Flaky, Buttery Biscuits Filled with Savory Sausage for a Classic Southern Breakfast or Comforting Anytime Snack
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a batch of homemade Southern Sausage Biscuits. Flaky, tender biscuits are packed with savory breakfast sausage, creating a hearty and satisfying bite that’s perfect with a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
These biscuits are easy to prepare, wonderfully filling, and ideal for busy mornings, weekend breakfasts, brunches, or make-ahead meals. Serve them warm with butter, sausage gravy, eggs, or your favorite breakfast sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and tender homemade biscuits
- Savory breakfast sausage
- Hearty and satisfying
- Perfect Southern-style comfort food
- Great for breakfast or brunch
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Delicious served warm
- Perfect with sausage gravy
- Family-friendly
Ingredients
For the Sausage Biscuits
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, optional
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Freshly cracked black pepper, optional
- Fresh parsley or chives, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breakfast sausage and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
A few small pieces of butter should remain visible.
These pockets of butter help create flaky biscuits.
Step 5: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture.
Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough begins to form.
Don’t overmix.
The dough should look slightly shaggy rather than perfectly smooth.
Step 6: Add the Sausage
Add the cooked sausage to the dough.
If using cheddar cheese, add it at this stage as well.
Fold gently until the sausage is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Form the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface.
Turn the dough onto the surface.
Gently pat it into a rectangle approximately ¾-inch thick.
Avoid excessive kneading because overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough.
Step 8: Fold the Dough
Fold the dough in half, then gently press it down again.
Repeat this process 2–3 times.
This creates additional flaky layers.
Step 9: Cut the Biscuits
Pat the dough to approximately ¾–1 inch thick.
Use a floured biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
Press the cutter straight down rather than twisting it, which helps the biscuits rise properly.
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10: Add the Butter
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter.
If desired, sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper over the tops.
Step 11: Bake
Place the biscuits in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Step 12: Finish and Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven.
Brush the tops with a little additional melted butter while they’re still warm.
Allow them to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite breakfast sides.
Tips for the Best Southern Sausage Biscuits
Keep the butter cold
Cold butter creates little pockets of steam as the biscuits bake, resulting in a lighter and flakier texture.
Use cold buttermilk
Cold liquid helps keep the butter from melting before the biscuits reach the oven.
Don’t overwork the dough
Mix and fold the dough just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can make the biscuits dense.
Don’t twist the cutter
Press the biscuit cutter straight down and lift it straight up. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
Don’t overcook the sausage
Cook the sausage until done, then drain it well. Excess grease can make the biscuit dough heavy.
Bake immediately
Once the dough is prepared, get the biscuits into the hot oven quickly for the best rise.
Delicious Variations
Sausage and Cheddar Biscuits
Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy version.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Biscuits
Add finely diced jalapeños and cheddar cheese for a spicy breakfast treat.
Sausage and Pepper Biscuits
Add finely diced cooked bell peppers and onions to the sausage mixture.
Herb Sausage Biscuits
Add fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic flavor.
Bacon Sausage Biscuits
Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon along with the sausage.
Country Gravy Biscuits
Split the warm biscuits and generously spoon homemade sausage gravy over the top.
Maple Sausage Biscuits
Add a small amount of maple syrup to the dough or serve the warm biscuits with maple butter.
What to Serve With Southern Sausage Biscuits
These biscuits are delicious with:
- Sausage gravy
- Scrambled eggs
- Fried eggs
- Crispy bacon
- Hash browns
- Breakfast potatoes
- Country ham
- Fresh fruit
- Grits
- Butter
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Jam
For a classic Southern breakfast, serve them with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes, and warm sausage gravy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time.
Shape and cut the biscuits, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
You can also cook the sausage ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to prepare the dough.
Freezing Instructions
These biscuits freeze very well.
Arrange unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C), adding approximately 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
Storage
Store leftover baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 5–8 minutes.
You can also reheat individual biscuits in the microwave, although the oven will better preserve their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage is best for sausage biscuits?
A mild or hot breakfast sausage works beautifully. Choose your favorite pork breakfast sausage depending on how much spice you prefer.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes. Turkey sausage can be substituted for pork sausage, although the biscuits may have a slightly lighter flavor.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, although buttermilk gives the biscuits a particularly tender texture and slight tang. You can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Why are my biscuits tough?
Overmixing or adding too much flour can make biscuits tough. Handle the dough gently and avoid kneading it excessively.
Can I make these without cheese?
Absolutely. The cheese is optional and the biscuits are delicious with just the sausage.
Can I use leftover cooked sausage?
Yes. Crumble leftover cooked breakfast sausage into small pieces before adding it to the biscuit dough.
How do I make taller biscuits?
Use cold ingredients, avoid overworking the dough, and press the dough to at least ¾ inch thick before cutting.
Can I serve these with gravy?
Absolutely. Warm Southern Sausage Biscuits are delicious split open and topped with creamy country sausage gravy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Southern Sausage Biscuits are perfect for:
- Weekend breakfasts
- Family brunches
- Holiday breakfasts
- Christmas morning
- Thanksgiving morning
- Potlucks
- Breakfast meal prep
- Packed lunches
- Road trips
- Afternoon snacks
They’re especially convenient for busy mornings because they can be prepared ahead and reheated when needed.
Final Thoughts
Southern Sausage Biscuits combine everything you want in a comforting homemade breakfast: flaky, buttery biscuits and savory sausage in every bite.
Serve them warm with butter, eggs, country gravy, or a little honey for a delicious Southern-inspired meal. Make a batch on the weekend, freeze the extras, and you’ll always have a hearty homemade breakfast ready to enjoy.
