Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Introduction

Biscuits & Gravy Bake is a comforting, savory dish that combines the warm, flaky goodness of biscuits with a rich, creamy gravy. It’s a hearty meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, offering the ultimate indulgence for those who enjoy hearty, satisfying flavors. This dish is ideal for serving a crowd, as it’s easy to prepare, feeds many, and delivers on flavor. The best part? You can enjoy this dish with a Halal twist—without pork, bacon, or any wine or alcohol.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a filling meal, or looking for an exciting way to serve a classic, Biscuits & Gravy Bake is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. With layers of fluffy biscuits, savory sausage gravy, and a topping of melted cheese, this dish brings together the comforting tastes of Southern cooking with an updated, simple approach.

Perfect for:

• Family brunches
• Weekend breakfasts
• Special occasions
• Holiday mornings
• Hearty comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Here’s why Biscuits & Gravy Bake is sure to become your go-to dish:

• Comforting & Hearty: This dish is packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients like biscuits and creamy gravy, making it a filling meal for any time of the day.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have this delicious bake ready in no time.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or extra toppings like cheese or vegetables to make the dish your own.
• Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is ideal for serving a large group or feeding a family, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
• Halal-Friendly: No pork, bacon, or alcohol are used in the gravy, ensuring it’s suitable for those with Halal dietary restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

To make this indulgent Biscuits & Gravy Bake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Gravy:

• 1 lb Halal ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative if needed)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative if needed)
• 1 egg, for egg wash (optional)

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese of your choice)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Halal Ground Beef: You can use Halal-certified ground beef to ensure the dish aligns with Halal dietary guidelines. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
• Biscuits: The homemade biscuits are soft and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy sausage gravy.
• Cheese: A cheesy topping adds richness to the dish, creating a gooey, delicious finish that enhances the flavors of the gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Biscuits & Gravy Bake:

Prepare the Biscuits:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tough biscuits.
5. Form the Biscuits: On a floured surface, turn out the dough and gently knead it a few times. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick, then use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds.
6. Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the biscuit rounds in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. If desired, brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Make the Gravy:

7. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Halal beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. If there is excess fat, drain it.
8. Make the Roux: Add the butter to the pan with the meat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly golden.
9. Add Milk & Spices: Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. If it gets too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once the gravy is thickened and flavorful, remove it from the heat.

Assemble the Biscuits & Gravy Bake:

11. Layer the Gravy & Biscuits: Pour the gravy over the arranged biscuits, ensuring the biscuits are covered with the gravy. If you have any leftover gravy, you can save it for serving later.
12. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the biscuits and gravy.
13. Bake the Dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Cool & Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of color.

How to Serve Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Biscuits & Gravy Bake is a rich and filling dish that can be served in several ways:

• With a Side of Fruit: Serve this savory bake with fresh fruit like sliced oranges, berries, or melon to balance the richness of the dish.
• With Scrambled Eggs: Add a side of scrambled eggs for extra protein and a well-rounded meal.
• For Brunch: Pair this dish with a refreshing drink like fresh-squeezed orange juice or a light tea for a delightful brunch experience.
• As a Hearty Dinner: This dish can also make a great dinner, served with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
• For Special Occasions: Biscuits & Gravy Bake makes an excellent choice for a holiday breakfast or family gathering.

Additional Tips for Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Here are some additional tips to make your Biscuits & Gravy Bake even better:

• Make the Gravy Ahead: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can make the gravy the night before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before assembling the bake.
• Use Fresh Biscuits: Freshly baked biscuits give this dish the perfect texture. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough, but homemade biscuits will yield the best results.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the gravy before baking and adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can add a little kick to the dish.
• Freezing Leftovers: You can freeze any leftover Biscuits & Gravy Bake for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe Variations of Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Here are some variations of Biscuits & Gravy Bake that you can try:

• Vegetarian Biscuits & Gravy Bake: Swap out the meat for a plant-based sausage or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Cheesy Biscuits & Gravy Bake: For extra richness, add shredded cheese to the biscuit dough before baking, or use a blend of cheeses in the gravy.
• Spicy Biscuits & Gravy Bake: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy to give the dish a spicy twist.
• Herb-Infused Biscuits: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the biscuit dough for a fragrant touch.
• Chicken & Gravy Bake: Substitute ground Halal chicken for the beef in the gravy for a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative.

Freezing and Storage for Biscuits & Gravy Bake

• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftover Biscuits & Gravy Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Special Equipment for Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Here are some items you might need to make Biscuits & Gravy Bake:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size for baking the biscuits and gravy together.
• Skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking the gravy and ground meat.
• Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter helps incorporate the cold butter into the biscuit dough without warming it up too much.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your biscuits and gravy come out perfectly.
• Grater: A cheese grater will come in handy for shredding cheese for the topping.

FAQ Section about Biscuits & Gravy Bake

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the gravy?
   Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage to make the gravy.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
3. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.
5. Can I use store-bought biscuits instead of making them from scratch?
   Yes, you can use store-bought biscuit dough if you’re short on time, but homemade biscuits will provide the best flavor and texture.

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Conclusion of Biscuits & Gravy Bake

Biscuits & Gravy Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together warm, flaky biscuits and a rich, creamy gravy for a dish that’s hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast or hosting a brunch gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, customizable, and completely Halal-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it. Give this Biscuits & Gravy Bake recipe a try, and it might just become your new favorite way to start the day!