Southern Sausage Biscuits are a beloved comfort food, combining flaky, buttery biscuits with savory sausage. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty snack. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them a favorite in Southern kitchens.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 cups self-rising flour
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1/4 cup vegetable shortening
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3/4 to 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
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1 pound mild pork sausage, browned and cooled
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 ounces diced green chilies, drained (optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Biscuit Dough:
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In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and vegetable shortening.
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Using a pastry cutter or fork, blend the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Ingredients:
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Stir in the browned sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green chilies (if using).
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Gradually add 3/4 cup of milk, mixing until the dough comes together. Add more milk if necessary to achieve a soft, non-sticky dough.
Shape Biscuits:
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Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
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Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
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Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
Bake:
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Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrients (per serving, based on 15 biscuits)
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Calories: ~320 kcal
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Protein: 12 g
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Carbohydrates: 17 g
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Dietary Fiber: 1 g
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Sugars: 2 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Saturated Fat: 8 g
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Cholesterol: 35 mg
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Sodium: 600 mg
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Potassium: 200 mg
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Calcium: 150 mg
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Iron: 2 mg
Why Southern Sausage Biscuits Are Special
Unlike typical bread-based sandwiches, sausage biscuits deliver a unique combination of texture and flavor. The biscuit provides a flaky, slightly crumbly exterior with a tender inside, while the sausage brings savory depth and spice. When cheese and green chilies are added, the flavor profile expands to include a creamy, slightly tangy kick that elevates the dish.
Another special aspect is the versatility of the recipe. While traditionally enjoyed at breakfast, these biscuits work well as snacks, brunch items, or even appetizers at gatherings. Their compact size and filling nature make them convenient for busy mornings or potluck spreads.
Variations of the Recipe
One of the reasons sausage biscuits remain popular is their adaptability. Cooks can personalize them according to taste preferences or dietary needs:
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Cheese Lovers: Adding sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for extra richness.
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Spicy Kick: Using hot pork sausage or mixing in jalapeños for added heat.
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Vegetarian Options: Substituting pork sausage with plant-based alternatives.
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Herb-Infused Biscuits: Incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives directly into the dough for enhanced aroma.
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Sweet-Savory Balance: Adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dough or drizzling over baked biscuits for a contrasting flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Sausage Biscuits can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
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Classic Breakfast: Serve warm alongside scrambled eggs, grits, or hash browns.
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On-the-Go Snack: Wrap in foil and take for a quick, filling meal during commutes.
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Brunch Platter: Pair with fresh fruit, jams, and spreads for a colorful brunch table.
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Party Appetizers: Cut biscuits into smaller rounds and serve as bite-sized savory treats.
They also pair well with coffee, sweet tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a more indulgent version, some Southern households top sausage biscuits with sausage gravy, doubling down on flavor and creaminess.
Health Considerations
While undeniably delicious, sausage biscuits are indulgent. The recipe is rich in fat and sodium due to the sausage, cheese, and shortening. However, with a few modifications, the dish can be made lighter without sacrificing too much flavor:
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Use Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey or chicken sausage.
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Reduce Cheese: Use less cheese or swap for reduced-fat versions.
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Healthier Shortening Substitutes: Replace shortening with butter, olive oil, or plant-based spreads.
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Whole Grain Flour: Use whole wheat self-rising flour for added fiber.
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Portion Control: Bake smaller biscuits to enjoy the flavors while keeping calories in check.
Despite being calorie-dense, sausage biscuits do provide a solid source of protein, calcium, and iron. Enjoyed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
Making fluffy, tender biscuits can be challenging for beginners, but a few tricks ensure success:
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Cold Ingredients: Keep shortening and milk cold to create steam pockets during baking, which makes biscuits rise higher.
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Gentle Handling: Avoid over-kneading the dough, as this makes biscuits tough.
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Even Thickness: Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
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Hot Oven: Preheating the oven ensures biscuits rise quickly and achieve golden tops.
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Resting the Dough: Allowing dough to chill for a few minutes before cutting can improve texture.
Pairing with Southern Meals
Sausage biscuits can also complement larger Southern meals. For instance, they can be served with fried chicken, collard greens, or barbecue to create a hearty spread. During holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, they can appear alongside stuffing, roasted meats, or casseroles, adding a comforting, homemade touch.
Modern Adaptations
In recent years, Southern Sausage Biscuits have found new life in creative culinary spaces. Food trucks and modern diners experiment with gourmet versions, adding ingredients like caramelized onions, artisanal cheeses, or smoked meats. Some bakeries create miniature sausage biscuits to sell as finger food for events.
The popularity of meal prepping has also led to freezer-friendly versions of sausage biscuits. Cooks prepare a batch, freeze them, and reheat for convenient breakfasts throughout the week. This blend of tradition and modern convenience has helped keep the recipe relevant in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Global Influence and Comparisons
Although quintessentially Southern, sausage biscuits share similarities with other global dishes. In the UK, sausage rolls combine pastry and sausage meat for a savory snack. In Mexico, bolillos (bread rolls) are sometimes filled with meats and cheese, creating a comparable handheld meal. These parallels show how different cultures embrace the idea of combining bread and meat into portable comfort food.
Conclusion
Southern Sausage Biscuits are more than a recipe—they are a symbol of comfort, tradition, and community. Rooted in Southern heritage, they reflect the region’s resourcefulness and hospitality. Whether enjoyed plain, filled with cheese, or customized with herbs and spices, they embody the art of turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
While indulgent, their nutritional profile can be balanced with moderation or healthier substitutions, ensuring that even modern cooks can enjoy them. From family breakfasts to gourmet reinterpretations, sausage biscuits continue to evolve while holding onto their Southern charm.
Ultimately, their enduring appeal lies in their ability to bring people together. Whether served at a busy breakfast table, offered to guests with a cup of coffee, or shared during festive gatherings, Southern Sausage Biscuits remain a beloved classic that transcends time and trend.