Name: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tube (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough; 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup sausage gravy (store-bought or homemade); 2 large eggs; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Introduction to Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza

The Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza combines two of America’s most beloved comfort foods: biscuits with sausage gravy and pizza. To understand how this hearty dish came to be, it's helpful to explore the origins of each element.

Biscuits, especially in Southern American cuisine, have been a staple since the 19th century. Traditionally, these flaky, soft breads were served alongside meals to soak up sauces and gravies. Sausage gravy, another Southern classic, originated as a simple yet flavorful breakfast for workers, combining pan-drippings from sausage with milk and flour to create a rich, savory topping.

Pizza, on the other hand, is an Italian creation that has spread worldwide and evolved into numerous variations. When combined with the soul-warming flavors of biscuits and sausage gravy, this dish creates a satisfying fusion of breakfast and pizza that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

How the Combination Creates a Unique Breakfast Dish

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a perfect example of culinary innovation, bringing together the elements of traditional breakfast fare with the convenience of pizza. By using biscuits as the pizza "crust" and replacing the typical tomato sauce with creamy sausage gravy, this dish transforms into a savory breakfast experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.

This unique breakfast pizza offers the perfect balance of flavors: the tender biscuits provide a buttery base, the sausage gravy adds rich, savory depth, and toppings like cheese, scrambled eggs, or even vegetables make it a versatile meal. For those interested in making the perfect biscuits from scratch, here's a great guide on best homemade biscuits recipes.

Why This Recipe is Popular

Appeal of Combining Comfort Foods: Breakfast staples like biscuits, sausage gravy, and pizza are beloved for their heartiness. When combined, they create a dish that’s filling, satisfying, and ideal for starting the day with something indulgent.
Versatility and Ease of Preparation: One of the reasons this dish has gained popularity is because it’s easy to customize. You can adapt it based on dietary preferences (e.g., swapping pork sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives). This makes it a go-to option for families, brunch gatherings, or even a fun weekend treat. For those who prefer making their gravy from scratch, this helpful guide on how to make sausage gravy provides a simple, step-by-step method.

In summary, the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza offers a mouthwatering combination of Southern comfort foods with the convenience of pizza, making it an irresistible choice for breakfast lovers.

Assembling the Breakfast Pizza

Now that your biscuits and gravy are ready, it’s time to assemble the breakfast pizza.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the biscuit base: If you made homemade biscuits, allow them to cool slightly. Split the biscuits in half horizontally and place them on a lightly greased pizza pan or baking sheet, creating a solid base. If you’re using store-bought biscuits, follow the same procedure.
Spread the sausage gravy: Generously spoon the sausage gravy over the biscuit base, covering the entire surface.
Add toppings: Now’s the time to get creative. Add shredded cheese, scrambled eggs, or vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers for added flavor.
Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a great dish to serve for brunch or a weekend breakfast with family and friends. The warm, hearty nature of the dish pairs well with a variety of drinks:

Coffee: A rich, dark roast can balance out the creaminess of the gravy.
Orange juice: The citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the pizza.
Iced tea or milk: For a classic Southern touch, serve with sweet iced tea or a cold glass of milk.

Variations and Customizations

While Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is already a versatile dish, there are many ways to customize it to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Below are some variations you can try to make this recipe even more unique and inclusive.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you’re catering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are simple substitutes that maintain the flavor and heartiness of this dish:

Plant-based sausage: Swap the traditional pork or turkey sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles. There are several options available, such as soy-based or pea-protein sausages, that replicate the texture and taste of meat while being entirely vegetarian or vegan.
Dairy-free gravy: For the gravy, replace dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. You can thicken the gravy using olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. This substitution will give you a creamy, rich gravy without the use of animal products. For more information on plant-based alternatives, check out healthy breakfast ideas.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to make a healthier version of Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza, consider these options:

Whole wheat biscuits: Replace the regular all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make the biscuit base. Whole wheat biscuits are more nutritious and provide more fiber while still being delicious and flaky.
Lean sausage options: Opt for turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Lower-fat gravy: Use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk in the gravy. Alternatively, for a heart-healthier option, you can use unsweetened almond milk or another low-fat milk substitute to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

These healthier modifications make the pizza lighter without compromising on the comforting elements of the recipe.

Creative Toppings Ideas

Another fun way to enhance Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is by adding creative toppings inspired by different regional cuisines:

Tex-Mex style: Add black beans, salsa, and avocado for a Tex-Mex twist. You can also sprinkle some shredded Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
Mediterranean touch: Incorporate toppings like feta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
Sweet and savory combos: For a sweet and savory combination, consider drizzling a bit of maple syrup over crispy bacon or sausage. This pairing brings a delightful contrast of flavors that works perfectly for breakfast.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza can help you make informed choices about serving sizes and modifications.

Caloric Breakdown

The average serving of Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza (one slice) typically contains about 350-450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This includes calories from the biscuit base, sausage gravy, and any toppings like cheese or eggs.

Macronutrient Composition

Here’s an estimated breakdown of macronutrients per serving:

Fat: 25-30 grams (depending on the type of sausage and gravy ingredients)
Protein: 12-15 grams (from the sausage and dairy)
Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams (mainly from the biscuit dough)

For a lighter option, consider using leaner sausage or swapping regular biscuits for low-carb alternatives like cauliflower crust.

Possible Dietary Restrictions

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the biscuits and ensure any pre-made sausage is gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Opt for almond or soy milk in the gravy and plant-based butter instead of dairy.
Low-carb: Substitute the biscuit base with a low-carb alternative like cauliflower crust to significantly reduce carbohydrate intake.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Breakfast Pizza

Achieving the perfect Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza requires a few key techniques:

Getting the Right Crust Texture

To ensure your biscuit base is crispy on the outside yet soft inside:

Pre-bake the biscuits slightly before adding the gravy to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Use a cast-iron skillet or a pizza stone to promote even baking and a crisp crust.

Balancing the Gravy

To prevent the gravy from being too thick or too thin:

If the gravy is too thick, add small amounts of milk until it reaches a creamy consistency.
If it’s too thin, cook it longer to reduce the liquid, or add more flour to thicken.

FAQs

Can I Use Store-Bought Sausage Gravy?

Pros: Saves time, convenient for quick meals.
Cons: May lack the flavor and texture of homemade gravy, often high in sodium.

What Type of Sausage Should I Use?

Pork sausage: Traditional and flavorful.
Turkey sausage: Lower in fat and calories.
Plant-based sausage: Great for vegetarians and vegans.

How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Prepare the biscuits and sausage gravy separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Reheat the gravy and assemble the pizza just before serving.

Can I Freeze Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Pizza?

Freeze the assembled pizza in individual portions.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Conclusion

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza is a versatile and comforting dish, combining classic breakfast flavors in a fun, pizza format. It’s easily customizable with various toppings and dietary adaptations, making it perfect for any crowd. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own favorite flavors and personal touches to make this dish uniquely yours!