Look for brands that melt well, so you still get that gooey cheese effect.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free, swapping regular biscuits is easy. Look for gluten-free refrigerated biscuits at the store. They work just as well in this recipe. For the gravy, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Just make sure to check the package for a one-to-one substitute ratio. This way, you can enjoy a tasty casserole without the gluten.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing, slice the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, the casserole lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. With these tips, you can enjoy your Copycat Cracker Barrel Biscuits & Gravy Casserole anytime!
FAQs
Can I use frozen biscuits instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuits for this casserole. Just remember to thaw them first. Frozen biscuits may take longer to cook. They might not rise as much. Check for doneness by looking for a golden color.
How can I make this recipe in advance?
To prep ahead, you can make the sausage gravy a day before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. You can also cut the biscuits and layer them in the dish. Cover it well and keep it in the fridge. Just pour the gravy over before baking.
What are some serving suggestions?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit. You can serve it with a simple green salad. Adding scrambled eggs on the side is also a great idea. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast.
This casserole offers a tasty mix of flavors and textures. We covered the key ingredients like refrigerated biscuits and breakfast sausage. You learned how to make creamy gravy and assemble the dish step by step. We also shared helpful tips for perfect biscuits and tasty variations to try.
In the end, you can customize this meal to fit your needs. Enjoy this easy dish for breakfast or any time of da
