There’s something magical about Southern Sausage Biscuits — buttery, golden biscuits hugging a juicy breakfast sausage patty, sometimes with a slice of cheese melting in between. This classic Southern breakfast captures the best kind of comfort: simple ingredients, homestyle flavor, and that irresistible aroma of freshly baked biscuits wafting through your kitchen.
I still remember the first time I made these on a chilly weekend morning — the house smelled of butter and sizzling sausage, and everyone wandered into the kitchen asking what was cooking. Within minutes, the biscuits were puffing up beautifully in the oven, and I knew this would become a breakfast tradition.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a lazy Sunday, packing up a quick weekday breakfast, or hosting brunch with friends, these Southern Sausage Biscuits deliver cozy comfort in every bite. They’re flaky on the outside, tender inside, and filled with that satisfying, savory sausage goodness that makes mornings feel a little warmer and happier.
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s make a Southern classic that never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a good reason Southern Sausage Biscuits have earned a permanent spot at breakfast tables across the South (and beyond). They strike the perfect balance between hearty, buttery, and down-home delicious. This recipe doesn’t ask for fancy tools or secret tricks—just a few reliable steps and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Each bite combines a tender, flaky biscuit with a juicy, well-seasoned sausage patty. Add melty cheese, and you’ve got something downright irresistible. Plus, these biscuits are versatile—you can enjoy them plain, customize the fillings, or even freeze extras for busy mornings.
Let’s break down why you’ll fall in love with them:
Rich and Satisfying Texture
The biscuits bake up light and buttery, with crisp golden tops and soft, layered centers that almost melt in your mouth. Paired with savory sausage, the texture contrast—flaky meets juicy—is pure breakfast bliss.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients
No complicated shopping list here! With pantry staples like flour, baking powder, butter, buttermilk, and breakfast sausage, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Easy to Prepare
Even if you’ve never made biscuits from scratch, you’ll be amazed at how simple the process is. The dough comes together in minutes, and the step-by-step instructions make it nearly foolproof. If you can stir and cut dough, you can make these biscuits.
Customizable to Your Taste
Want extra flavor? Add shredded cheddar to the dough, use spicy sausage, or drizzle a little honey for sweet-savory magic. You can make them mini for parties or big and hearty for a grab-and-go meal. Once you’ve made them once, you’ll find endless ways to make them your own.
Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather your ingredients so everything’s ready to go. These are humble, everyday staples that create something truly special when brought together.
Full List of Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
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2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your biscuit, providing structure and body.
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1 tablespoon baking powder – Gives the biscuits their beautiful rise and fluffiness.
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½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the buttermilk activate for extra lift.
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1 teaspoon salt – Balances the butter’s richness and enhances the overall flavor.
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6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed – Cold butter is key; it creates those signature flaky layers.
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¾ cup cold buttermilk – Adds tang, tenderness, and moisture, reacting perfectly with baking soda.
For the Sausage & Assembly:
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1 lb breakfast sausage (pork) – The heart of this recipe; savory, juicy, and full of flavor. Form into patties just a little wider than your biscuits.
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Sliced cheddar or American cheese (optional) – For a creamy, melty touch that turns your sandwich into a true indulgence.
Tip: Keep your butter and buttermilk as cold as possible—it’s the secret to tall, flaky biscuits that practically pull apart in layers.
How to Make Southern Sausage Biscuits
Now let’s walk through how to make your Southern Sausage Biscuits step by step—grab your apron, because things are about to smell amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3️⃣ Cut in the butter.
Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until you have coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
💡 Pro tip: Those small butter bits are what make your biscuits rise high and stay flaky.
4️⃣ Add the buttermilk.
Pour in the cold buttermilk all at once. Stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.
⚠️ Don’t over-mix! Overworking the dough can make biscuits tough instead of tender.
5️⃣ Shape the dough.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the dough over onto itself two or three times—this layering trick gives you that classic biscuit texture—then pat it out again to about 1 inch thick.
6️⃣ Cut the biscuits.
Use a floured biscuit cutter to cut straight down (never twist!) to make clean edges that rise evenly. Place the rounds on your prepared baking sheet.
💬 Want soft sides? Place them touching. Prefer crusty edges? Give them space.
7️⃣ Bake the biscuits.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and beautifully risen. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
8️⃣ Cook the sausage.
While the biscuits bake, divide your sausage into six patties slightly larger than the biscuits. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
9️⃣ Assemble your biscuits.
Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, carefully split them in half. Place a sausage patty inside each, add a slice of cheese if desired (it’ll melt from the warmth), and top with the other biscuit half. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and fragrant.
What to Serve with This Recipe
These Southern Sausage Biscuits shine beautifully all on their own — buttery, flaky, and packed with flavor. But if you’d like to turn them into a full breakfast or brunch spread, there are plenty of delicious ways to round out your table. Think of these ideas as little invitations to elevate your morning from simple to special.
Whether you’re setting up a cozy family breakfast, a relaxed weekend brunch, or a breakfast-for-dinner situation, these pairings will make your meal feel complete, balanced, and a little indulgent.
Suggested Pairings
Drinks:
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A strong, freshly brewed cup of coffee to complement the biscuit’s buttery flavor.
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A glass of cold milk for a refreshing and nostalgic breakfast pairing.
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Iced tea or sweet tea if you’re serving these biscuits at brunch — a true Southern touch.
Side Dishes:
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Crisp hash browns or golden skillet potatoes — because what’s breakfast without a little crunch?
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A bright fresh fruit salad (strawberries, melon, blueberries) adds a juicy contrast to the sausage’s richness.
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Sweet potato fries make a creative and hearty side that complements the savory flavors.
Add-Ons:
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Add a fried or scrambled egg for a complete breakfast sandwich — a crowd favorite.
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A small side of pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love a little morning heat.
For Brunch:
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Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the buttery biscuits with freshness.
Extra Treat:
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Try a drizzle of maple syrup or cane syrup over your sausage biscuit for that classic sweet-and-savory Southern combo. It’s unexpected, but absolutely irresistible.
🧡 Tip: For a brunch board, serve your biscuits with jams, honey butter, and a variety of cheeses — guests can build their own creations!
Variations and Substitutions
Want to make this recipe your own, or adjust it for different preferences? The beauty of Southern Sausage Biscuits is that they’re endlessly adaptable. You can tweak them to suit dietary needs, flavor cravings, or even what you’ve got on hand in the fridge.
Here are a few easy (and delicious) ways to personalize your biscuits:
Nut-Free Option
The good news — this recipe is naturally nut-free! Just double-check your ingredient labels (especially for sausage and cheese) to make sure there’s no cross-contamination.
If you’re also avoiding dairy, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, though the texture may be slightly different. The biscuits will still be tender and satisfying.
Extra Cheese or Flavor Boost
If you’re a cheese lover, this one’s for you! Add ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar right into the biscuit dough for extra richness. You can also swap the sausage patty’s cheese slice for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a new twist.
Want more depth? Stir chopped chives, green onions, or a pinch of smoked paprika into your sausage mix. That hint of spice makes every bite pop with flavor.
💡 Inspired by: Big Delicious Life — where savory biscuits get a cheesy upgrade!
Gluten-Free Option
To make your biscuits gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free as well.
Handle the dough gently and avoid over-mixing — gluten-free doughs can become crumbly if overworked. Expect a slightly different texture, but the buttery flavor will remain just as delicious.
Storage Instructions
Made a few extra biscuits? (Smart move — they disappear fast!) Here’s how to keep your Southern Sausage Biscuits tasting fresh, flaky, and full of that homemade goodness.
Whether you want to save leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast or freeze a batch for quick grab-and-go meals, these storage tips will help you keep that freshly baked magic alive.
Room Temperature Storage
Allow your biscuits to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If they start to soften, pop them back in the oven for 2–3 minutes at 350 °F to refresh that crisp exterior and warm center.
Refrigeration Tips
If you plan to enjoy them within 2–3 days, wrap each biscuit in foil or store in an airtight bag. Keep sausage patties separate for best texture. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the biscuits in the oven (350 °F for 5–7 minutes) or microwave briefly, then assemble with sausage and cheese.
💬 Tip: For softer reheated biscuits, brush them with melted butter before warming.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze your biscuits and sausage separately once they’re completely cool. Wrap individually or in pairs, place in freezer bags, and store up to 2–3 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm directly from frozen in a 300 °F oven until heated through. Assemble, add cheese, and enjoy a ready-to-go homemade breakfast anytime.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze unbaked biscuit rounds and bake them fresh when needed — perfect for weekend brunches or busy mornings!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Here are a handful of pro tips that will take your Southern Sausage Biscuits from good to truly great. These little details make all the difference between biscuits that are simply tasty and ones that are bakery-worthy.
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Use very cold butter (even chilled cubes).
Cold butter is your best friend here — it creates those gorgeous, flaky layers as it melts during baking. -
Don’t over-mix the biscuit dough.
Stir gently and stop as soon as it comes together. Over-mixing develops gluten, which can make biscuits tough instead of tender. -
Fold the dough.
Folding (as in step 5) builds layers. It’s a small effort that rewards you with a tall, flaky rise. -
Cut straight down — never twist!
Twisting seals the edges and prevents the biscuits from rising evenly. Press your cutter straight down for those sky-high layers. -
Decide your texture.
Place biscuits touching for soft sides (perfect for sandwiches) or spaced apart for crisp, golden edges. -
Brown the sausage right.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each patty space to sear. Browning deepens the flavor and locks in juiciness. -
Add cheese at the perfect moment.
Place it on the hot sausage right after cooking so it melts beautifully as you assemble. -
Be consistent.
Use a scale or measure biscuit rounds and sausage patties to keep everything uniform and evenly baked. -
Make-ahead magic.
Bake biscuits in advance and freeze; cook sausage ahead too. In the morning, just reheat and assemble for a quick, homemade breakfast. -
Adjust for your environment.
High-altitude or humid climates may affect baking times slightly — keep an eye out for that golden color and a gentle rise as your signal of doneness.
💡 Little touches like brushing freshly baked biscuits with melted butter or sprinkling flaky salt on top can make them extra special.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Southern Sausage Biscuits, you might also enjoy these comforting breakfast favorites:
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🧀 Sausage Breakfast Muffins – Savory, cheesy, and baked to perfection. Perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go mornings.
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🍳 Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Breakfast Pizza – A Southern twist on classic breakfast pizza, topped with creamy sausage gravy.
FAQs
Because every good recipe inspires a few curious questions, here are some quick answers to help you master your Southern Sausage Biscuits with confidence.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes — just reduce the added salt slightly (use about ¾ teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon) so the biscuits stay balanced and not overly salty.
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Absolutely. Mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It won’t be quite as tangy, but it works in a pinch.
What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No problem! Use the rim of a lightly floured glass or shape discs gently by hand (about 2¼–2½ inches wide). Just remember — no twisting when cutting.
Can I prepare the sausage patties ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and cool them, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling your biscuits.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
They should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. Over-baked biscuits dry out quickly, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
Can I make mini or larger biscuit sandwiches?
Definitely. Smaller biscuits make adorable party sliders, while jumbo ones are perfect for hearty breakfasts. Just adjust the baking time — smaller bakes faster, larger needs an extra minute or two.
🧡 Remember, the best biscuits are the ones made with love (and maybe a little extra butter).
Conclusion
These Southern Sausage Biscuits deliver everything you want in a comforting breakfast — flaky, buttery biscuits paired with hearty, perfectly seasoned sausage. Every bite is a reminder that simple ingredients and a little care can create something extraordinary.
Even if you’re new to biscuit baking, this recipe proves it’s easier than it looks — and the results are well worth it. Once you’ve made them from scratch, you’ll never reach for canned biscuits again.
So go ahead: warm up your oven, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and treat yourself (and your family) to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug.
👉 Leave a comment below and tell me how your biscuits turned out — or share your favorite twist!
And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can come back to it anytime.
Here’s to cozy mornings, buttery layers, and the joy of homemade comfort. 💛
PrintSouthern Sausage Biscuits
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
Description
These Southern Sausage Biscuits combine tender, flaky buttermilk biscuits with savoury breakfast sausage patties (and optional melted cheese), delivering a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork)
- Sliced cheddar or American cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits.
- Pour in the cold buttermilk all at once and gently stir with a fork just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll into a roughly 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough over onto itself a few times to create layers, then gently roll or pat again to about 1 inch thick.
- Use a floured biscuit cutter to cut straight down (don’t twist) into rounds. Place biscuits on the prepared sheet (touching for soft sides, spaced for crusty sides).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and risen.
- While biscuits bake, divide the sausage into 6 portions, form into patties slightly larger than the biscuits. In a skillet over medium heat cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
- Once biscuits are just cool enough to handle, split horizontally. Place a sausage patty inside each biscuit, add a slice of cheese if desired (so it melts slightly). Top with biscuit half and serve warm.
Notes
- Keep butter and buttermilk very cold for best flakiness.
- Do not over-mix the biscuit dough — stop when it just comes together.
- Folding the dough adds layers for a higher rise and flakier texture.
- Press cutter straight down—twisting the cutter can inhibit rise.
- Positioning biscuits touching vs spaced affects side texture (soft vs crusty).
- Cook sausage in a single layer for proper browning and flavour.
- Assemble cheese immediately after cooking sausage so it melts nicely.
- For busy mornings: bake biscuits ahead, cook sausage ahead, then assemble when ready.
- In high-altitude or humid conditions, baking time or thickness may need adjustment—watch for golden colour and rise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking & Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: ≈ 465 kcal
- Sugar: ≈ 2 g
- Sodium: ≈ 620 mg
- Fat: ≈ 30 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 14 g
- Trans Fat: ≈ 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 28 g
- Fiber: ≈ 2 g
- Protein: ≈ 20 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 65 mg