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This biscuit and gravy hashbrown casserole combines all your favorite breakfast components into one magnificent dish. The flaky biscuits sitting atop a bed of savory sausage gravy, crispy hashbrowns, and melty cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
I first made this casserole when hosting a holiday brunch for my extended family. The way everyone went back for seconds (and thirds!) confirmed it would become a tradition. Now it's my go-to whenever we have overnight guests.
Ingredients
- Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk Biscuits: provides the perfect fluffy topping that browns beautifully in the oven
- Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Sausage: offers consistent flavor without the need to add extra seasonings
- Ore-Ida Shredded Hash Browns: create a crispy foundation and can go straight from freezer to baking dish
- McCormick Sausage Flavor Gravy Mix: eliminates the guesswork of making gravy from scratch while delivering rich flavor
- Milk: thins the gravy to the perfect consistency and adds creaminess
- Shredded cheddar cheese: forms an irresistible golden layer that binds everything together
- Salt: enhances all the flavors without making the dish too salty
- Black pepper: adds a subtle heat that balances the richness
- Garlic powder: gives depth to the savory profile without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Dish:
- Turn your oven to 375°F and take a moment to thoroughly grease your 9x13 baking dish. I find cooking spray works perfectly here, but butter works too if you prefer. Make sure to get the corners where casserole tends to stick.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Break the Jimmy Dean sausage into small chunks in a skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. You want even, small pieces rather than large chunks for the best texture. Cook until no pink remains, usually about 7 minutes. Drain the excess grease through a colander or by tilting the pan and spooning it out.
- Layer the Base:
- Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. No need to thaw them first—the moisture they release will help them cook properly. Next, distribute the cooked sausage in an even layer over the hashbrowns.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the gravy packet with cold milk until completely smooth with no lumps. The cold milk is important here—doing this with warm milk can create lumps. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and hashbrowns, making sure to cover all areas.
- Add Cheese and Biscuits:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top of the gravy layer. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange these pieces evenly across the top of the casserole, leaving small gaps between them to allow them room to expand.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on the biscuits during the last few minutes. They should be golden brown on top and cooked through, not doughy in the center.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the gravy set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.
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The McCormick gravy packet is my secret weapon in this recipe. While I generally prefer making things from scratch, this particular product delivers consistent results every time. My grandmother who made gravy from scratch her entire life even gave this shortcut her approval when I served it at our family reunion!
Make-Ahead Options
This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble everything except the biscuits up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, cut and add the biscuits to the top, then bake as directed, adding about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with a cold casserole.
Customization Ideas
The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily make it your own. Try using hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and onions to the hashbrown layer for extra vegetables and flavor. For those who love cheese, try mixing in some pepper jack with the cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions
This casserole stands perfectly well on its own, but if you’re serving it for brunch, consider pairing it with a light fruit salad to balance the richness. A simple green salad with vinaigrette also makes a nice accompaniment if you’re serving this for dinner. For beverages, coffee and orange juice are classic breakfast pairings, while a light beer or Bloody Mary turns this into perfect hangover food for a weekend brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuits. Just prepare them separately and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- → What type of sausage works best?
Pork sausage is ideal for its rich flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a lighter version.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh before serving.
- → Are there any vegetarian options?
To make it vegetarian, use meatless sausage and a vegetarian gravy mix.
- → What can I serve alongside it?
Pair it with a fresh green salad or fruit salad to complement the hearty casserole.