What happens when you combine biscuits and gravy with a hashbrown casserole? A quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite, thanks to the crispy shredded potatoes and savory sausage. Save this idea for a homemade meal that’s perfect for busy nights and try it soon for a taste of comfort food at its best, pin for later

Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole

Introduction

This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a creative twist on traditional breakfast favorites, combining the comforting warmth of biscuits and gravy with the crispy delight of hashbrowns. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions. By using everyday ingredients in a new and exciting way, you can impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The combination of textures, from the crunchy hashbrowns to the flaky biscuits and rich gravy, will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of traditional breakfast foods or just looking to mix things up, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of biscuits, gravy, and hashbrowns creates a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, when in reality, it can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include biscuits (homemade or store-bought), sausage gravy, hashbrowns (fresh or frozen), cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), and eggs. For the sausage gravy, you’ll need ground sausage, all-purpose flour, and milk or cream. Practical substitutions include using different types of cheese, adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the hashbrowns, or swapping the sausage for bacon or ham. The versatility of these ingredients allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients: chop the biscuits into quarters, cook the sausage in a pan until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, and prepare the hashbrowns according to your preference (thawed if frozen, or peeled and grated if fresh).
2. Step 2: Cook the hashbrowns in a large skillet with a little oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. Set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, then add the cooked sausage back in. Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add milk or cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens into a rich gravy. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked hashbrowns, the sausage gravy, and shredded cheese. Mix well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and set aside. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, create a layer of the hashbrown mixture. Top with a layer of biscuit quarters, then pour some of the whisked eggs over the biscuits. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Step 4: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the eggs are set, and the casserole is heated through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be served hot, garnished with chopped herbs or chives for added color and flavor.

Handy Tips

• To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to cook the hashbrowns until they’re crispy and drain excess moisture. Also, don’t overmix the layers, as this can lead to a dense final product.
• For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage while it’s cooking for added flavor and nutrients.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the casserole is 375°F (190°C), and it should be baked for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, look for a golden brown top and ensure the eggs are set. If you prefer a crisper top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. The internal temperature of the casserole should be at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor in this dish is key to its appeal. The hashbrowns should be cooked until they’re golden brown and crispy before being added to the casserole. To enhance crunch, you can also top the casserole with additional grated cheese or crushed crackers before baking. The biscuits, while soft and fluffy on the inside, should have a lightly browned exterior from the baking process, adding to the texture variety of the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the sausage gravy ahead of time, cook the sausage and prepare the roux, then let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Reheat and add milk or cream when ready to assemble the casserole.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy lifting and removal of the casserole after it’s baked.
• Use leftover biscuits or make your own homemade biscuits to add an extra layer of freshness and flavor to the dish.

Storage Tips

• Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
• When reheating, make sure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This casserole makes a thoughtful gift, especially for new parents, friends who are feeling under the weather, or as a welcome to the neighborhood gift. Consider packaging it in a disposable aluminum baking dish, wrapped in foil and tied with a ribbon. Include a card with reheating instructions, and perhaps a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. For a more rustic touch, bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic dish that can be kept by the recipient.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the casserole with diced tomatoes, sour cream, or salsa for added flavor and moisture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use bacon or ham instead of sausage, or substitute the biscuits with croissants or English muffins for a different texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the casserole turns out too soggy, it may be due to undercooked hashbrowns or too much liquid in the gravy. For a too-dry casserole, check if the biscuits were overcooked or if not enough egg mixture was used.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground sausage, you can use ground beef or a vegetarian alternative. For dairy-free options, replace milk with a non-dairy milk and use vegan cheese.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. If the eggs aren’t set or the casserole doesn’t seem hot throughout, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, freeze, then thaw and bake when ready.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the biscuits used, this casserole may not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free biscuits or consider using gluten-free bread as a substitute.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled. Just ensure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage gravy, and fluffy biscuits, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comfort and joy of a homemade meal.