What’s the perfect comfort food to wake up to on a lazy Sunday morning? This biscuits and gravy hashbrown casserole is a homemade twist on a family favorite, made easy with quick prep and featuring crispy hashbrowns and savory sausage. Save this idea for a delicious weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.

Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe: Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole. This dish is a creative twist on traditional biscuits and gravy, elevated to a whole new level by incorporating crispy hashbrowns and a rich, meaty gravy. What makes this recipe truly special is its ease of preparation, using everyday ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry. The combination of flavors and textures is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for brunch, dinner, or even as a satisfying side dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this casserole is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this dish, from the savory gravy to the slightly sweet biscuits and the earthy hashbrowns, creates a culinary experience that is both familiar and exciting.
• The ease of preparation is a significant advantage, as it requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy days or special occasions.
• Despite its simplicity, the presentation of the Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is impressive, with its golden-brown top and hearty layers, sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this recipe lies in its key ingredients: biscuits, gravy, and hashbrowns. For the biscuits, you can use either homemade or store-bought varieties, depending on your preference and the time you have available. The gravy is made rich and flavorful with the use of sausage, all-purpose flour, and chicken broth. Hashbrowns, whether homemade from shredded potatoes or store-bought, add a delightful crunch to the dish. Additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, and cheese enhance the flavor profile, making each bite a satisfying experience. Practical substitutions can be made with the type of sausage or cheese used, allowing for personalization based on dietary preferences or what’s available in your local market.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your ingredients. Chop the onions and garlic, shred the potatoes for the hashbrowns if using fresh, and crumble the sausage.
2. Step 2: Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet to make the gravy.
3. Step 3: To make the gravy, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if necessary. Then add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent. Sprinkle flour over the onions and whisk to combine, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook until the gravy thickens, then add the cooked sausage back into the gravy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Prepare the hashbrowns according to your preference, either by cooking shredded potatoes in a pan with a bit of oil until they’re crispy and golden or by using pre-cooked hashbrowns. Meanwhile, cut the biscuits into quarters. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, create a layer of hashbrowns, followed by a layer of biscuits, and then pour some of the sausage gravy over the biscuits. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of gravy on top. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top layer of gravy. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy top on your hashbrowns, try soaking the shredded potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch.
• When making the gravy, whisk constantly when adding the flour and broth to prevent lumps from forming.
• Consider using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for varying flavor profiles.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial, especially when cooking the sausage and making the gravy. For the sausage, medium-high heat is ideal to achieve a nice brown color. When cooking the hashbrowns, medium heat helps to prevent burning while ensuring they become crispy. The oven temperature for baking the casserole should be at 400°F (200°C) to get a golden-brown top without overcooking the ingredients.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture, particularly the crunch of the hashbrowns, is key to the dish’s appeal. To ensure your hashbrowns are crispy, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking them, and make sure to dry the shredded potatoes well before cooking if you’re using fresh ones. The biscuits, when baked in the casserole, will retain some of their softness while absorbing the flavorful gravy, providing a nice contrast in textures.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of all-purpose and cornstarch for thickening the gravy if you prefer a clearer, more velvety texture.
• Prepare the components of the casserole ahead of time. For example, cook the sausage and make the gravy a day in advance, and store them in the refrigerator overnight.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before assembling the casserole.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Consider freezing the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re planning to give this casserole as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative baking dish covered with aluminum foil and wrapped in a towel for warmth. Include a card with reheating instructions and a personal message. For a more rustic presentation, use a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic dish, and add some garnishes like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Flavor Variations

• Experiment with different spices in the sausage, such as adding a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some dried herbs like thyme for an earthy flavor.
• Top the casserole with creative ingredients before baking, such as diced bell peppers, chopped bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
• Swap out the type of cheese used, opting for something like feta for a salty, tangy taste or goat cheese for a creamy, rich flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If your hashbrowns are too soggy, try squeezing out more moisture from the shredded potatoes before cooking or cooking them for a longer period to crisp them up.
• For gravy that’s too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry and then whisk it into the gravy.
• Watch the casserole closely while it’s baking to prevent the top from becoming too brown. If necessary, cover the dish with foil to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. After baking, let it cool, then cover and freeze.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described contains gluten in the form of all-purpose flour used in the gravy and possibly in the biscuits if they are not gluten-free. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative and using gluten-free biscuits.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and use a larger baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the casserole to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Conclusion

The Biscuits & Gravy Hashbrown Casserole is a masterpiece of comfort food, blending the classic flavors of biscuits and gravy with the satisfying crunch of hashbrowns. This recipe is not only delicious but also highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this wonderful dish with others.