Biscuits Gravy Hashbrown Dish

This ultimate breakfast casserole combines three morning favorites into one delicious dish. The flaky buttermilk biscuits, savory sausage gravy, and crispy hash browns create the perfect comfort food for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. The layers of flavor and texture make this a crowd pleaser every time.

I first made this casserole when hosting my in laws for Christmas morning. With everyone opening presents and the house buzzing with activity, I needed something substantial but easy. This dish became an instant tradition and now appears at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk Biscuits: Provide the perfect flaky topping that turns golden brown in the oven. Always check the expiration date for maximum freshness.
• Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Sausage: Offers consistent flavor and the perfect fat content for the gravy base. The premium version has the best texture and taste.
• Ore Ida Shredded Hash Browns: Create the crispy foundation. Keep these frozen until ready to use for the best texture.
• McCormick Sausage Flavor Gravy Mix: Ensures foolproof gravy every time with perfect seasoning. This time saver delivers restaurant quality results.
• Milk: Transforms the gravy mix into creamy goodness. Whole milk works best for richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that melty goodness that binds everything together. Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. I prefer kosher salt for its clean taste.
• Black pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice. Freshly ground makes a difference.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without overwhelming. A little goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F. This temperature ensures the biscuits brown properly while allowing everything underneath to cook thoroughly. Grease your 9x13 baking dish generously, making sure to get the corners where sticking is most likely to occur.

Cook the Sausage:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat until you can feel warmth hovering over the surface. Add the Jimmy Dean sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 7 minutes until no pink remains and the edges have begun to crisp slightly. Drain the excess grease using a colander or by tilting the pan and spooning it out.

Layer the Base:

Take your frozen hash browns and spread them in an even layer across the bottom of your greased baking dish. No need to thaw them first. Press them down slightly to create a firm base. Next, distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns, ensuring every bite will have some meaty flavor.

Prepare the Gravy:

In a medium bowl, whisk the McCormick gravy mix and milk together until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Start with brisk whisking, then slow down as it combines. The mixture should be relatively thin at this stage as it will thicken during baking. Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layers, allowing it to seep down into the crevices.

Add Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer across the entire dish. Make sure to distribute it right to the edges for that perfect cheesy pull in every serving.

Top with Biscuits:

Open your can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. I find a pizza cutter works perfectly for this task. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly across the top of the casserole, leaving tiny gaps between them to allow steam to escape and for the biscuits to expand.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the casserole in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the biscuits have risen dramatically and turned a beautiful golden brown on top. The cheese should be completely melted and slightly bubbling around the edges. Allow the casserole to rest for a full 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set.

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The McCormick gravy packet is truly the secret star of this recipe. I once tried making this with homemade gravy and while delicious, the convenience and consistent results from the packet made me switch back. My favorite memory with this dish was when my teenage son learned to make it himself and surprised me with it on Mother's Day. Nothing beats teaching kids to cook family favorites.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole shines as a make ahead option for busy mornings. Prepare everything up to the biscuit topping the night before. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, add the biscuit pieces, and bake as directed. You may need to add 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be starting cold. This approach makes holiday mornings completely stress free.

Smart Substitutions

For a lighter version, turkey sausage works beautifully in place of pork sausage. The flavor profile changes slightly but remains delicious. Reduced fat cheese can also be substituted, though it won't melt quite as smoothly. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with a plant based alternative and use vegetable gravy mix. The texture and flavor will be different but still satisfying for those avoiding meat.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side to balance the richness. A simple berry medley or citrus segments work particularly well. For an extra special brunch, serve alongside mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary. If serving for dinner, a simple green salad with vinaigrette creates the perfect contrast to the rich, savory casserole.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the biscuits, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the biscuits just before baking, and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes since you'll be starting with cold ingredients.

→ Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can prepare your favorite biscuit dough and place it on top of the casserole before baking. Just ensure the biscuits are properly cooked through before serving.

→ What can I substitute for pork sausage?

Turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian version, you could use a plant-based sausage substitute or add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the biscuits on top are golden brown and fully cooked through, and the cheese is melted. You can insert a knife into a biscuit to ensure it's no longer doughy inside.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, portion into individual servings before freezing. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs well with fresh fruit, a light green salad, or some yogurt with honey for a complete meal.