If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that hits all the right notes of cheesy, savory, and utterly indulgent, the Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine fluffy, cheesy biscuits perched perfectly on top of rich, creamy sausage gravy—a combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This casserole blends the beloved flavors of Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits with classic Southern sausage gravy, turning a simple brunch or dinner into a crowd-pleasing feast that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this casserole truly shine, you’ll want to have a handful of essential and straightforward ingredients on hand. Each one plays a special role—from the juicy sausage that packs in flavor, to the creamy gravy that soaks into the tender biscuits on top, creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes that make this dish irresistible.
- 1½ lbs ground pork sausage: Provides a rich, savory base full of meaty goodness and delicious spices.
- 5 Tbsp butter: Adds luscious creaminess to the gravy and a buttery finish for the biscuits.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sausage gravy to a velvety consistency.
- 3 cups milk: Gives the gravy its creamy, smooth texture.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional): Delivers a subtle tangy depth that elevates the gravy’s flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a mild, savory garlic note throughout.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The star ingredient that guarantees soft, cheesy biscuits with that signature garlic butter kick.
- ¾ cup water: Used to mix the biscuit dough to the perfect consistency.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Boosts the cheesy flavor inside the biscuits.
- ¼ cup melted butter: For brushing on top of the biscuits, adding a golden, flavorful crust.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, setting you up for success from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Next, cook the ground pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until there’s no pink left. Draining the sausage removes excess grease to keep the gravy rich but not oily, helping maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sausage Gravy
Using the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the flour, cooking it for about one minute to form a roux. Then gradually whisk in the milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy gravy. Stir in the cooked sausage to soak the rich flavor into every bite.
Step 4: Pour and Bake the Gravy
Carefully pour the luscious sausage gravy into the prepared baking dish and bake it uncovered for 15 minutes. This step warms the mixture through and firms it slightly, giving you a solid, savory base for the biscuits to rest on.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuits
While the gravy is baking, mix the biscuit mix with water and shredded cheddar cheese according to the package directions. This addition of sharp cheddar makes the biscuits irresistibly cheesy and flavorful.
Step 6: Top the Gravy with Biscuits
Using a medium cookie scoop, evenly drop the biscuit dough over the hot sausage gravy. This layering technique ensures every biscuit will soak up a bit of the creamy sauce while retaining their soft, fluffy texture.
Step 7: Final Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole for another 15 to 18 minutes until those biscuits turn a gorgeous golden brown. While they bake, combine the melted butter with the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix, then brush this savory garlic butter over the hot biscuits once out of the oven. Don’t forget a sprinkle of dried parsley to add a fresh pop of color and flavor!
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your casserole presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the top. Their mild oniony bite brightens each spoonful and adds a fresh contrast to the rich gravy and cheesy biscuits, making the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple, crisp sides to balance the richness. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts will complement the creamy textures beautifully, giving your meal a well-rounded feel.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins, perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy dinners. You can also garnish with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for guests who like a little extra kick or creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze it before the final biscuit topping bake, tightly wrapped, so you can easily pop it into the oven when you’re ready for a fuss-free comfort meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through and the biscuits regain some of their fresh-baked texture. Avoid microwaving, which may make the biscuits soggy and the gravy separate.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will work well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful it might be a little milder, so consider upping the seasoning to keep the flavor punchy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or even cooked vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian twist.
Can I make the biscuits from scratch instead of using a mix?
Definitely. Homemade biscuits work beautifully too, especially if you enjoy customizing the cheese and herbs. Just keep in mind baking times may vary slightly.
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce can add a similar depth of flavor to the gravy. It’s all about layering tastes to your preference.
How spicy is this casserole?
This dish is generally mild, showcasing savory and cheesy flavors rather than heat. However, the sausage choice can add a touch of spice—opt for mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe is a true classic with a delightful twist that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of creamy sausage gravy and fluffy, cheesy biscuits is pure comfort food bliss that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Go ahead and try it soon—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a comforting Southern-inspired dish combining savory sausage gravy topped with fluffy, flavorful cheddar bay biscuits. This hearty casserole offers a delicious twist on classic biscuits and gravy by layering the sausage gravy in a baking dish and topping it with cheesy biscuit dough baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for brunch, family dinners, or potlucks and serves 8 generously.
Ingredients
Sausage Gravy
- 1½ lbs ground pork sausage
- 5 Tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Biscuit Topping
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Seasoning packet from the biscuit mix
- Dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork sausage until it is browned and crumbly, with no pink remaining. Remove from heat and drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook constantly for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked sausage.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Pour the sausage gravy mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Spread it out evenly.
- Initial Bake: Bake the gravy layer uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This sets the base before adding the biscuit topping.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: While the gravy is baking, prepare the biscuit dough according to package directions by mixing the cheddar bay biscuit mix with ¾ cup water and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop biscuit dough evenly over the baked sausage gravy in the casserole dish, covering the surface.
- Bake Until Golden: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Finish: Combine the ¼ cup melted butter with the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. Brush this garlic butter generously over the hot biscuits and sprinkle with dried parsley for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Try not to overcrowd the biscuit topping; leaving small gaps allows even cooking and a nice golden crust.
- For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the gravy.
- If you prefer a leaner version, substitute ground turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a microwave or oven.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
