Southern Sausage Biscuits
Southern Sausage Biscuits are one of those timeless breakfast classics that truly capture
the spirit of Southern comfort cooking. They’re warm, hearty, buttery, and built to satisfy
any morning hunger. The magic of this recipe lies not only in the combination of fluffy
homemade buttermilk biscuits and savory breakfast sausage, but also in the warmth and
simplicity that Southern kitchens are known for. This dish is perfect for weekend breakfasts,
weekday meal prep, or even a quick grab-and-go morning treat.
In this section, we will begin by preparing the foundation of the recipe: the homemade
buttermilk biscuits. Baking biscuits from scratch might seem intimidating if you’ve never
done it before, but this recipe keeps the steps simple, clear, and incredibly rewarding.
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh biscuits straight from the oven, and when you add a golden
layer of perfectly cooked sausage, the result is irresistible.
Ingredients – Buttermilk Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
Ingredients – Sausage & Assembly
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- Sliced cheddar or American cheese (optional)
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for producing biscuits
that rise beautifully and develop a golden exterior while remaining soft and tender inside.
Allowing the oven to fully preheat before baking ensures the dough reacts instantly to the
heat, helping create those gorgeous layers everyone loves in a flaky Southern biscuit.
While the oven is heating, take out a large mixing bowl and begin combining your dry
ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These simple ingredients
form the base structure of the biscuits. Whisk them together thoroughly to evenly
distribute the leavening agents—this step helps create an even rise throughout the dough.
Proper mixing of the dry ingredients makes a noticeable difference in texture, ensuring that
your biscuits are light instead of dense.
Next, it’s time to incorporate the cold butter, which plays one of the most important roles
in the biscuit-making process. Cold butter is responsible for creating flaky layers because
it melts rapidly during baking, releasing steam that pushes the dough apart. This is what
gives biscuits their signature fluff and tender crumb. Using butter that is too warm will
result in a flatter, less layered texture, so this is one part of the recipe where the
temperature truly matters.
Step 2 – Cutting in the Butter
After whisking the dry ingredients together, it’s time to add the cold cubed butter. This is one
of the most essential stages in biscuit-making. The goal is to work the butter into the flour
until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
These small chunks of butter are what melt in the oven and produce steam, creating those flaky,
beautiful layers people love about homemade biscuits.
There are several ways to incorporate butter effectively. Many bakers prefer using a pastry
cutter, which allows them to quickly chop the butter into the flour without warming it. Others
use two forks, pressing them together repeatedly to break the butter down. If you like using
your hands, you can also rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips, but make sure
your hands are cool so the butter does not melt prematurely. Work quickly and gently. Overmixing
the butter can lead to dense biscuits instead of tender ones.
Once the butter has been fully incorporated, you should still be able to see small, cold pieces
scattered throughout the flour mixture. These visible fragments are a good sign that the dough
will bake into light and fluffy layers. At this point, place the bowl in the refrigerator for a
few minutes if your kitchen is warm. Keeping everything cold helps guarantee success.
Step 3 – Adding the Buttermilk
Next, pour in the cold buttermilk. Make a small well in the center of the flour mixture and
slowly add the liquid. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir until the dough just begins
to come together. Biscuit dough should never be overmixed. The moment the flour absorbs the
buttermilk and forms a shaggy dough, it’s ready for the next step.
If the dough appears slightly dry, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of buttermilk, but be
careful not to add too much. A soft dough is ideal, but a sticky dough will be difficult to
work with. Buttermilk not only adds moisture but also contributes acidity, which reacts with
the baking soda and baking powder. This chemical reaction helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
It also gives the biscuits that mild tangy flavor that makes them so delicious and traditional
in Southern recipes.
Step 4 – Bringing the Dough Together
Once the dough has absorbed the buttermilk, lightly flour your countertop or work surface.
Turn the dough out onto the floured area and begin gently pressing it together. Avoid kneading
the dough aggressively—biscuit dough should be handled with care. Too much manipulation can
cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, resulting in tougher biscuits.
Using your hands, pat the dough into a rectangle that is about one inch thick. If you prefer
layered biscuits, you can fold the dough onto itself three or four times. This creates more
distinct layers when the biscuits bake. Each fold adds texture and fluffiness, making the final
result even more satisfying.
Once you’ve shaped the dough, it’s ready for cutting, which will be covered in the next batch.
This point marks the transition from preparation to forming the biscuits, and it’s an important
step in creating uniform, beautiful shapes.
Step 5 – Cutting the Biscuits
Now that the dough has been shaped, it’s time to cut out the biscuits. Using a round biscuit
cutter is the traditional method, but you can also use a glass with a sharp rim or even cut
the dough into squares with a knife if you want to avoid re-rolling scraps. Dip the cutter into
flour before pressing it into the dough to prevent sticking. Press straight down without
twisting. Twisting seals the edges and stops the biscuits from rising properly, leading to
flatter, denser biscuits.
Place each cut biscuit onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want soft-sided biscuits
that bake closely together and rise tall, position them so the edges are touching. If you prefer
crispier edges, leave space between each biscuit. Both methods work beautifully, but each
produces a slightly different texture. Southern cooks often like the biscuits nestled close
together for tender sides and a fluffy, pillowy interior.
Once all biscuits are cut, gather the remaining dough scraps, gently press them back together,
and cut out additional biscuits. Avoid working the scraps too much, as this can toughen the
final batch. Typically, the first round of biscuits will be the most perfectly shaped, while
the second batch may be slightly more rustic, but they will still taste wonderful.
Step 6 – Preparing the Sausage
While the biscuits are waiting to bake, prepare the breakfast sausage. Heat a skillet over
medium heat and add the sausage. Break it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon. The sausage
should cook until it is fully browned with no pink remaining. As it cooks, the sausage will
release its own fat, giving it a rich savory flavor. Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
Once cooked, you may drain excess grease depending on your preference. Some people enjoy the
extra richness and keep a small amount of drippings for added flavor, while others prefer a
lighter texture. Either method works, and the choice depends on how rich you want the final
sandwiches to be.
If you are adding cheese to your sausage biscuits, this is a good stage to prepare the cheese
slices. Cheddar and American cheese are the most common choices. Cheddar provides a sharper,
more pronounced flavor, while American cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy layer between
the sausage and biscuit. Both are delicious and elevate the overall experience.
Step 7 – Baking the Biscuits
With the sausage ready, it’s time to bake the biscuits. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if
it has cooled at all. The high temperature is important—it helps the biscuits rise quickly and
develop a golden crust while keeping the interior soft and tender.
Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops
are lightly golden. Oven times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them after the 12-minute
mark. When fully baked, the biscuits should be tall, soft, and fragrant, with a warm buttery
aroma that fills your kitchen.
As soon as they come out of the oven, you can brush the tops with melted butter if desired.
This step enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful sheen to the biscuit tops. Let them cool for
just a couple of minutes before assembling—they should still be warm, as warm biscuits absorb
the sausage flavor beautifully.
Step 8 – Assembling the Biscuits
With the biscuits baked and sausage cooked, it’s time to assemble your Southern sausage
biscuits. Start by slicing each biscuit in half horizontally with a serrated knife. A gentle
sawing motion ensures a clean cut without crushing the fluffy interior.
Place a generous scoop of cooked sausage on the bottom half of each biscuit. If using cheese,
layer a slice over the hot sausage immediately. The residual heat will help the cheese melt
perfectly, creating a gooey, melty layer that binds the flavors together. This combination of
savory sausage, creamy melted cheese, and warm, buttery biscuit is the epitome of comfort
food and a quintessential Southern breakfast.
Next, add optional garnishes if desired. Some people like a thin layer of honey or a
slather of spicy mustard for a sweet-heat contrast. Others may add a few slices of fresh
tomato or a leaf of crisp lettuce to introduce a touch of freshness and texture. While
traditionalists may keep it simple with just sausage and cheese, these optional additions
elevate the experience for brunch or weekend gatherings.
Step 9 – Serving Suggestions
Southern sausage biscuits are versatile and perfect for any time of day. Serve them
freshly assembled and warm for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Pair them
with classic sides such as scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fresh fruit for a
well-rounded meal. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or sweet tea complements the rich,
savory flavors beautifully.
For gatherings or special occasions, serve these biscuits on a large platter. Arrange
them in a single layer and cover lightly with foil to keep warm until guests arrive.
They are also ideal for make-ahead breakfasts; you can prepare the biscuits and sausage
ahead of time, then quickly reheat and assemble before serving. This makes them
perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Step 10 – Storage and Reheating
Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to
two days. If storing longer, refrigerate to maintain freshness. When reheating,
wrap the biscuit in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds for a warm,
soft result. Alternatively, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The sausage can
be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave, and cheese added fresh to melt during
assembly.
Make-ahead options include freezing fully baked biscuits (without sausage) in a single
layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a
300°F oven until warm and toasty, then assemble with freshly cooked sausage. This
method ensures you always have a delicious Southern breakfast ready with minimal effort.
Step 11 – Tips for Perfection
- Always use cold butter for the biscuit dough; this ensures flaky layers.
- Do not overmix the dough; gentle handling creates tender biscuits.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly but avoid over-browning to maintain juiciness.
- Experiment with cheese varieties to find your perfect balance of melt and flavor.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best combination of textures and flavors
Step 12 – Enhancing Flavors and Texture
To truly elevate your Southern sausage biscuits, consider small flavor enhancements that
make a big difference. For instance, lightly brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted
butter immediately after baking adds an extra layer of richness and shine. A sprinkle of
freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika over the sausage can also
introduce subtle depth without overpowering the traditional taste.
If you enjoy a slightly sweet-salty contrast, drizzle a tiny amount of maple syrup over the
sausage before topping with cheese. The warm biscuit will absorb some of this syrup,
creating a perfect balance of savory, buttery, and sweet flavors that delights the palate.
This step is optional, but many Southern cooks swear by it as a final touch for a breakfast
that feels indulgent and comforting.
Step 13 – Presentation Tips
Serving Southern sausage biscuits is as much about presentation as taste. Arrange the
biscuits on a rustic wooden platter or a baking sheet lined with parchment for a casual
brunch vibe. Garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or
rosemary to add visual appeal and a subtle aroma. Small ramekins of extra cheese, hot
sauce, or butter on the side allow guests to customize their biscuits according to their
preferences.
For festive occasions, consider stacking the biscuits in a pyramid shape or serving in a
basket lined with a clean linen cloth. The warm biscuits will steam slightly in the cloth,
keeping them soft and inviting. Little details like this turn a simple breakfast into a
memorable meal for family or guests.
Step 14 – Pairing Suggestions
These biscuits pair wonderfully with traditional Southern sides. Crispy hash browns,
sautéed greens, or fresh fruit salad balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Hot coffee, sweet tea, or freshly squeezed orange juice completes the breakfast
experience. For a brunch buffet, consider offering a variety of jams, jellies, or honey
alongside for extra customization.
Leftovers can be repurposed creatively. Turn a biscuit into a breakfast sandwich with
scrambled eggs or use small biscuit halves as sliders for lunch. The buttery texture and
savory filling lend themselves to inventive meal ideas beyond traditional breakfast.
Step 15 – Why This Recipe is Loved
Southern sausage biscuits are adored for their simplicity, comforting flavors, and
versatility. Each component—from the fluffy, buttery biscuit to the savory sausage
and melty cheese—works harmoniously to deliver a taste of home-cooked comfort. The
recipe’s ease, combined with the ability to prep ahead or customize, makes it a staple
for busy mornings, weekend brunches, and special gatherings alike. Everyone can
enjoy a warm, satisfying bite with minimal effort.
Whether you’re serving them for a casual family breakfast or a celebratory brunch,
these biscuits impress with both taste and presentation. Their rich aroma, soft texture,
and combination of flavors make them irresistible. Mastering this recipe ensures you
always have a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that evokes Southern charm and indulgent
comfort.