What happens when biscuits and gravy meet a comforting casserole? This homemade hashbrown casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, loaded with savory sausage and crispy potatoes. Save this idea for a family favorite meal that is sure to please, try it soon for a delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish, Pin for later

Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole

Introduction

This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a creative twist on classic comfort food, combining the ease of a casserole with the indulgent flavors of biscuits and gravy. By using everyday ingredients and minimizing preparation time, this dish is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage gravy, and buttery biscuits will impress your family and friends, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or casual get-togethers.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the rich sausage gravy, the earthy hashbrowns, and the flaky biscuits creates a harmonious taste experience that is both comforting and exciting.
• The accessibility of the ingredients and the simplicity of the preparation make this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to achieve impressive results with minimal effort.
• The layered construction of the casserole, with its separate components of biscuits, gravy, and hashbrowns, offers a visually appealing presentation that adds to the overall dining experience.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole include sausage (which can be substituted with bacon or ham for different flavor profiles), hashbrowns (either freshly shredded potatoes or frozen hashbrowns work well), biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought), and a variety of spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the gravy. Practical substitutions can be made based on personal preferences and dietary needs, such as using vegetarian sausage or gluten-free biscuit mix.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to achieve a smooth consistency, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional spices.
3. Step 3: Prepare the hashbrowns according to your preference, either by shredding fresh potatoes and squeezing out excess moisture or by thawing frozen hashbrowns. Spread half of the hashbrowns in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the sausage gravy over the hashbrowns, followed by the remaining hashbrowns on top. If using homemade biscuit dough, roll it out to about 1 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds. Place the biscuit rounds on top of the hashbrowns, leaving a little space between each biscuit for even cooking.
4. Step 4: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be served directly from the baking dish, making it perfect for a family-style brunch or breakfast gathering.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy top on your biscuits, brush them with melted butter before baking. Also, consider using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, sprinkled on top of the biscuits for added flavor.
• To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the hashbrowns if using fresh potatoes, and don’t overmix the biscuit dough if making it from scratch.
• Experiment with various seasonings in the sausage gravy, such as dried herbs or hot sauce, to give the dish a personal touch.

Heat Control

Monitoring the heat is crucial, especially when cooking the sausage and making the gravy. For the sausage, medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a nice brown color, but be careful not to burn it. When making the gravy, reducing the heat to low after adding the milk helps prevent scorching and ensures a smooth, even thickening. For baking, a consistent oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) is necessary for the biscuits to cook properly and the casserole to heat through evenly.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture, particularly the crunch of the hashbrowns and the flakiness of the biscuits, is key to the success of this dish. To ensure crispy hashbrowns, it’s essential to not overcook them before adding the gravy and biscuits. For the biscuits, baking them until they are golden brown will provide the perfect contrast in texture, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Prep ahead by cooking the sausage and making the gravy a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble and bake the casserole.
• Use a food processor to quickly shred potatoes for hashbrowns or to mix and knead homemade biscuit dough.
• For an easy cleanup, line the baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper before adding the casserole ingredients, making disposal or washing much simpler after serving.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through.
• Consider freezing the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as instructed.
• For the best results, use airtight, shallow containers for refrigerating or freezing leftovers to prevent moisture from accumulating and making the casserole soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole, a thoughtful presentation can make it even more special. Bake the casserole in a disposable aluminum pan, then wrap it in colorful foil and tie with a ribbon. Alternatively, portion out individual servings into microwave-safe containers, add a packet of fresh fruit or a muffin on the side, and place everything in a gift basket or bag. Don’t forget to include reheating instructions for a complete and appreciated gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices to the sausage gravy, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder, to give it a unique flavor profile.
• Experiment with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or feta, sprinkled on top of the biscuits before baking for an added layer of flavor.
• Swap the sausage for other meats like bacon, ham, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu, to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

Troubleshooting

• If the casserole turns out too soggy, it might be due to excess moisture in the hashbrowns or overmixing the biscuit dough. For future attempts, ensure hashbrowns are well-drained and handle biscuit dough gently.
• For texture problems with the biscuits, such as them being too dense, check that the ingredients were at room temperature and that the dough wasn’t overworked.
• If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or whisk in a small amount of flour to thicken.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour in the gravy and the biscuits. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour mixes for the biscuits and the gravy.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly for a larger casserole.

Conclusion

This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. With its comforting blend of sausage, hashbrowns, and biscuits, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to share your own variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy the warmth and comfort this casserole brings to your table!