Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the Crust: Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish or skillet. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Par-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Gravy Filling
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Do not drain the fat.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is absorbed and slightly browned.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the sausage gravy into the par-baked biscuit crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Topping
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Top the Pie: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit topping over the sausage gravy, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: If desired, garnish the pie with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve: Slice and serve the pie hot, with a side of your favorite breakfast or brunch items.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie
Choosing the Right Sausage
- Flavor: Use a breakfast sausage that you enjoy, whether it’s mild, spicy, or flavored with sage. The sausage flavor will significantly impact the overall taste of the pie.
- Quality: Opt for high-quality sausage with a good fat content to ensure a rich and flavorful gravy.
Perfecting the Biscuit Dough
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour. This helps to create a flaky, tender biscuit texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid tough biscuits.
Gravy Consistency
- Thickening: If the gravy is too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Seasoning: Taste the gravy before assembling the pie and adjust the seasoning as needed.
The Story Behind the Dish
Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie is inspired by the classic Southern breakfast of biscuits and gravy. This dish takes those comforting elements and transforms them into a hearty pie that’s perfect for any meal of the day. It’s a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
A Southern Tradition
Biscuits and gravy have been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations, often served as a hearty breakfast to start the day. This pie version takes that tradition and adds a bit of modern flair, making it a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Ideas
Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a cup of coffee for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.
- Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner.
- Holiday Brunch: This pie is perfect for holiday brunches or special occasions, offering a comforting and hearty option that everyone will love.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement the rich flavors of this pie, consider pairing it with:
- Beverages: A cup of hot coffee, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, or a mimosa pairs beautifully with this dish.
- Sides: Serve with fresh fruit, a green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the pie.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing in Advance
You can prepare the biscuit crust and the sausage gravy filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake the pie. This makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Sausage, Gravy, and Biscuit Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of a classic Southern breakfast into a single, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this comforting and delicious dish, and savor every bite of its rich, savory goodness.